[:en]SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 28
“In that day the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. He will be a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate” (Isaiah 28:5-6)
“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place” (Isaiah 28:16-17)
WOE TO EPHRAIM
The people of Ephraim were indicted with pride (v. 1), drunkenness (v. 3) and unteachable spirit (v. 9). Priests and prophets told Isaiah not to teach them like children (v. 9) because they knew the law. So, God talked to them through the Assyrians. They had to listen to foreign lips and strange tongues that showed no mercy and peace (v. 11)
Israel will be like the fading tower being trampled, like a ripe fig being swallowed (v. 4). The sins of Israelites were boasting, falsehood and trusting in false gods (vs. 14-15). They depended on a protector like the bed too short to stretch out or the blanket too narrow to wrap around (v. 20). The Lord was going to plow the soil and sow the seeds (v. 24). God’s people needed the wonderful counsel and magnificent wisdom of the Lord Almighty (v. 29).
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