Isaiah 28:7
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Isaiah 28:7
7 But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 28 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, 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 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 28:7
7 But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
Analysis
But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. After promising blessings for the faithful remnant (vv.5-6), Isaiah returns to condemning Judah's current leadership who mirror Ephraim's drunkenness. But they also (ve'elleh gam, וְאֵלֶּה גַּם, and these also) shows Judah isn't exempt—they're as guilty as Ephraim. The repetition of wine (yayin, יַיִן) and strong drink (shekhar, שֵׁכָר, intoxicating liquor) seven times in one verse creates literary drunken staggering effect.
Have erred (shagu, שָׁגוּ, gone astray, wandered) and are out of the way (ta'u, תָּעוּ, erred, reeled) indicate moral and spiritual disorientation. Critically, the priest and the prophet (kohen ve-navi, כֹּהֵן וְנָבִיא)—those responsible for spiritual leadership—are drunk. They should mediate God's word and maintain holiness but are incapacitated by self-indulgence. Swallowed up of wine (nivle'u min-hayyayin, נִבְלְעוּ מִן־הַיָּיִן) means overwhelmed, engulfed. They err in vision, they stumble in judgment (shagu bachazzon kavshu peliliyyah, שָׁגוּ בַּחָזוֹן כָּשְׁלוּ פְּלִילִיָּה)—prophets can't see clearly, priests can't judge rightly. Spiritual drunkenness renders leaders useless.
Historical Context
Judah's priests and prophets failed their calling repeatedly. Isaiah condemned false prophets who saw visions in vain (Isaiah 30:9-11). Jeremiah later lamented prophets prophesying lies (Jeremiah 23:9-32). Ezekiel confronted priests profaning holy things (Ezekiel 22:26). Such corrupt leadership led to national catastrophe. Jesus condemned Pharisees as blind guides (Matthew 23:16, 24). Paul warned that deacons must not be given to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8). Spiritual leaders must be sober-minded (Titus 1:7-8, 1 Peter 5:2) to properly shepherd God's people.
Reflection
- How does spiritual 'drunkenness' (being consumed by worldly pleasures/concerns) impair leaders' ability to see truth and judge rightly?
- What happens to God's people when their spiritual leaders 'err in vision' and 'stumble in judgment'?
- How can believers guard against being led by those who are spiritually intoxicated with power, wealth, or popularity?
Word Studies
- Prophet: נָבִיא (Navi) H5030 - Prophet, spokesman
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Jeremiah 14:14, 23:16, Micah 2:11
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 3:12, 19:14, Psalms 107:27, Proverbs 20:1, Ecclesiastes 10:17, Matthew 24:29