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(2: 1-4; 4: 2-6), where we frequently have glimpses of coming glory interposed
between chapters of denunciation and woe.
We must now present the structure of this chapter, a structure that has cost us much
time and thought. The material is so rich and the theme so interwoven with imagery, that
we must be content to give the barest outline, leaving the interested reader to fill in the
detail.
Isaiah 28:
Ephraim: Woes and Glories.
A | CROWNS (1-8). |
a | Crown of pride. Drunkards of Ephraim.
b | Overflowing flood.
a | Crown of pride. Drunkards of Ephraim.
b | Trodden under foot.
a1 | Crown of glory. Wine and strong drink.
B | TEACHING (9-13). |
d | Whom shall He teach?
e | Precept upon precept.
f | Stammering lips in judgment.
d | To whom He said.
e | Precept upon precept.
f | Snared as a judgment.
A | COVENANTS (14-19). |
a | Death and hell.
b | Overflowing, refuge of lies.
c | Line and plummet.
b | Overflowing, refuge of lies.
a | Death and hell.
b1 | Overflowing, trodden down.
B | TEACHING (20-29). |
d | Parable of the short bed.
e | Strange work, strange act.
f | The Lord of Hosts.
d | Parable of corn cultivation.
f | The Lord of Hosts.
e | Wonderful, excellent.
Leaving for the moment the section that foretells the destruction of Samaria, let us
look at the section that reveals the cause of this great judgment. We are already prepared
by the comment in II Kings 18: 12 to find that the root cause is disobedience to the
word of the Lord.
How are we to understand the references in Isa. 28: 9-13 to teaching? Are we to
take the repeated statement "precept upon precept" as indicative of the approved method
of instruction? or are these the words of "scornful men" and "mockers" (Isa. 28: 14,
22)? Bishop Lowth's comment seems to supply the best interpretation that we know, and
we give it in his own words: