Isaiah 28:25

KJV

When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place?

KJV (with Strong's)

When he hath made plain {H7737} the face {H6440} thereof, doth he not cast abroad {H6327} the fitches {H7100}, and scatter {H2236} the cummin {H3646}, and cast {H7760} in the principal {H7795} wheat {H2406} and the appointed {H5567} barley {H8184} and the rie {H3698} in their place {H1367}?

Complete Jewish Bible

No - when he finishes levelling it, he scatters his dill-seed, sows his cumin, puts wheat in rows, barley where it belongs, and plants buckwheat around the edges;

Berean Standard Bible

When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? He plants wheat in rows and barley in plots, and rye within its border.

American Standard Version

When he hath levelled the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and put in the wheat in rows, and the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in the border thereof?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 28:25 offers a profound illustration of God's methodical wisdom and divine order, presented through the analogy of a skilled farmer. Following a severe rebuke of the arrogant and foolish leaders of Judah and Ephraim, this verse highlights the Lord's precise and purposeful actions in cultivating the "ground" of humanity. Just as a farmer carefully prepares the soil and then sows different seeds—some broadcast, others precisely placed—according to their nature and purpose, so too does God deal with His people and the nations with discerning wisdom, ensuring that every action, whether in discipline or blessing, is perfectly suited to achieve His intended, righteous outcome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 28 opens with a scathing denunciation of the "drunkards of Ephraim" (Samaria), characterized by their arrogance, moral decay, and spiritual blindness. Their "glorious beauty" is depicted as a fading flower, ripe for judgment. The prophet then shifts focus to Judah, warning its leaders, who are equally scornful and dismissive of God's simple, repeated instructions, likening them to children needing "line upon line, precept upon precept" as found in [Isaiah 28:9-10](/isaiah/28-9-10 "Isaiah 28:9-10 - A Scornful People"). In response to their scoffing, God declares He will speak to them through foreign tongues and exile. Verses [Isaiah 28:23-29](/isaiah/28-23-29 "Isaiah 28:23-29 - The Parable of the Farmer") introduce an extended agricultural parable, where God presents Himself as the ultimate wise Farmer. This parable serves as a stark contrast to the human folly and shortsightedness previously condemned, demonstrating that God's actions, even His judgments, are not arbitrary but are executed with the same deliberate wisdom and precision that a farmer employs in cultivating his fields. The preceding verses, [Isaiah 28:23-24](/isaiah/28-23-24 "Isaiah 28:23-24 - The Farmer's Wisdom"), set the stage by asking rhetorical questions about a farmer's common sense in plowing and preparing the ground before sowing, leading directly into the specific sowing methods described in verse 25.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 28 is delivered during a period of significant political and spiritual turmoil for both the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim/Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Ephraim, proud of its capital Samaria, was on the brink of Assyrian conquest (which occurred in 722 BC), largely due to its idolatry and political alliances rather than trust in Yahweh. Judah, though not yet fallen, was facing similar temptations to rely on human alliances (like Egypt) rather than God, and its leaders were exhibiting similar spiritual complacency and moral corruption. Agricultural practices were central to ancient Israelite life and economy, making the farming analogy highly relatable and impactful. Farmers understood the necessity of preparing the soil, the different characteristics of various crops, and the specific methods required for sowing and harvesting each. Some seeds, like spices (fitches, cummin), were typically broadcast (scattered broadly), while staple grains (wheat, barley, rye/spelt) required more careful, even row-by-row, planting for optimal yield. This common knowledge forms the bedrock of God's argument for His own precise and discerning governance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's Sovereign Wisdom and Knowledge**, contrasting it sharply with human foolishness. Just as the farmer possesses inherent knowledge of his craft, God's understanding of how to deal with His creation, including His people, is perfect and beyond human comprehension, a truth echoed in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Order and Purposefulness**. Every action God takes, whether in judgment or restoration, is not chaotic or impulsive but is executed with deliberate precision, tailored to achieve a specific, righteous end. There is a "place" and a method for everything in God's economy, reflecting His meticulous design evident from the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Lastly, the passage subtly introduces the theme of **Discerning Discipline and Judgment**. In the broader context of [Isaiah 28](/isaiah/28 "Isaiah 28 - Woe to Ephraim"), the different sowing methods foreshadow God's varied approaches to discipline and judgment. He does not apply the same "threshing" method to all "crops" (nations or individuals). Some require lighter, broader scattering (like the fitches and cummin), while others, like the staple grains, undergo more intensive and precise processes, all designed for purification, growth, and ultimately, the demonstration of His justice and mercy, rather than indiscriminate destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **plain (Hebrew, _shâvâh'_):** From H7737, meaning "to level, i.e. equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e. counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, etc.)." In the context of "made plain the face thereof," it refers to the farmer leveling or smoothing the ground after plowing, creating a uniform surface. This speaks to God's meticulous preparation and order before He acts, ensuring the conditions are optimal for His purposes.
* **scatter (Hebrew, _zâraq'_):** From H2236, a primitive root meaning "to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles); be here and there, scatter, strew." This word specifically describes the method of sowing for the fitches and cummin, which are small seeds often broadcasted widely. It illustrates God's ability to distribute or apply His influence broadly and less intensely, suited to the nature of the "crop" or situation.
* **appointed (Hebrew, _çâman'_):** From H5567, a primitive root meaning "to designate." This term, used for the barley, emphasizes the deliberate and specific nature of its placement. Unlike the scattered seeds, the "appointed barley" suggests a more precise, designated sowing, indicating God's intentionality and specific design for certain aspects of His dealings, where each element has its precise role and position within His grand plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When he hath made plain the face thereof,"**: This opening clause refers to the farmer's initial preparation of the soil. After plowing, the ground is leveled or smoothed, creating an even surface suitable for planting. Spiritually, this signifies God's preparatory work in hearts or nations, removing obstacles and creating conditions conducive to His subsequent actions, whether in judgment or blessing. It speaks to His sovereign control over the circumstances that precede His interventions.
* **"doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin,"**: This part describes the sowing of smaller, less demanding crops like fitches (black cumin or fennelflower) and cummin, which were typically broadcast or "cast abroad" by hand over a wide area. This method is less precise but effective for these particular seeds. The rhetorical question ("doth he not...?") implies an obvious truth, emphasizing the farmer's (and God's) common-sense approach to different situations, applying methods appropriate to the nature of the "crop."
* **"and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place?"**: In stark contrast to the scattering, this clause details the careful, deliberate planting of staple grains like wheat, barley, and rye (spelt). These were often sown in furrows or rows, requiring more precision to ensure optimal growth and yield. The phrase "in their place" underscores the intentionality and order—each seed is put in its proper, designated position. This illustrates God's precise and purposeful dealings, where His actions are perfectly suited to the nature and significance of the "crop" (people, circumstances, or judgments) He is cultivating, ensuring maximum fruitfulness according to His divine design.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 28:25 is rich with literary devices that enhance its message. The primary device is **Analogy**, specifically an **Agricultural Parable**, where the familiar actions of a farmer are used to explain the complex and often misunderstood ways of God. The entire passage, [Isaiah 28:23-29](/isaiah/28-23-29 "Isaiah 28:23-29 - The Parable of the Farmer"), functions as an extended metaphor, inviting the audience to draw parallels between the farmer's wisdom and God's divine wisdom. The verse also employs **Rhetorical Question** ("doth he not...?"), which serves to engage the audience and elicit an obvious affirmative answer, thereby reinforcing the self-evident nature of God's wisdom and methodical approach. The contrast between "cast abroad" (broadcasting) and "cast in... in their place" (precise planting) is an example of **Antithesis**, highlighting the varied and discerning methods employed by the farmer, which mirrors God's diverse dealings with humanity. This **Symbolism** of different seeds and sowing methods represents different types of people or situations, and God's tailored responses to them, whether in gentle discipline or more severe, targeted judgment, all for a specific, intended outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 28:25 profoundly reveals the character of God as the ultimate sovereign and wise cultivator of His creation. Just as a skilled farmer understands the unique requirements of each crop and applies the appropriate method for sowing and harvesting, so too does God act with perfect discernment in all His dealings with humanity and the nations. His actions are never arbitrary or chaotic, but are always purposeful, methodical, and precisely tailored to achieve His righteous ends, whether that involves broad, gentle scattering of grace or more precise, intensive cultivation through discipline and judgment. This divine wisdom ensures that every process, even those that seem difficult or inexplicable to us, is designed for ultimate fruitfulness and the manifestation of His glory. We are called to trust in this inherent wisdom, recognizing that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts deeper than our thoughts.

* [Jeremiah 18:6](/jeremiah/18-6 "The Potter and the Clay")
* [Psalm 104:24](/psalms/104-24 "God's Wisdom in Creation")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 28:25 offers immense comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating life's complexities. Understanding God as the wise Farmer encourages us to trust His process, even when it feels uncomfortable or unclear. Just as a farmer knows precisely how to prepare the soil and sow each seed for optimal growth, God knows exactly how to cultivate our lives, using varied methods—some gentle, some more rigorous—to bring forth spiritual fruit. What might appear as random hardship or an unfair burden to our limited perspective is, in God's infinite wisdom, a perfectly "appointed" process designed for our sanctification and His glory. This verse calls us to surrender our anxieties and doubts to His sovereign hand, to patiently endure the "sowing" and "pruning" seasons, and to recognize that every experience is part of His deliberate plan to shape us into His image. It reminds us that our growth is not accidental but orchestrated by a God who is intimately involved in every detail of our spiritual development, always working towards a bountiful harvest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's "sowing" methods, especially when they feel uncomfortable or challenging?**
* **How does understanding God as the wise Farmer, who uses different methods for different "crops," change your perspective on personal trials or the varying experiences of others?**
* **What "fruit" do you believe God is cultivating in your life through the current "sowing" or "cultivation" process you are experiencing?**
* **How can acknowledging God's meticulous wisdom in agriculture encourage you to seek His wisdom in your own decision-making?**

### FAQ
**What is the main message of Isaiah 28:25?**

Answer: The main message of Isaiah 28:25 is that God operates with absolute wisdom, order, and precision, much like a skilled farmer. It contrasts human foolishness and arrogance with God's perfect discernment, illustrating that His actions, whether in judgment or blessing, are always purposeful and tailored to the specific situation or "crop" (people/nations) He is dealing with. The verse emphasizes that God's methods are deliberate and effective, ensuring the right outcome.

**How does this verse relate to God's judgment and discipline?**

Answer: In the broader context of [Isaiah 28](/isaiah/28 "Isaiah 28 - Woe to Ephraim"), this agricultural parable serves to explain God's seemingly harsh judgments and discipline upon Judah and Ephraim. Just as a farmer uses different tools and methods for different crops—some scattered broadly, others carefully placed, and later, some threshed lightly while others are crushed (as explained in [Isaiah 28:27-28](/isaiah/28-27-28 "Isaiah 28:27-28 - Different Threshing Methods"))—so God applies varied forms of discipline. He doesn't destroy indiscriminately but uses precise methods of judgment and correction, always with the ultimate purpose of purification, instruction, and bringing forth righteousness, rather than utter annihilation. It demonstrates that His discipline is not arbitrary but a wise and purposeful act of cultivation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 28:25, with its depiction of God as the wise Farmer, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Christ is the ultimate Sower, who came to sow the seed of the Word of God into the hearts of humanity, as illustrated in the [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3-9 "Matthew 13:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower"). Just as the farmer in Isaiah 28:25 carefully prepares the ground and sows different seeds according to their nature, Jesus, through His teaching and ministry, prepared the hearts of His disciples and continues to sow the seeds of the Gospel, adapting His approach to the varying receptivity of human hearts. He is also the true Vine, the one who cultivates His branches (believers) through pruning and nurturing so that they may bear much fruit, as He declares in [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - The True Vine"). The "appointed" nature of the seeds in the Old Testament verse foreshadows God's ultimate "appointed" plan for salvation, meticulously executed through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. The wisdom of God, so evident in the farmer's actions, is fully revealed and embodied in Christ, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," a truth affirmed in [Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, in Whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge"). Ultimately, the careful sowing and cultivation point to the spiritual harvest that Christ initiated, gathering those who respond to His call, preparing them for the eternal kingdom, where the Lord of the harvest will gather His wheat into the barn, as promised in [Matthew 9:37-38](/matthew/9-37-38 "Matthew 9:37-38 - The Harvest is Plentiful") and [Matthew 13:30](/matthew/13-30 "Matthew 13:30 - The Wheat and the Weeds").

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

Ezekiel 4:9

¶ Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentiles, and millet, and fitches, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof, [according] to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side, three hundred and ninety days shalt thou eat thereof.

Matthew 23:23

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Exodus 9:31

And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley [was] in the ear, and the flax [was] bolled.

Exodus 9:32

But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they [were] not grown up.