Isaiah 28:14

14 Listen to the LORD's message, you who make fun of the truth. Listen, you who rule over these 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 He said to his people, "I am offering you a resting place. Let those who are tired rest." He continued, "I am offering you a place of peace and quiet." But they wouldn't listen.

13 So then, here is what the LORD's message will become to them. Do this and do that. Do that and do this. Obey this rule and obey that rule. Obey that rule and obey this rule. Learn a little here and learn a little there. So when they try to go forward, they'll fall back and be wounded. They'll be trapped and captured.

14 Listen to the LORD's message, you who make fun of the truth. Listen, you who rule over these people in Jerusalem.

15 You brag, "We have entered into a covenant with death. We have made an agreement with the grave. When a terrible plague comes to punish us, it can't touch us. That's because we depend on lies to keep us safe. We hide behind what isn't true."

16 So the LORD and King speaks. He says, "Look! I am laying a stone in Zion. It is a stone that has been tested. It is the most important stone for a firm foundation. The one who trusts in that stone will never be shaken.