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Isaiah 28:19

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From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only [to] understand the report.

From the time {H1767} that it goeth forth {H5674} it shall take {H3947} you: for morning {H1242} by morning {H1242} shall it pass over {H5674}, by day {H3117} and by night {H3915}: and it shall be a vexation {H2113} only to understand {H995} the report {H8052}.

As often as it passes through, it will take you, for it will pass through every morning, day after day, night after night; understanding the message will be sheer terror."

As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror.

As often as it passeth through, it shall take you; for morning by morning shall it pass through, by day and by night: and it shall be nought but terror to understand the message.

Commentary

Isaiah 28:19 (KJV) describes the relentless and terrifying nature of impending divine judgment upon the rebellious people of Judah (and originally Ephraim), symbolized by an "overflowing scourge." The verse emphasizes the inescapable and overwhelming impact of this judgment, suggesting that even the news or understanding of it will bring profound distress.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Isaiah 28, primarily addressing the proud and spiritually complacent leaders of Jerusalem and Judah, who had made a "covenant with death" and an "agreement with hell" (Isaiah 28:15). They believed they were immune to the impending destruction, likely referring to the Assyrian invasion that was God's instrument of judgment. The "it" in this verse refers to this "overflowing scourge" mentioned earlier in the chapter. Isaiah warns that this judgment will not be a fleeting event but a continuous, pervasive terror, coming "morning by morning, by day and by night," leaving no respite.

Key Themes

  • Inevitable and Relentless Judgment: The phrase "From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night" vividly portrays the unstoppable and continuous nature of the impending calamity. It signifies that once God's judgment begins, it will be relentless, consuming every aspect of life.
  • Spiritual Blindness and Terror: The latter part, "and it shall be a vexation only [to] understand the report," points to the profound distress and horror that will accompany the realization of this judgment. It also subtly highlights the spiritual inability of the people, due to their rebellion, to truly grasp or comprehend the severity of God's warnings until it is too late. Their understanding brings only terror, not repentance or escape.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: The verse underscores the severe repercussions of rejecting God's wisdom and relying on human schemes or false security, as the leaders of Judah had done.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "a vexation only [to] understand the report" is particularly impactful. The Hebrew word for "vexation" is zev'a'ah (זְוָעָה), which conveys a sense of terror, trembling, horror, and dread. It suggests that merely hearing or attempting to comprehend the nature and extent of the approaching disaster will cause extreme mental and emotional anguish. It implies that their spiritual dullness, which had previously prevented them from heeding the prophets, will now mean that their eventual understanding brings only unbearable torment, not salvation.

Practical Application

Isaiah 28:19 serves as a timeless warning about the consequences of spiritual complacency and rebellion against God. It reminds us that:

  • Warnings Must Be Heeded: Ignoring divine warnings or prophetic words can lead to inescapable and overwhelming consequences.
  • Spiritual Discernment is Crucial: We must seek to truly understand God's word and His will, lest our lack of discernment leads to terror when truth finally confronts us. The Bible often speaks of those who have "eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear" (Matthew 13:13).
  • God's Justice is Relentless: While God is patient and merciful, His justice is also sure and, when enacted, can be relentless. This calls believers to remain vigilant and faithful, trusting in His protection rather than worldly alliances or self-deception.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Habakkuk 3:16 (4 votes)

    ¶ When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

  • Isaiah 10:5 (3 votes)

    ¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

  • Isaiah 10:6 (3 votes)

    I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

  • Jeremiah 19:3 (3 votes)

    And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.

  • Luke 21:25 (3 votes)

    And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

  • Luke 21:26 (3 votes)

    Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

  • Daniel 8:27 (3 votes)

    And I Daniel fainted, and was sick [certain] days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood [it].