Isaiah 28:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 28:18
18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 28 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, covenant, obedience. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 28:18
18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.
Analysis
And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. God explicitly cancels the false covenant of verse 15. Your covenant with death shall be disannulled (ve-kupar beritkem et-mavet, וְכֻפַּר בְּרִיתְכֶם אֶת־מָוֶת, and your covenant with death shall be annulled/atoned) uses kapar (כָּפַר), often translated "atone" but here meaning "annulled, disannulled, made void." Their death-pact is canceled. And your agreement with hell shall not stand (ve-chozechem et-she'ol lo yaqum, וְחָזוּתְכֶם אֶת־שְׁאוֹל לֹא תָקוּם, and your vision/pact with Sheol shall not rise/stand) emphasizes total failure of their false security.
When the overflowing scourge shall pass through (repeating v.15's phrase) shows the judgment they thought exempt from will indeed come. Then ye shall be trodden down by it (vihyitem lo le-mirmas, וִהְיִיתֶם לוֹ לְמִרְמָס, you shall become to it a trampling)—not protected but crushed underfoot. Political alliances cannot save from divine judgment. Egypt, their supposed ally, fled before Babylon. Only covenant with God through Christ saves from death and hell. Jesus defeated death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) and has keys of hell (Revelation 1:18). All other covenants are worthless parchment.
Historical Context
History vindicated Isaiah. Judah's alliance with Egypt failed; Jerusalem fell to Babylon (586 BC). Leaders who trusted political savvy were trampled by invaders. In AD 70, Jewish leaders' strategies failed before Rome. Every generation learns: covenants with death don't protect from death. Only Christ's New Covenant, sealed in His blood, conquers death and hell. Those outside Christ remain under death's power (Hebrews 2:14-15). No political, economic, or religious system except Christ defeats these ultimate enemies.
Reflection
- What does the certainty of false covenants being 'disannulled' teach about trusting anything other than God?
- How has Christ made a true covenant defeating death and hell, unlike the false agreements Isaiah condemns?
- What false securities are you tempted to trust that will not stand when life's 'overflowing scourge' comes?
Word Studies
- Covenant: בְּרִית (Berit) H1285 - Covenant, treaty
Cross-References
- Covenant: Isaiah 28:15
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 7:7, 8:10, 28:3, Daniel 11:40