Isaiah 28:2

KJV

Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, [which] as a tempest of hail [and] a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the Lord {H136} hath a mighty {H2389} and strong one {H533}, which as a tempest {H2230} of hail {H1259} and a destroying {H6986} storm {H8178}, as a flood {H2230} of mighty {H3524} waters {H4325} overflowing {H7857}, shall cast down {H3240} to the earth {H776} with the hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai has someone strong and powerful. He comes like a hailstorm, a destructive tempest, like a flood of water, rushing, overwhelming; with his hand he hurls them to the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, the Lord has one who is strong and mighty. Like a hailstorm or destructive tempest, like a driving rain or flooding downpour, he will smash that crown to the ground.

American Standard Version

Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one; as a tempest of hail, a destroying storm, as a tempest of mighty waters overflowing, will he cast down to the earth with the hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 28:2 issues a stark prophetic warning, vividly portraying the Lord's impending, overwhelming judgment against His rebellious people, particularly the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). Through the powerful imagery of a destructive tempest and an irresistible flood, the verse declares that God will employ a formidable agent to utterly cast down and dismantle the proud and complacent nation, demonstrating His sovereign control over history and the consequences of unrepentant sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Isaiah's "Woe Oracles," specifically targeting the "drunkards of Ephraim" in [Isaiah 28](/isaiah/28 "Isaiah 28 - Woe to Ephraim"). The prophet condemns the spiritual arrogance, moral decay, and false sense of security prevalent among the leaders and people of Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom. They relied on human alliances and their perceived impregnable geographical position rather than on the Lord. Isaiah 28:1-4 describes their fading glory and impending destruction, with verse 2 detailing the instrument and nature of this divine judgment. The chapter then shifts to contrast this judgment with a promise of a sure [cornerstone in Zion](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Cornerstone"), pointing to a future hope centered on the Messiah for those who trust in God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prophecy is the tumultuous 8th century BC, a period dominated by the rising Assyrian Empire. The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) was caught between Assyrian expansion and their own political maneuvering, often forming alliances with Egypt or other regional powers instead of seeking the Lord's protection. Samaria, fortified and strategically located, believed itself secure. However, Isaiah's prophecy foretold that this human confidence was misplaced. Historically, the Assyrian Empire, under Shalmaneser V and Sargon II, besieged and eventually conquered Samaria in 722 BC, leading to the deportation of its inhabitants, thus fulfilling Isaiah's dire warning. The imagery of hail, storm, and flood would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society vulnerable to the destructive forces of nature.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 28:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Isaiah. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's active and righteous intervention in human affairs to punish sin and rebellion. The vivid metaphors highlight the **Irresistible Force** of God's judgment, emphasizing its overwhelming, relentless, and unavoidable nature, much like a natural disaster. This passage also reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty over Nations**, showing that even mighty empires like Assyria are merely instruments in His hand to execute His divine will, as also seen in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Furthermore, it serves as a stark reminder of the **Consequences of Rebellion and Spiritual Complacency**, illustrating that persistent unfaithfulness and reliance on human strength will inevitably lead to severe divine reckoning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mighty (Hebrew, _châzâq'_):** From H2389, meaning "strong (usually in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)." This word emphasizes the formidable, even ruthless, power of the agent God employs. It highlights the oppressive and unyielding nature of the invading force, indicating a strength that is not merely impressive but also destructive and unmerciful in its execution of judgment.
* **tempest (Hebrew, _zerem'_):** From H2230, meaning "a gush of water; flood, overflowing, shower, storm." This term is used twice in the verse, underscoring the overwhelming and uncontrollable nature of the impending destruction. It evokes the imagery of a sudden, violent downpour or a surging flood that sweeps away everything in its path, signifying the irresistible force of God's judgment.
* **cast down (Hebrew, _yânach'_):** From H3240, meaning "to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay; bestow, cast down, lay (down, up)." In this context, the Hiphil form (implied by the KJV "shall cast down") conveys the active, decisive action of God's agent in bringing about utter collapse and destruction. It signifies the complete overthrow and subjugation of the proud nation, reducing it to a state of helplessness and ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one,"**: This opening clause immediately draws attention to the divine initiative. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) serves as an imperative to observe closely. "The Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, _ʼĂdônây_, H136) emphasizes God's sovereign authority. He is not merely observing but actively possessing and deploying a powerful agent, signifying that the coming destruction is not random but a deliberate act of divine judgment. This "mighty and strong one" refers to the Assyrian Empire, which God uses as His instrument.
* **"[which] as a tempest of hail [and] a destroying storm,"**: This clause introduces the first set of vivid similes, comparing the destructive agent to natural forces. A "tempest of hail" (זֶרֶם בָּרָד, _zerem bârâd_) evokes sudden, violent, and damaging impact, like hailstones battering a landscape. A "destroying storm" (סַעַר קֶטֶב, _saʻar qeṭeb_) emphasizes the utter ruin and cutting off (קֶטֶב, _qeṭeb_, H6986, meaning "ruin, destruction") that this force will bring, leaving nothing intact.
* **"as a flood of mighty waters overflowing,"**: This second simile reinforces the imagery of overwhelming and irresistible destruction. A "flood of mighty waters overflowing" (שֶׁטֶף מַיִם כַּבִּירִים, _sheṭeph mayim kabbîyrîm_) paints a picture of an unstoppable deluge, a torrent that sweeps away all resistance, symbolizing the complete and inescapable nature of the judgment. The repetition of "tempest" (H2230, _zerem_) implicitly links the storm and the flood, intensifying the sense of a comprehensive catastrophe.
* **"shall cast down to the earth with the hand."**: This final clause describes the decisive action and its outcome. The "mighty and strong one" will "cast down" (יַנִּיחַ, _yânach_, H3240) the proud nation, bringing it low, humbling it to the "earth" (אֶרֶץ, _ʼerets_, H776) in utter defeat and subjugation. The phrase "with the hand" (בְּיָד, _bəyâd_, H3027) signifies the direct, forceful, and intentional application of power by the agent, emphasizing the completeness and finality of the judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 28:2 is rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, painting a vivid picture of divine judgment. The prophet employs a series of powerful comparisons, likening the "mighty and strong one" (the Assyrian army, God's instrument) to natural disasters: "a tempest of hail," "a destroying storm," and "a flood of mighty waters overflowing." These **Similes** are not merely descriptive; they are **Metaphors** for the irresistible, overwhelming, and utterly destructive nature of God's impending judgment. The cumulative effect of these images creates a sense of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme severity and completeness of the coming desolation. The personification of the "mighty and strong one" as an active agent that "shall cast down... with the hand" further underscores the deliberate and forceful execution of God's righteous wrath. The verse's structure, moving from the divine agent to the destructive forces and then to the decisive action, builds a powerful sense of impending doom and divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 28:2 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including human history and the rise and fall of nations. It teaches that even the most formidable earthly powers are mere instruments in His hand, deployed to accomplish His righteous purposes, whether for judgment or for the ultimate unfolding of His redemptive plan. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God will not tolerate unrepentant pride, spiritual complacency, or reliance on human strength over divine faithfulness. The judgment depicted here, though severe, is a manifestation of God's justice, a necessary response to the persistent rebellion of His people. It foreshadows a universal principle: God's ultimate authority ensures that all sin will eventually face reckoning, whether through temporal consequences or eternal judgment.

* [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")
* [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Fall of Samaria")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 28:2 stands as a timeless warning, urging us to consider the seriousness of our own spiritual posture before a holy God. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust: in fleeting earthly securities, human ingenuity, or the unchanging character and promises of God. For believers, this passage calls for profound humility and genuine repentance, reminding us that even God's chosen people are not exempt from His righteous judgment when they persist in rebellion and spiritual apathy. It compels us to live lives of faithful obedience, recognizing God's sovereign hand in all circumstances, both in blessing and in discipline. For those who do not know Christ, it is a sobering call to acknowledge God's authority and to turn from self-reliance and sin before the inevitable "destroying storm" of divine justice arrives. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep reverence for God, understanding that His justice is as certain as His love, and that true security is found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What false securities or sources of pride might I be relying on instead of God?**
* **How does the imagery of an "irresistible storm" and "overflowing flood" impact my understanding of God's power and justice?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to humble myself and align more fully with God's will?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history shape my perspective on current events?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "mighty and strong one" mentioned in Isaiah 28:2?**

Answer: The "mighty and strong one" is widely understood by biblical scholars to refer to the Assyrian Empire, which God used as His instrument of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). Although the verse does not explicitly name Assyria, the historical context of Isaiah's prophecies clearly points to this formidable power. God, in His sovereignty, raises up and casts down nations according to His divine purposes, and in this instance, Assyria served as the "tempest of hail" and "destroying storm" to execute judgment upon a rebellious people. This concept is further elaborated in other passages, such as when God calls Assyria "the rod of My anger" in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod").

**What is the significance of the natural disaster imagery (hail, storm, flood) in this verse?**

Answer: The imagery of a "tempest of hail," "destroying storm," and "flood of mighty waters overflowing" serves to emphasize the overwhelming, irresistible, and comprehensive nature of God's impending judgment. These are forces of nature that cannot be stopped or controlled by human effort, symbolizing the futility of Ephraim's resistance against God's decree. Just as a natural disaster sweeps away everything in its path, so too would God's judgment, executed through the Assyrians, utterly devastate and dismantle the proud and complacent nation. This vivid language underscores the severity and inevitability of the consequences for persistent rebellion against the Lord.

**How is Isaiah 28:2 relevant for believers today?**

Answer: While Isaiah 28:2 directly addresses ancient Israel, its underlying theological principles remain profoundly relevant. It reminds us of God's unchanging character as a just and sovereign Lord who holds all nations and individuals accountable. For believers, it serves as a call to humility, urging us not to rely on our own strength, wealth, or worldly alliances, but to place our trust solely in God. It underscores the importance of genuine faith and obedience, warning against spiritual complacency and pride. Furthermore, it reinforces the truth that God is actively involved in history, using various means to accomplish His will, and that His warnings are to be taken seriously. The ultimate fulfillment of God's judgment, and His provision for salvation, is found in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 28:2 speaks of God's judgment on ancient Israel through an earthly agent, it ultimately points to the greater reality of God's ultimate judgment and His provision for salvation in Jesus Christ. The "mighty and strong one" here is an instrument of temporal judgment, but Christ is the ultimate Judge, the one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). He is the one who will one day return "with power and great glory" ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Coming of the Son of Man")) to execute final judgment, casting down all unrighteousness and those who reject Him, as vividly depicted in passages like [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Rider on the White Horse"). Conversely, for those who trust in Him, Christ is not the "destroying storm" but the "sure cornerstone" promised just a few verses later in [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Cornerstone"), upon whom believers can build their lives and find refuge from the storm of divine wrath. He bore the full "tempest of hail" of God's righteous anger on the cross, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), so that we might be spared the "flood of mighty waters overflowing" of eternal condemnation. Thus, Isaiah 28:2, while a warning of judgment, implicitly magnifies the grace of Christ, who offers an escape from the very wrath it describes.

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 30:30

And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of [his] anger, and [with] the flame of a devouring fire, [with] scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

Nahum 1:8

But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

Ezekiel 13:11

Say unto them which daub [it] with untempered [morter], that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend [it].

Isaiah 27:1

¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.

Isaiah 29:6

Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.

Isaiah 25:4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall.

Ezekiel 30:10

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.