Isaiah 28:26
For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.