PROCLAMATION
“Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards,
to the fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley;
to that city, the pride of those laid low by wine!” Isaiah 28:1 (NIV)
EXPLANATION
In the previous chapters twenty-four through twenty-seven,
the prophecies of Isaiah were regarding events which would occur far into the
future. Here in chapter twenty-eight the
prophecies are focused on the immediate future of the northern kingdom of
Israel, herein referred to as Ephraim and later on as Samaria, which would soon
go into Assyrian captivity. (Isaiah 28:1-13)
The leaders were so full of pride that they had forgotten about The Lord
God. This chapter also included a
warning to the southern kingdom of Judah to change their behavior or they would
also be taken into captivity. (Isaiah 28:14-22)
APPLICATION
Too much pride can cause one to have an over-inflated
image of one’s self. Pride usually precedes
a haughty spirit and a fall. (Psalm 16:18 and 29:23) Leaders can become “drunk” from pride, popularity,
and prosperity which can lead to poor decisions. When leaders have too much pride it usually
results in the destruction of the nation. (Isaiah 28:3-4) Even religious leaders can be proud and their
judgements can be affected as if they were drunk on wine or beer or some other
alcoholic beverage. (Isaiah 28:7) We are taught not to have too high of an opinion
of ourselves. (Romans 12:3) Too much
pride can cause one to look down on others and to think too low of them. Being pleased with a personal accomplishment
is probably okay, but we should remember that our goal is to please The Lord
God and not ourselves. Our
accomplishments should allow us to be better positioned to help and bless
others. Remember, to whom much is given,
of him will much be required. (Luke 12:48) We are blessed in order to be a blessing to
others (Proverbs 11:25) not to lord over them.
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