Isaiah 28:26

Isaiah 28:26 (KJV) states, "For his God doth instruct him to discretion, [and] doth teach him." This verse highlights a profound truth about the source of wisdom and skill, particularly in the context of the preceding verses that describe the farmer's methodical and discerning approach to agriculture.

Context

Chapter 28 of Isaiah begins with a severe rebuke against the proud and drunken leaders of Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel), contrasting their foolishness and lack of discernment with God's steadfast wisdom. After proclaiming judgment and promising a sure foundation in Zion (Isaiah 28:16), the prophet shifts to an agricultural analogy in verses 23-29. This extended parable illustrates God's own wise and varied dealings with His people. Just as a skilled farmer knows the precise methods for plowing, sowing different seeds, and threshing various grains, so too does God exercise perfect wisdom and discretion in His plans and judgments. Verse 26 explicitly attributes the farmer's practical wisdom not to human ingenuity alone, but directly to divine instruction.

Key Themes

• Divine Wisdom and Instruction: The core message is that all true wisdom, even for practical and mundane tasks like farming, originates from God. He is the ultimate teacher and source of understanding. This underscores God's sovereignty over every aspect of life.
• God as Teacher: The verse emphasizes God actively "instructing" and "teaching" His people. This teaching is not just theoretical but leads to practical "discretion" or sound judgment in daily affairs.
• Discretion and Discernment: The ability to make wise choices, to know when and how to act, is presented as a gift from God. This "discretion" (Hebrew: mishpat) implies a sense of right judgment and appropriate action, crucial for both spiritual and temporal success.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "discretion" is mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט), which often translates as "judgment," "justice," or "discernment." In this agricultural context, it refers to the farmer's judicious application of appropriate techniques for different crops and stages of cultivation. The phrase "doth instruct him" comes from yasar (יָסַר), which can mean to chasten, discipline, or instruct, implying a formative teaching. "Doth teach him" is from lamad (לָמַד), which means to learn or teach, reinforcing the idea of imparting knowledge and skill.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully resonates with other Scriptures that speak of God as the source of wisdom and understanding:

• Proverbs 2:6 declares, "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
• The importance of seeking divine wisdom is echoed in James 1:5, which encourages believers to "ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Practical Application

Isaiah 28:26 offers timeless encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that whether we are engaged in complex professional tasks, managing our households, or making significant life decisions, God is willing and able to provide the necessary wisdom and discretion. We are not left to our own devices but can rely on His divine instruction. This verse encourages us to:

1. Seek God's Guidance: Recognize that true wisdom comes from above.
2. Trust His Methods: Understand that God's ways, even when seemingly complex or indirect, are always wise and purposeful, much like the farmer's varied techniques.
3. Apply Spiritual Discernment: Ask for God's help to apply wisdom and judgment in all our daily activities, big or small.