Isaiah 28:29

KJV

This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, [which] is wonderful in counsel, [and] excellent in working.

KJV (with Strong's)

This also cometh forth {H3318} from the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, which is wonderful {H6381} in counsel {H6098}, and excellent {H1431} in working {H8454}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This too comes from ADONAI-Tzva'ot - his counsel is wonderful, his wisdom great.

Berean Standard Bible

This also comes from the LORD of Hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.

American Standard Version

This also cometh forth from Jehovah of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 28:29 climactically concludes an agricultural parable by asserting that the profound wisdom, meticulous planning, and flawless execution evident in the natural world, and by extension in all of God's dealings with humanity, originate exclusively from the LORD of hosts. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of God's unparalleled intellectual capacity to conceive perfect plans and His absolute power and precision in bringing them to fruition, contrasting divine perfection with human folly and underscoring His sovereign control over creation, judgment, and redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 28 is a complex prophetic oracle, primarily delivering a message of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Judah for their spiritual arrogance, moral corruption, and reliance on human alliances rather than divine counsel. The chapter opens with a scathing indictment of Ephraim's "crown of pride" and "drunkards" ([Isaiah 28:1-8](/isaiah/28-1-8 "Isaiah 28:1-8 - Judgment on Ephraim's Drunkards")). It then shifts to Judah's leaders, who are similarly rebuked for their scoffing and inability to discern God's clear instruction, likened to children needing "line upon line, precept upon precept" ([Isaiah 28:9-13](/isaiah/28-9-13 "Isaiah 28:9-13 - Scornful Rulers and Simple Instruction")). Amidst these pronouncements of impending judgment and the people's rejection of God's ways, verses [23-28](/isaiah/28-23-28 "Isaiah 28:23-28 - The Farmer's Wisdom") introduce an intricate agricultural parable. This parable meticulously details the farmer's divinely-imparted wisdom in knowing the precise methods for plowing, sowing various seeds (dill, cummin, wheat, barley, rye), and threshing them without destroying the grain. The careful, methodical, and purposeful nature of the farmer's work serves as a profound **analogy** for God's own dealings with His people. Just as the farmer's actions are not random but calculated for a specific, productive outcome, so too are God's judgments and redemptive acts. Verse 29 then explicitly reveals the source of this wisdom, linking the farmer's practical skill directly to the LORD, thereby elevating the parable from a mere observation of agricultural practice to a profound theological statement about divine sovereignty and wisdom, providing a crucial interpretive key for the entire chapter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah's prophecies is the turbulent late 8th century BCE, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval for both Israel and Judah. The northern kingdom (Ephraim) was on the verge of total collapse, soon to be conquered and exiled by the Assyrian Empire (722 BCE), largely due to their persistent idolatry and misplaced trust in foreign political alliances rather than in their covenant God. Judah, though not yet fallen, faced significant Assyrian pressure and was tempted to form alliances with powerful nations like Egypt, a strategy Isaiah vehemently condemned. In this predominantly agrarian society, the farmer's wisdom was not merely a skill but the bedrock of survival and prosperity. Knowing precisely when and how to plant, cultivate, and harvest was a matter of life and death, reflecting a deep, practical understanding of natural cycles and appropriate techniques. The agricultural analogy would have resonated deeply with Isaiah's audience, who intimately understood the meticulous care required in farming. By attributing this common, yet vital, wisdom to God, Isaiah challenges the notion that human leaders possess inherent wisdom or that political maneuvering can secure their future. Instead, true wisdom, whether for agriculture or national policy, originates solely from the divine. The title "LORD of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) was particularly potent in a context of incessant warfare and political instability, emphasizing God's supreme authority over all earthly and heavenly powers, including the mightiest armies and empires.

* **Key Themes:** The verse [Isaiah 28:29](/isaiah/28-29 "Isaiah 28:29 - God's Wonderful Counsel and Excellent Working") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Wisdom**, asserting that God is the ultimate source of all knowledge, strategic planning, and effective action. His plans are not only perfectly conceived ("wonderful in counsel") but also flawlessly executed ("excellent in working"), standing in stark contrast to the foolish and self-destructive counsel of the leaders described earlier in [Isaiah 28](/isaiah/28 "Isaiah 28 - Judgment on Ephraim and Judah"). This leads directly to the theme of **Purposeful Discipline and Redemption**. Just as the farmer's threshing is not for destruction but for separating the valuable grain from the chaff, God's judgments and disciplinary actions, though severe and painful, are always purposeful, aimed at refining His people and bringing forth spiritual fruit, rather than utterly annihilating them. This provides a glimmer of hope amidst the pronouncements of judgment, implying that even in divine wrath, there is a redemptive design. Finally, the verse highlights the **Contrast Between Divine Perfection and Human Folly**, a recurring motif in Isaiah. While human leaders err, scoff, and rely on flawed strategies, God's wisdom is unsearchable and His ways are perfect, providing the only reliable foundation for true security and flourishing, urging the people to turn from their self-reliance to God's unfailing wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This compound title combines H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_), referring to the self-Existent, Eternal God, the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His unchanging, personal nature, with H6635 (_tsâbâʼ_), which literally means "a mass of persons," often organized for war, like an army or host. Combined, "LORD of hosts" signifies God's supreme power, authority, and control over all creation, including heavenly armies, cosmic forces, and earthly powers. It underscores His omnipotence and His ability to command and execute His will without hindrance, whether in judgment or salvation, making Him the ultimate sovereign.
* **wonderful (Hebrew, _pâlâ'_):** H6381 (_pâlâ'_) is a primitive root meaning "to separate," "distinguish," or "to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful." It conveys the idea of something extraordinary, marvelous, astonishing, or beyond human comprehension. When applied to God's counsel, it means His plans and purposes are uniquely profound, astonishingly wise, and transcend human understanding or expectation. They are not merely good, but divinely exceptional and awe-inspiring, often implying a miraculous or inexplicable quality.
* **excellent in working (Hebrew, _gâdal tûwshîyâh'_):** This phrase combines H1431 (_gâdal_), meaning "to be large," "great," or "excellent," and H8454 (_tûwshîyâh_), which denotes "support," "ability," "sound wisdom," or "effective execution" (literally, "substance" or "enterprise"). Together, they describe God's actions as not only well-conceived but also perfectly and effectively carried out. His "working" or "enterprise" is of the highest quality, leading to precisely the desired outcomes. It emphasizes God's practical competence and the flawless efficacy with which He brings His "wonderful counsel" to fruition, demonstrating His supreme wisdom in action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts":** This opening clause directly attributes the wisdom and skill described in the preceding agricultural parable (verses 23-28) to God Himself. The phrase "cometh forth" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_) indicates divine origination and emanation, asserting that the practical, common-sense wisdom of the farmer, which ensures sustenance and order, is not merely human ingenuity but is ultimately a gift and revelation from the sovereign God, the "LORD of hosts," who controls all things. This firmly establishes God as the ultimate source of all true wisdom and effective action.
* **"which is wonderful in counsel":** This clause elaborates on the nature of the LORD's character, specifically His intellectual capacity. His "counsel" (H6098, _ʻêtsâh_), referring to His advice, plan, or purpose, is described as "wonderful" (H6381, _pâlâ'_). This means God's plans are extraordinary, marvelous, and beyond human comprehension in their depth, wisdom, and perfection. He devises strategies that are unfathomable yet supremely wise, always leading to His intended, righteous ends, demonstrating an unparalleled foresight and strategic genius.
* **"and excellent in working":** Following the "wonderful counsel," this clause affirms God's flawless ability to execute His plans. His "working" (H8454, _tûwshîyâh_), which encompasses His actions, enterprise, or effective execution, is "excellent" (H1431, _gâdal_). This signifies that God not only conceives perfect plans but also brings them to pass with absolute precision, power, and success. There is no flaw or failure in His implementation; His actions are always effective and achieve their intended, great purpose, demonstrating His perfect competence and omnipotence in bringing His will to pass.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 28:29 primarily employs **Analogy** and **Divine Epithet**. The entire preceding passage (verses 23-28) functions as an extended **Analogy**, comparing the skilled farmer's purposeful and varied methods of cultivation and threshing to God's own dealings with His people. Just as the farmer applies different techniques (plowing, sowing, threshing with different instruments) to different crops for their optimal yield, God uses diverse methods, including judgment and discipline, to refine and restore His people, ensuring a fruitful outcome. Verse 29 then explicitly reveals the source of this wisdom, reinforcing the analogy by stating that the farmer's wisdom is a direct reflection and gift of God's own. The powerful use of the **Divine Epithet** "LORD of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) is also highly significant, emphasizing God's supreme authority, omnipotence, and control over all creation, including the cosmic and earthly armies. This title underscores His inherent capacity to execute His "wonderful counsel" with "excellent working," asserting His unchallengeable sovereignty in all matters, from the mundane agricultural practices to the grand sweep of national judgment and redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 28:29 serves as a profound theological anchor, assuring us of God's absolute wisdom and competence in all His dealings. It teaches that even when God's ways seem harsh, inscrutable, or contrary to human expectations, they are always rooted in perfect counsel and executed with flawless precision, much like a master craftsman or a wise farmer. This truth provides immense comfort and stability, reminding believers that God is never arbitrary, unskilled, or reactive; rather, He is always working out His perfect plan, even through difficult circumstances and seemingly chaotic events. It calls us to trust His sovereign hand, knowing that His ultimate purposes are good and His methods, though sometimes challenging or painful, are meticulously designed for our refinement, His glory, and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom. This divine wisdom and effective working apply not only to His judgments but also, and preeminently, to His redemptive purposes for humanity.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The LORD's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Romans 11:33-36](/romans/11-33-36 "Romans 11:33-36 - God's Unsearchable Wisdom and Ways")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God Works All Things According to His Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 28:29 offers a powerful antidote to anxiety and a profound call to trust in a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and human folly. This verse firmly declares that there is an ultimate, all-wise, and perfectly capable hand guiding all things. When we face personal trials, national crises, or global turmoil, it's easy to question God's presence, His goodness, or the wisdom of His plan. However, this passage reminds us that God's "counsel" is "wonderful" – beyond our full comprehension yet perfectly conceived – and His "working" is "excellent" – flawlessly executed to achieve His righteous purposes. This should lead us to a posture of humble submission and confident reliance on His sovereignty. Instead of relying on our own limited understanding or human strategies, which are often prone to error and short-sightedness, we are called to lean into the divine wisdom that orchestrates even the most intricate details of creation and redemption. Trusting in God's wonderful counsel and excellent working allows us to find peace amidst the storm, knowing that He is meticulously cultivating His harvest, both in our individual lives and in the broader sweep of history, always moving towards His good and perfect end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the analogy of the farmer's wisdom in [Isaiah 28:23-28](/isaiah/28-23-28 "Isaiah 28:23-28 - The Farmer's Wisdom") deepen your understanding of God's "wonderful counsel" and "excellent working"?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own limited counsel or human strategies rather than trusting in God's perfect plan and execution?**
* **How can remembering that God's "working" is "excellent" bring comfort or challenge to you when facing difficult or seemingly unproductive circumstances that test your faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent trust in God's sovereign wisdom and effective execution in your daily life and decisions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the title "LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _YHWH Sabaoth_) is profoundly significant, emphasizing God's supreme power, authority, and control over all creation. "Hosts" refers to armies or masses, encompassing both heavenly armies (angels) and earthly forces. In the context of Isaiah, where nations are warring and human leaders are making foolish alliances, this title underscores that the true power and ultimate authority belong to God alone. It reminds the reader that the wisdom and effective action described in [Isaiah 28:29](/isaiah/28-29 "Isaiah 28:29 - God's Wonderful Counsel and Excellent Working") do not come from human ingenuity or military might, but from the sovereign God who commands all things. It reinforces His omnipotence and His ability to enforce His will, whether in judgment or salvation, making Him the only trustworthy source of counsel and effective working in a chaotic world.

**How does the agricultural parable in Isaiah 28:23-28 relate to God's judgment and wisdom?**

Answer: The agricultural parable serves as a powerful **analogy** for God's dealings with His people, particularly His judgments and redemptive purposes. Just as a wise farmer knows the precise methods for plowing, sowing different seeds, and threshing various grains without destroying them, so too does God apply His wisdom in His interactions with humanity. The farmer's actions are not random or destructive but are purposeful, aimed at producing a harvest. Similarly, God's judgments, though often severe, are not arbitrary acts of destruction but are carefully designed to refine, correct, and ultimately bring forth spiritual fruit from His people. The parable illustrates that God's methods are perfectly suited to His purposes, demonstrating His "wonderful counsel" and "excellent working" even in discipline. It contrasts the farmer's divinely-imparted wisdom with the folly of the nation's leaders, implying that God's methods of discipline and restoration are also perfectly designed and executed, even if seemingly harsh or incomprehensible to human understanding, as seen throughout [Isaiah 28](/isaiah/28 "Isaiah 28 - Judgment on Ephraim and Judah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 28:29, with its declaration of God's being "wonderful in counsel" and "excellent in working," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the very embodiment of God's wisdom and the perfect executor of His divine plan. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge") explicitly states that "in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," directly linking the "wonderful counsel" of God to the Son. He is the "wisdom of God" and the "power of God" (as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God")), through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - All things created through Him and for Him")). Furthermore, Christ's life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection represent the pinnacle of God's "excellent in working." The eternal plan of salvation, conceived in divine counsel, was perfectly executed through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, demonstrating God's flawless ability to bring His redemptive purposes to fruition ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself")). Just as the farmer skillfully works the soil for a harvest, Christ perfectly accomplished the Father's will, bringing forth a spiritual harvest of redeemed souls. His resurrection is the ultimate proof of God's "excellent working," conquering sin and death and securing eternal life for all who believe ([Romans 6:9-11](/romans/6-9-11 "Romans 6:9-11 - Christ's Resurrection and New Life")). Thus, in Christ, we see the divine counsel made manifest and perfectly achieved, offering not just an intellectual concept but a living reality of God's unparalleled wisdom and effective power, culminating in the reconciliation of all things to Himself.

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

Romans 11:33

¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Job 5:9

Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Jeremiah 32:19

Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

Psalms 40:5

Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.

Psalms 92:5

O LORD, how great are thy works! [and] thy thoughts are very deep.

Job 37:23

[Touching] the Almighty, we cannot find him out: [he is] excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.