Isaiah 28:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 28:9
9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 28 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, discipleship, judgment. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 28:9
9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Analysis
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. Verses 9-13 present disputed interpretation. Either:
- drunk leaders mockingly ask who Isaiah thinks he's teaching—toddlers?, or
- Isaiah/God asks rhetorically who can receive teaching—only those mature enough.
Context favors (1): drunken leaders resent Isaiah's rebuke, sarcastically asking whom shall he teach knowledge? (et-mi yoreh de'ah, אֶת־מִי יוֹרֶה דֵּעָה) and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? (ve'et-mi yavin shemu'ah, וְאֶת־מִי יָבִין שְׁמוּעָה, whom will he make understand the message?).
Their sneering answer: them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts (gmule mechalav atiqei mishaddayim, גְּמוּלֵי מֵחָלָב עַתִּיקֵי מִשָּׁדָיִם, those weaned from milk, removed from breasts)—little children just past nursing! They mock Isaiah as treating them like infants needing elementary instruction. The irony: their drunken stupor proves they DO need basic teaching. They think themselves wise but are actually immature (1 Corinthians 3:1-2, Hebrews 5:12-14). Those who should teach others still need milk, not solid food.
Historical Context
Throughout history, corrupt leaders resent prophetic rebuke. Amaziah told Amos to leave (Amos 7:12-13). Pashhur struck Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:1-2). Herodias killed John the Baptist (Matthew 14:3-10). Jesus faced religious leaders who rejected His teaching as offensive (John 6:60, 66). Paul rebuked Corinthians for remaining infants in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1). The church has always struggled with leaders who think themselves advanced but lack basic spiritual maturity. Pride blinds people to their need for instruction.
Reflection
- When have you resented correction because you thought yourself beyond needing 'elementary' teaching?
- How does spiritual pride (thinking we're mature) actually prove our immaturity and need for God's word?
- What marks genuine spiritual maturity versus the false sophistication that rejects basic biblical truth?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 50:4, 53:1, 54:13, Psalms 50:17, 131:2, Jeremiah 5:31