Isaiah 28:14

A Deal with Death

14 Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you mockers who rule 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 He had said to them: "This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose." But they would not listen.

13 Then the word of the Lord came to them: "Law after law, law after law, line after line, line after line, a little here, a little there," so they go stumbling backwards, to be broken, trapped, and captured.

14 Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you mockers who rule this people in Jerusalem.

15 For you said, "We have cut a deal with Death, and we have made an agreement with Sheol; when the overwhelming scourge passes through, it will not touch us, because we have made falsehood our refuge and have hidden behind treachery."

16 Therefore the Lord God said: "Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable.