Isaiah 28:22
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Isaiah 28:22
22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 28 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, creation, sacrifice. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 28:22
22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.
Analysis
Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth. Isaiah issues urgent warning to the scoffers of verses 14-15. Be ye not mockers (ve'attah al-titlotasu, וְעַתָּה אַל־תִּתְלוֹצָצוּ, and now do not be scoffers) pleads for repentance. Letsin (לֵצִין, mockers/scoffers from same root as v.14) are those who ridicule God's word. The consequence of continued mocking: lest your bands be made strong (pen-yechezequ mosroteikhem, פֶּן־יֶחֶזְקוּ מוֹסְרוֹתֵיכֶם, lest your bonds/chains be strengthened). Persistent scoffing hardens into bondage; mocking becomes chains. Freedom to repent diminishes with continued resistance.
For I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth (ki chalah ve-necheratsah shamati me'et Adonai Yahweh tseva'ot al kol-ha'arets, כִּי כָלָה וְנֶחֱרָצָה שָׁמַעְתִּי מֵאֵת אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה צְבָאוֹת עַל כָּל־הָאָרֶץ). Kalah (כָּלָה, completion, destruction) and necheratsah (נֶחֱרָצָה, decreed, determined) indicate fixed divine decision. This isn't mere threat but determined reality. The scope is the whole earth, not just Jerusalem—universal judgment. This points beyond Babylon to final judgment (2 Peter 3:7, Revelation 20:11-15).
Historical Context
Isaiah heard this directly from God—prophetic certainty, not speculation. Babylon's conquest was determined decree, already decided in heaven's court. Later prophets confirmed this (Jeremiah 25:12-14). Jesus similarly spoke of determined destruction for Jerusalem (Luke 21:20-24). The "whole earth" awaits final judgment—Peter warns scoffers of this very thing (2 Peter 3:3-7). The urgency: stop mocking before your bonds become too strong to break, before determined judgment falls. Procrastination hardens hearts and seals doom.
Reflection
- How does persistent mocking and scoffing at God's word create 'bands' that make repentance increasingly difficult?
- What does it mean that judgment is 'determined'—already decreed in heaven's court?
- How should awareness of coming 'consumption upon the whole earth' create urgency in your witness to others?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 20:7
- Creation: Lamentations 1:14
- Parallel theme: Psalms 107:16, Jeremiah 15:17, 25:11, 39:7, Matthew 27:39, 27:44