Isaiah Chapter 28 · Verse 26
For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.
Original Language Analysis
וְיִסְּר֥וֹ
doth instruct
H3256
וְיִסְּר֥וֹ
doth instruct
Strong's:
H3256
Word #:
1 of 4
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
לַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט
him to discretion
H4941
לַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט
him to discretion
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 4
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
Cross References
Exodus 36:2And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:Psalms 144:1Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:Job 35:11Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?Job 39:17Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.Exodus 28:3And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.Daniel 1:17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Historical Context
Ancient cultures recognized farming wisdom as divine gift. Egyptians credited gods with teaching agriculture. Greeks honored Demeter. Israelites knew Yahweh gave agricultural blessings (Deuteronomy 11:13-15) and wisdom. Genesis 1:28-29 shows God instructing humans about cultivation. Jesus's parables assume farming knowledge reflects spiritual truth. Paul applies this verse literally to ministerial support (1 Corinthians 9:9-10) but broader principle applies: God's wisdom permeates creation, teaching both natural and spiritual realities. Studying how God designed nature reveals how He works grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that even farmers' wisdom comes from God increase your awe of His comprehensive knowledge?
- What does God's teaching farmers 'discretion' about seeds reveal about His wisdom in treating people individually?
- How should this verse encourage you to trust God's varied methods in your life, even when His ways seem strange?
Analysis & Commentary
For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him. This verse provides the theological key to the farming parable. The farmer's wisdom comes from God: his God doth instruct him to discretion (viyassirehu lamishpat Elohav yorennu, וִיסְּרֵהוּ לַמִּשְׁפָּט אֱלֹהָיו יוֹרֶנּוּ, and He instructs him in right judgment, his God teaches him). Yassar (יָסַר) means instruct, discipline, teach. Mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) is judgment, discernment, right decision-making. Yarah (יָרָה) means direct, teach, instruct—the root for Torah (teaching/law).
If God teaches farmers agricultural wisdom (when to plow, plant, harvest; how to treat different crops), how much more does God know spiritual agriculture! His varied dealings with people aren't arbitrary but reflect perfect wisdom. He instructs some through suffering, others through blessing; some need breaking, others gentle nurture. Romans 11:33 declares, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask. The farmer's God-given discretion regarding seeds illustrates God's infinitely greater discretion regarding souls.