Isaiah 28:14

KJV

¶ Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which [is] in Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, ye scornful {H3944} men {H582}, that rule {H4910} this people {H5971} which is in Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So listen to the word of ADONAI, you scoffers, composing taunts for this people in Yerushalayim:

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore hear the word of the LORD, O scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Wherefore hear the word of Jehovah, ye scoffers, that rule this people that is in Jerusalem:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 28:14 delivers a powerful and direct summons from the LORD to the arrogant and scoffing leaders of Jerusalem. It serves as a stern rebuke, demanding their attention to God's divine word, which they have consistently disregarded. This verse highlights the profound spiritual blindness and defiant pride of those in authority, setting the stage for the impending judgment that their rejection of divine counsel will inevitably bring upon the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger prophetic oracle (Isaiah 28-33) that addresses both the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and the southern kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem). Chapter 28 begins by denouncing Ephraim's pride and spiritual drunkenness, foretelling its downfall. Isaiah 28:14 marks a significant shift in focus, directly confronting the leaders of Judah, specifically those in Jerusalem. The prophet draws a parallel between Ephraim's spiritual decay and Judah's emerging pattern of rebellion and self-deception. The "scornful men" are those who have dismissed God's warnings and prophetic messages, believing themselves secure in their own wisdom and alliances. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Isaiah 28:15-18](/isaiah/28-15-18 "Isaiah 28:15-18 - The Covenant with Death")) immediately elaborate on the folly of their "covenant with death" and their reliance on falsehoods, which God promises to annul. The call to "hear the word of the LORD" in this verse is a direct challenge to their spiritual deafness and a prelude to the unveiling of God's true foundation stone in Zion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah's ministry spanned a tumultuous period in the 8th century BCE, marked by the rising power of the Assyrian Empire. Both Israel and Judah faced existential threats, forcing them to choose between trusting in the LORD or forging political alliances with foreign powers like Egypt. The leaders in Jerusalem, to whom Isaiah 28:14 is addressed, were likely pursuing such alliances, believing they could outmaneuver the Assyrians through human strategy rather than divine guidance. Culturally, the "scornful men" represent a segment of the elite who had become complacent, arrogant, and dismissive of the prophetic voice, which often challenged their comfortable status quo and political machinations. Their scorn was not merely intellectual disagreement but an active disdain for the sacred and the divine will, reflecting a deep spiritual malaise within the nation's leadership. Jerusalem, as the capital and religious center, was expected to embody faithfulness, yet its rulers were leading it astray.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 28:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Rejection of Divine Authority**, as the leaders' scorn directly opposes the "word of the LORD." This highlights a profound spiritual deafness and a deliberate turning away from God's revealed will, echoing warnings found in [the consequences of disobedience](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience"). Secondly, it exposes the theme of **Corrupt Leadership**, identifying the problem as originating from those entrusted with governance in Jerusalem. Their arrogance and self-reliance compromised the spiritual and moral health of the entire nation, leading the people astray, a theme also explored in [Jeremiah's indictment of leaders](/jeremiah/2-8 "Jeremiah 2:8 - Priests and Rulers Forsake God"). Thirdly, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the immediate context and the broader prophetic message consistently warn of the **Consequences of Disobedience**, emphasizing that ignoring God's word inevitably leads to judgment, national calamity, and spiritual ruin, as seen in the broader narrative of [the Book of Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah"). Finally, despite their scorn, God still extends the **Imperative to Listen**, underscoring His persistent grace and the non-negotiable nature of His commands, a call reiterated throughout Scripture for those who would truly follow Him (e.g., [Jesus' teaching on building on the rock](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24 - Building on the Rock")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ_):** This is more than mere auditory perception; it implies intelligent hearing, often with the strong implication of attention, comprehension, and, crucially, obedience. When God commands one to "hear," it is a summons to listen with the intent to understand and act upon the divine message. In this context, it highlights the leaders' profound failure to heed God's warnings and instructions, demonstrating not just a lack of attention but a deliberate refusal to obey.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr_):** This term is rich in meaning, extending beyond a simple spoken utterance. It encompasses a matter, an affair, a thing, a decree, a divine pronouncement, or even a promise. Here, "the word of the LORD" signifies the comprehensive and authoritative revelation of God's will, His counsel, and His judgment. It is not just a suggestion but a binding declaration that carries the weight of divine authority, demanding a response from those who hear it.
* **scornful (Hebrew, _lâtsôwn_):** Derived from a root meaning "to mock" or "to deride," this word describes a deep-seated attitude of contempt and disdain. "Scornful men" are not merely skeptics; they are mockers who actively scoff at spiritual truth, divine warnings, and prophetic messages. Their scorn implies intellectual arrogance and a defiant rejection of God's authority, often accompanied by a sense of self-sufficiency and a belief in their own superior wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore hear the word of the LORD":** This opening phrase serves as a forceful, authoritative imperative. "Wherefore" (or "Therefore") connects this command to the preceding context of Ephraim's judgment, implying that Judah's leaders are now facing a similar divine confrontation due to their similar spiritual state. The command to "hear" (Hebrew _shâmaʻ_) is not merely an invitation to listen but a demand for obedient attention to "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh_), emphasizing the divine origin and binding nature of the message about to be delivered.
* **"ye scornful men":** This is a direct, accusatory address, identifying the specific audience. These are not just any men, but those characterized by "scorn" (_lâtsôwn_), implying a pervasive attitude of mockery, derision, and contempt for God's truth and His messengers. This descriptor highlights their spiritual arrogance and their active dismissal of divine warnings, setting them apart as particularly resistant to God's voice.
* **"that rule this people":** This clause pinpoints the societal position of the "scornful men" – they are the leaders, governors, or influential figures in Jerusalem. Their scorn is not a private vice but a public posture that directly impacts the spiritual and moral trajectory of the nation. Their position of authority makes their spiritual blindness and defiance particularly dangerous, as they are leading the people under their charge down a path of rebellion.
* **"which [is] in Jerusalem":** This final phrase specifies the geographical and spiritual locus of these scornful rulers. Jerusalem, the capital city and the traditional dwelling place of God's presence (the Temple), is ironically the very place where such profound scorn for God's word is found among its leaders. This adds a layer of tragic irony and emphasizes the severity of their offense, as they are rejecting God's word from within His chosen city.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 28:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as the prophet directly addresses the "scornful men" who are not physically present in the immediate narrative but are the intended recipients of this divine rebuke. This direct address creates a sense of immediacy and personal confrontation. The phrase "hear the word of the LORD" functions as an **Imperative**, a forceful command that underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's message and the urgency of their need to respond. The term "scornful men" itself is a form of **Epithet**, a descriptive phrase that characterizes the leaders by their most prominent spiritual failing – their contempt for divine truth. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divine pronouncement delivered through a prophet, carrying the authority and weight of God's own voice, demanding attention and response from its audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 28:14 stands as a stark reminder of humanity's perennial struggle with pride and the essential nature of heeding divine revelation. Theologically, it underscores God's unwavering commitment to communicate His will, even to those who openly mock Him. The "word of the LORD" is presented as the ultimate authority, against which human wisdom and political maneuvering are utterly futile. The leaders' scorn is not merely a personality flaw but a profound theological rebellion, a rejection of the very source of truth and life. This verse highlights the dangerous consequences of spiritual arrogance, particularly when it resides in positions of power, as it inevitably leads to national and personal ruin. It sets the stage for God's subsequent revelation of a "tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation" ([Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Cornerstone of Zion")), contrasting the instability of human pride with the steadfastness of God's plan.

* [Proverbs 1:22](/proverbs/1-22 "Proverbs 1:22 - Wisdom's Rebuke to Scoffers") - Wisdom directly addresses "scorners" and warns of the consequences of their refusal to listen.
* [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Stubborn Hearts and Refusal to Listen") - Describes the people's stubborn hearts and their refusal to incline their ear or listen to God's word.
* [Psalm 119:21](/psalms/119-21 "Psalm 119:21 - The Proud and God's Commandments") - States that God rebukes the proud who stray from His commandments.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 28:14 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, especially concerning the posture of our hearts towards God's truth. Whether in positions of leadership or as individuals, we are continually tempted to rely on our own wisdom, societal trends, or human alliances rather than submitting to the clear directives of God's Word. The "scornful men" of Jerusalem serve as a cautionary tale: pride and a dismissive attitude toward divine counsel inevitably lead to spiritual blindness and disastrous outcomes. This verse challenges us to cultivate a humble and receptive heart, one that eagerly "hears the word of the LORD" not just as information, but as transformative truth demanding obedience. It reminds us that true security and flourishing come not from human ingenuity or political power, but from faithfully aligning our lives with God's revealed will, recognizing His word as the ultimate authority in every sphere of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to a "scornful" or dismissive attitude toward God's clear instructions or prophetic warnings?**
* **How does my willingness to "hear the word of the LORD" manifest in my daily decisions and priorities?**
* **If I am in a position of leadership, how does my spiritual posture influence those I lead, and am I modeling a humble submission to God's authority?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to be "scornful men" in this context?**

Answer: To be "scornful men" (Hebrew _lâtsôwn_) in Isaiah 28:14 means to be individuals, specifically leaders in Jerusalem, who exhibit an active attitude of mockery, derision, and contempt towards God's word and His prophets. It's more than simple disbelief; it implies intellectual arrogance and a defiant rejection of divine truth, often accompanied by a sense of self-sufficiency and a preference for human wisdom or political schemes over God's counsel. This scorn is a serious spiritual offense, as it directly opposes the authority and goodness of the LORD. The [Book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs") frequently warns against the "scoffer" or "mocker," highlighting their resistance to wisdom and correction.

**Why is it significant that these scornful men "rule this people which is in Jerusalem"?**

Answer: The fact that these "scornful men" are in positions of leadership ("rule this people") and are located in Jerusalem adds significant weight to the indictment. Jerusalem was considered the holy city, the place where God's temple resided and where His presence was uniquely manifested. For the leaders of such a city to be scornful of God's word indicates a profound spiritual corruption at the very heart of the nation. Their spiritual blindness and defiance would inevitably lead the entire populace astray, jeopardizing not only their spiritual well-being but also their national security and future. This highlights the immense responsibility of leadership, especially spiritual leadership, to humbly heed and obey God's word for the sake of those they govern, as seen in the call for righteous leadership throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Deuteronomy's instructions for the king](/deuteronomy/17-18-20 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - The King's Duty to the Law").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 28:14, with its urgent call to "hear the word of the LORD" addressed to "scornful men" in Jerusalem, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Word of the LORD" made flesh, as declared in [John's prologue](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). His ministry was characterized by a persistent call to "hear" and obey His teachings, which were the very words of God ([Jesus' words from the Father](/john/12-49-50 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks God's Words")). Yet, just as the leaders in Isaiah's day scorned the prophetic word, so too did many of the religious leaders in Jerusalem during Jesus' time reject and mock Him, the living embodiment of God's word ([the mocking of Jesus on the cross](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mocking Jesus on the Cross")). Their scorn culminated in His crucifixion outside the very city where they ruled. However, the "word of the LORD" that they rejected in Isaiah 28:14 also foreshadows the "precious corner stone, a sure foundation" mentioned in [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Cornerstone of Zion"), a prophecy explicitly applied to Christ in [Peter's epistle](/1_peter/2-6-8 "1 Peter 2:6-8 - Christ the Cornerstone"). Thus, the scornful rejection of God's word by the leaders of Jerusalem in Isaiah's time ultimately foreshadows their rejection of Christ, the true Word and the only sure foundation, while simultaneously highlighting God's enduring plan to establish His kingdom through Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 29:20

For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:

Isaiah 1:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Isaiah 28:22

Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

Acts 13:41

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

Hosea 7:5

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

Proverbs 1:22

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 29:8

¶ Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise [men] turn away wrath.