Isaiah 43:28

Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.

Therefore I have profaned {H2490} the princes {H8269} of the sanctuary {H6944}, and have given {H5414} Jacob {H3290} to the curse {H2764}, and Israel {H3478} to reproaches {H1421}.

Therefore I repudiated the officials of the sanctuary, delivered Ya'akov to the curse of destruction, and subjected Isra'el to scorn.

So I will disgrace the princes of your sanctuary, and I will devote Jacob to destruction and Israel to reproach.”

Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary; and I will make Jacob a curse, and Israel a reviling.

Commentary

Context of Isaiah 43:28

Isaiah 43 is a powerful chapter where God reaffirms His covenant faithfulness to Israel, promising to redeem and restore them despite their past and present failures. However, the latter part of the chapter shifts to God's indictment of Israel's sins. Verses 22-27 detail how Israel has wearied God with their iniquities, failing to truly worship or seek Him. They have not offered sacrifices acceptably and have burdened Him with their sins. Verse 27 specifically states, "Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me." Isaiah 43:28, therefore, serves as the climactic consequence of this widespread disobedience, both from the nation's leadership and its people.

Meaning of Isaiah 43:28

This verse declares God's direct judgment upon Israel for their persistent sin and rebellion. The phrase "Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary" signifies that God Himself has removed the sacred status and protection from Israel's religious and national leaders. These "princes of the sanctuary" likely refer to the priests, rulers, or spiritual guides who were meant to uphold God's law and lead the people in holiness, but instead failed and even participated in the nation's corruption. By profaning them, God essentially stripped them of their authority and dignity, exposing them to shame and judgment.

The subsequent clauses, "and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches," explain the national consequences. "Jacob" and "Israel" refer to the nation as a whole. To be "given to the curse" implies being subjected to divine judgment, suffering the penalties of disobedience. This often manifested as defeat in battle, famine, pestilence, and particularly, exile from their land. Being given "to reproaches" means they would face scorn, humiliation, and insults from surrounding nations, becoming a byword or object of derision. This verse vividly portrays the severe consequences of national disobedience and the reproaches experienced during exile.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's just judgment against sin, even for His chosen people, when they persistently rebel.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: It highlights the severe and public repercussions of forsaking God's covenant, affecting both leaders and the entire nation.
  • Accountability of Leadership: The "princes of the sanctuary" being profaned underscores that those in positions of spiritual or national leadership are held to a higher standard and their failures have broad implications.
  • National Shame: The "reproaches" emphasize the deep humiliation and disgrace that accompanies divine punishment and exile.

Linguistic Insights

  • Profaned (ḥālal): This Hebrew word means to make common, desecrate, defile, or pollute something that is holy. It signifies a reversal of status, where that which was set apart for God is now treated as ordinary or even unclean.
  • Curse (ḥerem): This term carries a strong sense of utter devotion to destruction, often in the context of divine judgment. It implies a ban or a complete handing over to destruction.
  • Reproaches (giddūpīm): Refers to insults, scorn, blasphemy, or public disgrace. It speaks to the shame and contempt Israel would suffer from its enemies.

Cross-References

  • For the consequences of national sin and leadership failure, compare with Deuteronomy 28:15-68, which outlines the curses for disobedience to God's covenant.
  • The theme of priests or leaders failing and leading the people astray can be seen in Jeremiah 23:1-2.
  • Despite this severe judgment, the broader context of Isaiah points to God's ultimate plan of redemption and forgiveness for His people, emphasizing His enduring love and grace.

Practical Application

Isaiah 43:28 serves as a stark reminder that God is just and that sin, particularly persistent and widespread disobedience, carries severe consequences. It underscores the importance of holiness, especially for those in leadership, as their spiritual health affects the entire community. For believers today, this verse calls for:

  • Personal Accountability: Acknowledging that our actions have consequences, both individually and collectively.
  • Respect for God's Holiness: Understanding that God does not tolerate sin indefinitely and that His justice will prevail.
  • Intercession for Leaders: Praying for spiritual and national leaders to walk in righteousness, so that their failures do not bring reproach upon the community or nation.
  • Humility and Repentance: Recognizing that God's judgments are often a call to repentance and a pathway to future restoration.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 24:9

    And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

  • Isaiah 65:15

    And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:

  • Zechariah 8:13

    And it shall come to pass, [that] as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, [but] let your hands be strong.

  • Psalms 79:4

    We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.

  • Isaiah 47:6

    I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

  • Deuteronomy 28:15

    ¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

  • Deuteronomy 28:20

    The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.