Warning to Judah

Isaiah 28:14–29
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The name “Jerusalem” means “city of peace.” History reveals that it has been associated more with conflict than with peace. In (Psa. 122:6) it says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem."  We might ask our self the question, “Why pray for Jerusalem and not London, Moscow, or New York City?” The reason is that when there is true peace in Jerusalem, there will be peace in the whole world (Isa. 52:7; Isa. 66:12). Judah like their northern neighbors were guilty of scoffing at Isaiah’s words (v. 14).

In this passage the prophet turns his attention to the people of Jerusalem who have made a covenant with death and with hell (v. 15). The enemy is going to come in like a storm and a whip (scourge) and there will be no way of escape. They failed to trust the Lord (v. 16) and were plainly guilty of sin (v. 17). Their only hope is in Jesus Christ, the tried and true foundation stone. With Sennacherib leading the Assyrian army they trampled Judah, destroying forty-six towns and villages (vv. 18-19) and all their resources were lost (v. 20).

Isaiah is telling them that their confidence that God will not judge them is a delusion (vv 21-29). The prophet closes this chapter with a parable of the farmer. He points out that the plowman does not plow just for the sake of plowing, but he plows that he might sow and reap a crop (vv 24-28). Like the farmer, the Lord is not just going through the motions but He intends to harvest a crop (v. 29).

Application

I should never live on the false hope that I am exempt from His judgment for what I do in this body because I have trusted in Jesus. I will one day stand before the “Judgment Seat of Christ” to give an answer for what I have done in this body (II Cor 5:10).