Isaiah 28:2

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Isaiah 28:2 (KJV) delivers a powerful prophetic warning, depicting the unstoppable nature of God's impending judgment against His rebellious people, particularly the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim).

Context

This verse is part of a larger oracle in Isaiah 28 that begins with a "woe" against the "drunkards of Ephraim" (Samaria), the capital of the northern kingdom. The leaders and people of Samaria were characterized by their spiritual arrogance, moral decay, and a false sense of security, believing their alliances and geographic position would protect them from foreign invasion. Isaiah prophesies that God Himself will bring about their downfall through a powerful, overwhelming force. Historically, this refers to the Assyrian Empire, which eventually conquered Samaria in 722 BC, fulfilling this prophetic warning. The chapter contrasts this impending judgment with a later promise of a sure cornerstone in Zion, pointing to the Messiah.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse vividly portrays God's active role in bringing judgment. He "hath a mighty and strong one," indicating that even powerful empires serve as instruments in His sovereign hand to execute justice.
  • Irresistible Force: The threefold imagery of a "tempest of hail," a "destroying storm," and a "flood of mighty waters overflowing" emphasizes the overwhelming, relentless, and unavoidable nature of the coming destruction. Just as one cannot stop a natural disaster of this magnitude, so too will God's judgment be unstoppable.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: The passage serves as a stark reminder that persistent sin, pride, and spiritual complacency ultimately lead to severe consequences. God, in His righteousness, will not allow unrepentant rebellion to go unchecked.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse powerfully convey the destructive force. The "mighty and strong one" (Hebrew: 'ammiṣ wəḥāzāq) highlights the immense power of the invading force. The descriptions of the storm are particularly vivid: a "tempest of hail" (sa'ar barad) speaks of damaging, cold onslaught, while a "destroying storm" (sa'ar qatab) suggests a cutting, decisive end. The phrase "flood of mighty waters overflowing" (sheteph mayim 'addirîm) paints a picture of an unstoppable deluge, sweeping everything away. These strong metaphors underscore the severity and completeness of the impending destruction.

Related Scriptures

The concept of God using a foreign nation as an instrument of judgment is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. For example, Isaiah 10:5 describes Assyria as God's "rod" and "staff" to punish Israel. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in 2 Kings 17:6, detailing the fall of Samaria and the deportation of its people. This also echoes the broader principle that God rules in the kingdom of men, setting up and pulling down nations according to His will.

Practical Application

Isaiah 28:2 serves as a timeless warning for all generations. It reminds us that God is sovereign over nations and history, and He will not be mocked. For believers, it underscores the importance of humility, genuine faith, and obedience, rather than relying on false securities or human strength. For those outside of faith, it is a call to recognize God's authority and to turn from rebellion before the "destroying storm" of divine judgment arrives. The passage encourages introspection: are we living in a way that aligns with God's will, or are we, like ancient Ephraim, relying on fleeting earthly comforts and ignoring divine warnings?

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.

  • 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.

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