“Therefore thus says the Lord God, 'Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: “Whoever believes will not be in haste.”'”
Isaiah 28:16
Summary
Isaiah 28 begins with a woe pronounced upon the northern kingdom of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim) for their pride and drunkenness, symbolized by its leaders' garlands swiftly fading away. Isaiah proclaims that their self-indulgence leads to downfall, with Assyria being the tool of judgment. Despite this, God promises a remnant will remain; a future hope for a people restored in righteousness. The chapter shifts focus from Ephraim to Judah, where similar warnings of judgment loom. The leaders of Judah respond to threats with political machinations, forming 'covenants with death' instead of trusting in God's deliverance. Isaiah declares the futility of these covenants, urging trust in God's cornerstone laid in Zion—a call to faith in God as the foundation of salvation.