Isaiah 28:1-13 ▼

1 Ah! majestic garland of the drunkards of Ephraim, Fading blooms of his glorious beauty, at the head of the fertile valley, upon those stupefied with wine.

2 See, the LORD has a strong one, a mighty one, who, like an onslaught of hail, a destructive storm, Like a flood of water, great and overflowing, levels to the ground with violence;

3 With feet that will trample the majestic garland of the drunkards of Ephraim.

4 The fading blooms of his glorious beauty at the head of the fertile valley Will be like an early fig before summer: whoever sees it, swallows it as soon as it is in hand.

5 On that day the LORD of hosts will be a glorious crown And a brilliant diadem for the remnant of his people,

6 A spirit of judgment for the one who sits in judgment, And strength for those who turn back the battle at the gate.

7 But these also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priest and prophet stagger from strong drink, overpowered by wine; They are confused by strong drink, they stagger in their visions, they totter when giving judgment.

8 Yes, all the tables are covered with vomit, with filth, and no place left clean.

9 “To whom would he impart knowledge? To whom would he convey the message? To those just weaned from milk, those weaned from the breast?

10 For he says, ‘Command on command, command on command, rule on rule, rule on rule, here a little, there a little!’”

11 Yes, with stammering lips and in a strange language he will speak to this people,

12 to whom he said: “This is the resting place, give rest to the weary; And this is the place of repose”— but they refused to hear.

13 So for them the word of the LORD shall be: “Command on command, command on command, Rule on rule, rule on rule, here a little, there a little!” So that when they walk, they shall stumble backward, broken, ensnared, and captured.