Isaiah 28:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 28:11
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 28 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, discipleship, worship. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 28:11
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
Analysis
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. God responds to the mockers' baby-talk (v.10) with ironic judgment: you refuse My clear teaching? Fine—you'll hear stammering lips and another tongue (be-la'agei safah uv-lashon acheret, בְּלַעֲגֵי שָׂפָה וּבְלָשׁוֹן אַחֶרֶת, literally "with mocking lips and with another tongue"). This refers to foreign invaders (Assyrians/Babylonians) whose unintelligible language will be God's message of judgment. They rejected the clear Hebrew prophecies, so they'll hear incomprehensible foreign commands from conquerors.
Paul quotes this in 1 Corinthians 14:21-22 applying it to tongues as a sign to unbelievers—when Israel rejected clear prophecy, God spoke through foreign tongues (both Assyrian soldiers and NT spiritual gift). The principle: those who reject intelligible revelation receive unintelligible signs of judgment. Deuteronomy 28:49 warned of nations with strange languages as covenant curse. Jesus spoke of judgment coming through Roman armies (Luke 21:20-24). God's final word to the rebellious may be foreign oppressors rather than patient prophets.
Historical Context
When Assyria conquered Northern Israel (722 BC) and besieged Judah (701 BC), Hebrew-speakers heard Aramaic and Akkadian commands. Later, Babylonian soldiers spoke Chaldean to conquered Jews (586 BC). Daniel and friends had to learn Babylonian (Daniel 1:4). In exile, Jews heard foreign tongues daily—judgment for rejecting Hebrew prophets. At Pentecost, the reversal: tongues declared God's wonders (Acts 2:11), beginning gospel proclamation to all nations. What was curse becomes blessing through Christ, as all languages praise God (Revelation 7:9).
Reflection
- How does rejecting God's clear word in Scripture lead to spiritual confusion and inability to discern truth?
- What modern 'foreign tongues' (confusing philosophies, false teachings) might be God's judgment on those who reject biblical truth?
- How should Paul's use of this verse (1 Corinthians 14:21-22) shape our understanding of spiritual gifts as signs?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 28:49, Jeremiah 5:15, 1 Corinthians 14:21