Isaiah 28:13

But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

But the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} was unto them precept {H6673} upon precept {H6673}, precept {H6673} upon precept {H6673}; line {H6957} upon line {H6957}, line {H6957} upon line {H6957}; here a little {H2191}, and there a little {H2191}; that they might go {H3212}, and fall {H3782} backward {H268}, and be broken {H7665}, and snared {H3369}, and taken {H3920}.

So now the word of ADONAI for them comes "precept by precept, precept by precept, line by line, line by line, a little here, a little there," so that when they walk, they stumble backward, and are broken, trapped and captured!

Then the word of the LORD to them will become: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there,” so that they will go stumbling backward and will be injured, ensnared, and captured.

Therefore shall the word of Jehovah be unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Context

Isaiah 28:13 is part of a prophetic message directed by Isaiah primarily to the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), particularly its corrupt and spiritually indifferent leaders. The preceding verses (Isaiah 28:7-12) describe their spiritual drunkenness and their scornful attitude towards God's messengers and His simple, repetitive teachings. They mock the prophet's words, likening them to the rudimentary instruction given to infants. Verse 13 serves as God's response and a declaration of the inevitable consequences of their rejection of His clear divine guidance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Instruction and Human Rejection: The verse highlights the persistent and patient manner in which God delivers His truth – "precept upon precept, line upon line." However, it simultaneously exposes the people's disdain for this systematic teaching, viewing it as tedious or beneath them. Their spiritual arrogance leads them to scoff at the very wisdom that could save them, echoing their mockery described in Isaiah 28:9-10.
  • The Consequence of Disobedience: The latter part of the verse reveals the severe outcome for those who reject God's clear, consistent word: "that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." This is a powerful statement of divine judgment. Because they refused to walk in the light of truth, they would stumble, be defeated, captured, and ultimately exiled, a fate foretold for their rebellion.
  • God's Patient Discipline: While the people perceive God's teaching as simplistic, the phrase "here a little, and there a little" can also underscore God's methodical and gracious approach to revealing His will. He provides truth incrementally, allowing time for understanding and repentance. The tragedy is that this patience is met with scorn, leading to judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The repetitive phrases "precept upon precept" and "line upon line" are direct translations of the Hebrew tsaw latsaw, tsaw latsaw; qaw laqaw, qaw laqaw (צַו לָצָו, צַו לָצָו; קַו לָקָו, קַו לָקָו). These are often considered onomatopoeic, mimicking the sounds of simple, repetitive instruction, much like baby talk. The people of Israel, in their pride, mocked Isaiah's straightforward delivery of God's law, deeming it too basic for them. This linguistic nuance emphasizes their contempt for the simplicity and clarity of God's word, which they found tiresome instead of foundational.

Practical Application

Isaiah 28:13 serves as a profound warning and a timeless principle. It reminds us that God often reveals truth incrementally, "here a little, and there a little," requiring humility and consistent attention to His word. We must guard against spiritual arrogance that despises foundational truths or finds God's commands tedious. Just as the Israelites stumbled due to their pride and rejection of clear divine instruction, so too can individuals and communities today. This verse underscores the profound truth that God's consistent instruction, though seemingly basic, is given for our good, unlike the tragic outcome for those who reject divine wisdom. It calls us to embrace God's word with diligence and humility, even if it seems simple, for it is the path to stability and life, not stumbling and brokenness, as demonstrated by God's patient and persistent instruction.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 13:14

    And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

  • Isaiah 6:9

    ¶ And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

  • Isaiah 6:10

    Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

  • Matthew 21:44

    And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

  • Isaiah 28:10

    For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little:

  • Jeremiah 23:36

    And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.

  • Jeremiah 23:38

    But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD;

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