What consequences are described for those who "stumble" in Isaiah 8:15? The Setting Isaiah is warning Judah that the LORD Himself will be their sanctuary—yet, for those who refuse to revere and trust Him, He will also become “a stone of stumbling.” The prophet has just urged his audience not to follow the ways of a rebellious people (Isaiah 8:11-14). Verse 15 spells out what happens when people trip over God’s revealed truth. Key Verse “Many among them will stumble; they will fall and be broken, they will be ensnared and captured.” (Isaiah 8:15) Consequences Outlined • Stumble – They trip spiritually over the LORD’s truth rather than embracing it. • Fall – The stumble is not minor; it results in a collapse of security and well-being. • Be broken – The fall brings real damage, shattering what seemed strong. • Be ensnared – Like an animal in a trap, they become stuck in the consequences of unbelief. • Be captured – Ultimately they are taken away, losing freedom and blessing. Scriptural Cross-References • Psalm 118:22 – “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” • Romans 9:32-33 – Israel “stumbled over the stumbling stone,” just as Isaiah foretold. • 1 Peter 2:7-8 – Those who disobey the word “stumble” and face judgment, while believers stand on the same stone with confidence. • Matthew 21:44 – Jesus echoes Isaiah: falling on this stone breaks a person, yet the stone will crush whomever it falls upon. Living It Out • Acknowledge the LORD as both sanctuary and sovereign authority. • Hold fast to His word; resisting it leads inevitably to one or more of Isaiah’s listed outcomes. • Stand on Christ the cornerstone rather than tripping over Him. • Walk in humble obedience, avoiding the chain—stumble, fall, break, snare, capture—that accompanies unbelief. |
    |