Isaiah 28:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 28:15
15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
Chapter Context
Isaiah 28 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, grace, faith. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 28:15
15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
Analysis
Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Isaiah exposes the scornful leaders' delusional security. We have made a covenant with death (karatnu berit et-mavet, כָּרַתְנוּ בְרִית אֶת־מָוֶת) and with hell are we at agreement (ve-et-she'ol asinu chozeh, וְאֶת־שְׁאוֹל עָשִׂינוּ חֹזֶה, with Sheol we have made a vision/pact) likely refers to treaties with Egypt and other powers, trusting political alliances rather than God. Ironically, these death-pacts can't protect from death. Mavet (מָוֶת, death) and she'ol (שְׁאוֹל, grave/underworld) represent ultimate enemies covenants cannot defeat.
When the overflowing scourge shall pass through (ki ya'avor shot shofef, כִּי יַעֲבֹר שׁוֹט שׁוֹטֵף, when the overwhelming whip passes through) depicts Assyrian/Babylonian invasion as flood of judgment. They think their political machinations exempt them: it shall not come unto us. The reason for false confidence: we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves (ki samnu kazav machsenu va-sheker nistarna, כִּי שַׂמְנוּ כָזָב מַחְסֵנוּ וּבַשֶּׁקֶר נִסְתָּרְנוּ). Their refuge is lies; their hiding place is deception. This could mean:
- trusting false prophecies
- diplomatic deception, or
- self-deception about their security.
All three apply.
Historical Context
Judah's kings repeatedly made treaties with Egypt against Assyria/Babylon, despite prophetic warnings (Isaiah 30:1-7, 31:1, Jeremiah 37:7). These alliances failed catastrophically—Egypt couldn't save Jerusalem from Babylon. In AD 70, Jewish leaders trusted in the temple and their political strategies; Rome destroyed both. Revelation 9:21 describes those who won't repent even under judgment. Human nature persists in trusting lies rather than God. Every generation makes 'covenants with death'—false securities that cannot save.
Reflection
- What modern 'covenants with death' (false securities, misplaced trusts) do people rely on instead of God?
- How do lies become a 'refuge' and falsehood a 'hiding place' for those avoiding confrontation with truth?
- What would it look like to break your 'covenant with death' and trust God alone for security?
Word Studies
- Covenant: בְּרִית (Berit) H1285 - Covenant, treaty
Cross-References
- Covenant: Isaiah 28:18, Daniel 11:22, Hosea 2:18
- Creation: Ezekiel 13:22
- Parallel theme: Amos 2:4