In verses 1–13, the prophet addressed the northern tribes (Ephraim) and indicted them for drunkenness (vv. 1–8) and an unteachable spirit (vv. 9–13). The religious leaders told Isaiah not to talk to them like children (vv. 9–10); after all, they knew the Law! But God would talk to them through the Assyrians whose tongue Israel would not understand. If God’s people will not listen to His voice from the Word, they may have to listen to foreign voices that speak no peace and show no love.
It was a confident time in Israel, but their prosperity would fade like a trampled flower (vv. 1, 3–4), be carried away in a storm and flood (v. 2), and be swallowed like fruit (v. 4). Judgment was at the gate (v. 6).
Then Isaiah denounced the sin of Judah (vv. 14–29), which was trusting false gods (vv. 14–15). Jesus Christ is God’s Stone and He alone is a sure Refuge from the storm (Isa. 8:14; Matt. 21:42–44; Eph. 2:20). You have as much protection from lies as you do from a blanket that is too short! God is seeking a harvest and knows exactly how to handle the soil and the seeds (vv. 23–29). God’s people may not enjoy the plowing and threshing, but the results are worth it.
