Isaiah 28:1

¶ Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty [is] a fading flower, which [are] on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!

Woe {H1945} to the crown {H5850} of pride {H1348}, to the drunkards {H7910} of Ephraim {H669}, whose glorious {H6643} beauty {H8597} is a fading {H5034} flower {H6731}, which are on the head {H7218} of the fat {H8081} valleys {H1516} of them that are overcome {H1986} with wine {H3196}!

Woe to the haughty crown of Efrayim's drunks, to the fading flower of its proud splendor, located at the head of the rich valley belonging to people overcome by wine!

Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine.

Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley of them that are overcome with wine!

Commentary

Isaiah 28:1 opens with a stern prophetic declaration of "Woe" against the northern kingdom of Israel, specifically targeting its capital, Samaria, and its dominant tribe, Ephraim. This verse vividly portrays the spiritual and moral decay that had permeated the nation, leading to its impending downfall.

Context

This prophecy is directed at the northern kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim, which was the largest and most influential tribe. Their capital, Samaria, was strategically located on a hill, giving it a majestic appearance, hence "the crown of pride." At this time, Israel was enjoying a period of relative prosperity, but this affluence led to complacency, moral corruption, and a departure from God's covenant. The prophet Isaiah condemns their arrogance, drunkenness, and spiritual blindness, which ultimately paved the way for their conquest by the Assyrians, as recorded in 2 Kings 17:6. This verse sets the stage for a series of judgments and prophecies concerning both Israel and Judah.

Key Themes

  • Pride and Arrogance: The "crown of pride" symbolizes Samaria's haughtiness and self-reliance, believing their fortified position and wealth made them invincible. This spiritual arrogance is a recurring theme in prophetic warnings.
  • Drunkenness and Moral Decay: "Drunkards of Ephraim" refers not only to literal intoxication but also to a deeper spiritual stupor and moral insensitivity. Their indulgence in wine reflects a broader pattern of gluttony, hedonism, and disregard for God's law, leading to a loss of discernment and judgment.
  • Fading Glory: The imagery of "a fading flower" powerfully conveys the temporary nature of their beauty, wealth, and perceived security. What they boasted in as their "glorious beauty" was ephemeral, destined to wither under God's judgment. This serves as a stark warning against placing trust in transient earthly possessions or power.
  • Divine Judgment: The opening "Woe" is a declaration of impending judgment, signifying God's righteous wrath against their persistent sin and rebellion. It's a solemn warning of the consequences of national apostasy and moral decay.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "woe" is hoy (הוֹי), an interjection that can express sorrow, lament, or a dire warning, often preceding a declaration of judgment. It's a strong prophetic exclamation. The phrase "crown of pride" (עֲטֶרֶת גֵּאוּת, ateret ge’ut) emphasizes the elevated, yet arrogant, position of Samaria. The term ge’ut speaks to haughtiness and majesty, here twisted into sinful pride. The "fading flower" (צִיץ נֹבֵל, tzitz novel) vividly portrays decay, highlighting the transient nature of their apparent prosperity and beauty.

Practical Application

Isaiah 28:1 offers timeless lessons for individuals and nations today. It serves as a powerful reminder that:

  • Pride Precedes a Fall: Just as Proverbs 16:18 states, arrogance and self-sufficiency, whether personal or national, are dangerous. True security comes from humility and reliance on God, not on worldly achievements or wealth.
  • Beware of Indulgence and Apathy: The "drunkards of Ephraim" warn against allowing any form of indulgence—be it literal drunkenness, materialism, or spiritual apathy—to dull our senses and lead us away from God. Such habits can obscure spiritual truth and hinder righteous living.
  • Earthly Glory is Fleeting: The "fading flower" imagery reminds us that all earthly beauty, power, and wealth are temporary. Our focus should be on building an eternal legacy and investing in things that last, rather than in transient glories. This echoes the sentiment found in 1 Peter 1:24, "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away."
  • God's Warnings Are Serious: The "Woe" signifies that God takes sin seriously. His warnings are not idle threats but calls to repentance and a demonstration of His righteous character. Ignoring them leads to inevitable consequences.

This verse challenges us to examine our own lives for areas of pride, excessive indulgence, or misplaced trust, urging us to seek a life rooted in God's eternal truth and righteousness.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hosea 7:5 (5 votes)

    In the day of our king the princes have made [him] sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners.

  • Isaiah 28:7 (4 votes)

    But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble [in] judgment.

  • 2 Kings 14:25 (3 votes)

    He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gathhepher.

  • 2 Kings 14:27 (3 votes)

    And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.

  • Isaiah 28:3 (3 votes)

    The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet:

  • Isaiah 28:4 (3 votes)

    And the glorious beauty, which [is] on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, [and] as the hasty fruit before the summer; which [when] he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up.

  • Hosea 5:5 (2 votes)

    And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.