Chapter 28
The desolations of Samaria. (Is. 28:1-4) The prosperity of Judah; with reproofs for sinfulness
and unbelief. (Is. 28:5-15) Christ is pointed out as the sure Foundation for all believers. (Is. 28:16-22)
God's dealings with his people. (Is. 28:23-29)
Is. 28:1-4 What men are proud of, be it ever so mean, is to them as a crown; but pride is the
forerunner of destruction. How foolishly drunkards act! Those who are overcome with wine are
overcome by Satan; and there is not greater drudgery in the world than hard drinking. Their health
is ruined; men are broken in their callings and estates, and their families are ruined by it. Their
souls are in danger of being undone for ever, and all merely to gratify a base lust. In God's professing
people, like Israel, it is worse than in any other. And he is just in taking away the plenty they thus
abuse. The plenty they were proud of, is but a fading flower. Like the early fruit, which, as soon
as discovered, is plucked and eaten.
Is. 28:5-15 The prophet next turns to Judah, whom he calls the residue of his people. Happy
are those alone, who glory in the Lord of hosts himself. Hence his people get wisdom and strength
for every service and every conflict. But it is only in Christ Jesus that the holy God communicates
with sinful man. And whether those that teach are drunk with wine, or intoxicated with false doctrines
and notions concerning the kingdom and salvation of the Messiah, they not only err themselves,
but lead multitudes astray. All places where such persons have taught are filled with errors. For
our instruction in the things of God, it is needful that the same precept and the same line should be
often repeated to us, that we may the better understand them. God, by his word, calls us to what is
really for our advantage; the service of God is the only true rest for those weary of the service of
sin, and there is no refreshment but under the easy yoke of the Lord Jesus. All this had little effect
upon the people. Those who will not understand what is plain, but scorn and despise it as mean and
trifling, are justly punished. If we are at peace with God, we have, in effect, made a covenant with
death; whenever it comes, it cannot do us any real damage, if we are Christ's. But to think of making
death our friend, while by sin we are making God our enemy, is absurd. And do not they make lies
their refuge who trust in their own righteousness, or to a death-bed repentance? which is a resolution
to sin no more, when it is no longer in their power to do so.
Is. 28:16-22 Here is a promise of Christ, as the only foundation of hope for escaping the wrath
to come. This foundation was laid in Zion, in the eternal counsels of God. This foundation is a
stone, firm and able to support his church. It is a tried stone, a chosen stone, approved of God, and
never failed any who made trial of it. A corner stone, binding together the whole building, and
bearing the whole weight; precious in the sight of the Lord, and of every believer; a sure foundation
on which to build. And he who in any age or nation shall believe this testimony, and rest all his
hopes, and his never-dying soul on this foundation, shall never be confounded. The right effect of
faith in Christ is, to quiet and calm the soul, till events shall be timed by Him, who has all times in
his own hand and power. Whatever men trust to for justification, except the righteousness of Christ;
or for wisdom, strength, and holiness, except the influences of the Holy Ghost; or for happiness,
except the favour of God; that protection in which they thought to shelter themselves, will prove