Isaiah 28:14

14 Give ear then to the word of the Lord, you men of pride, the rulers of this people in Jerusalem:

Isaiah 28:14 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 28:14

Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men
Men of scorn and mockery, that scoffed and mocked at the word of God, as in the preceding verse ( Isaiah 28:13 ) ; or at the threatenings of punishment; and even made a jest of death and hell, as in the following words: "the word of the Lord" they are called upon to hear, hearken, and attend to, is either the word of promise of the Messiah, ( Isaiah 28:16 ) or rather the word threatening them with ruin, ( Isaiah 28:18 ) or it may be both:

that rule this people which [is] in Jerusalem;
which must not be understood of the chief ruler Hezekiah, but rather of some subordinate rulers, such as Shebna and others; these set a very bad example to the common people: no wonder that irreligion and profaneness prevail, when civil magistrates are scoffers at religion. It agrees best with the rulers of the Jewish people in the times of Christ, who mocked at him and his ministry, and that of his apostles.

Isaiah 28:14 In-Context

12 To whom he said, This is the rest, give rest to him who is tired; and by this you may get new strength; but they would not give ear.

13 For this cause the word of the Lord will be to them rule after rule, line after line, here a little, there a little; so that they may go on their way, and falling back may be broken, and taken in the net.

14 Give ear then to the word of the Lord, you men of pride, the rulers of this people in Jerusalem:

15 Because you have said, We have made death our friend, and with the underworld we have made an agreement; when the overflowing waters come through they will not come near us; for we are looking to false words for help, taking cover in what is untrue:

16 For this cause says the Lord God, See, I am placing in Zion as a base, a stone, a tested stone, an angle-stone which is certain and of great value: and he who has faith will not give way.