Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem!
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to miss that "scoffers" here isn't just about rude people, but specifically targets the political leaders of Jerusalem. These were the ones in power, who arrogantly believed their human schemes could outsmart God's judgment.
Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This section opens with Isaiah directly confronting the "scoffers" who are in positions of authority in Jerusalem. These are the influential leaders, not the king himself, who are arrogantly dismissing God's warnings and relying on their own schemes. They believe they've secured themselves against disaster, but the prophet declares their confidence is a dangerous delusion that will be swept away.
Imagine holding the reins of power in a city, making decisions that affect thousands. What happens when those in charge dismiss God's warnings and trust only in their own schemes?
This verse zeroes in on a specific group: 'you scoffers, who rule this people.' These aren't just casual doubters; they are leaders in Jerusalem, the heart of God's people, who actively mock divine truth. Their scoffing is rooted in their position of power. They believe their authority and human wisdom are sufficient to navigate any crisis, making them dismissive of the prophet's urgent message from the Lord. This highlights a dangerous trap for leaders: the arrogance that comes with influence can blind them to their need for God's guidance.
What does it mean to have a 'covenant with death'? How can people feel so secure in their plans that they believe they've outsmarted even the inevitable?
The commentary reveals that these 'scoffers' aren't just dismissive; they are actively trusting in their own deceptive strategies. They've made 'lies their refuge' and believe they have a pact with death and the grave, meaning they feel invincible. This isn't faith; it's a profound delusion born from arrogance. They are so confident in their human-made plans and alliances that they’ve convinced themselves they are immune to God’s judgment. Isaiah is declaring that this self-reliance is not security, but a foundation built on sand, destined to crumble.
Understand the original words
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lēts · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Those who mock or deride God and His messengers; they are characterized by an arrogant refusal to submit to divine wisdom or authority.
The rulers in Jerusalem were 'scoffers' not just in attitude, but in their political maneuvering. They believed their strategic alliances and deceptive policies would protect them from the looming Assyrian threat, a confidence Isaiah directly challenged as a 'refuge of lies'.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Expansionism
The Neo-Assyrian Empire was at its peak of power, actively campaigning and conquering territories throughout the ancient Near East, creating a climate of fear and political instability.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, leading to the deportation of its people and leaving Judah as the sole remaining Israelite kingdom.
Early 7th century BC
Hezekiah's Reign and Assyrian Tributes
King Hezekiah of Judah paid a heavy tribute to Assyria to avoid invasion, a policy that would be continued and debated by his successors.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah, conquering many cities but failing to capture Jerusalem, which was miraculously spared according to biblical accounts.
c. 700 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry in Jerusalem
During this period of political tension and foreign threats, Isaiah delivered strong warnings and counsel to the leaders and people of Judah, particularly concerning their reliance on political alliances and their defiant attitudes.
This verse uses a similar Hebrew word for 'scoffers' to describe those who delight in their scorn and reject wisdom, mirroring the attitude of the rulers Isaiah addresses.
Jeremiah 23:1This passage warns against shepherds who mislead and scatter God's flock, paralleling Isaiah's rebuke of the rulers who are responsible for the people but are leading them astray with their scoffing.
Ezekiel 13:6-7Here, prophets are condemned for seeing false visions and uttering lies, calling them 'scoffers' in a sense, which connects to Isaiah's rulers who rely on deceitful covenants instead of God's word.
Luke 18:9-14The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the danger of self-righteous pride and disdain for others, reflecting the 'scornful' attitude of the rulers who felt secure in their own wisdom and governance, contrasting with true humility before God.
barnesIsaiah 28:14: "Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem."
Wherefore ... - This verse commences a direct address to the scoffing and scornful nation, which is continued to the close of Isaiah 28:22 . It is addressed particularly to the rulers in Jerusalem, as being the leaders in crime, and as being eminently deserving of the wrath of God. Ye scornful men - Ye who despise and reproach God and his message; who fancy yourselves to be secure,…
bensonIsaiah 28:14: "Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem."
Isaiah 28:14-15 . Wherefore hear, ye scornful men — Who make a mock at sin, and at God’s word and threatenings, and who doubt not that by your crafty counsels, and human efforts, you shall escape God’s judgments; who have said — In your hearts; we have made a covenant with death, &c. — We are as safe from death and hell, or the grave, (as the word שׁאול here means,) as if they had…
It's easy to miss that "scoffers" here isn't just about rude people, but specifically targets the political leaders of Jerusalem. These were the ones in power, who arrogantly believed their human schemes could outsmart God's judgment.
This section opens with Isaiah directly confronting the "scoffers" who are in positions of authority in Jerusalem. These are the influential leaders, not the king himself, who are arrogantly dismissing God's warnings and relying on their own schemes. They believe they've secured themselves against disaster, but the prophet declares their confidence is a dangerous delusion that will be swept away.
This section opens with Isaiah directly confronting the "scoffers" who are in positions of authority in Jerusalem. These are the influential leaders, not the king himself, who are arrogantly dismissing God's warnings and relying on their own schemes. They believe they've secured themselves against disaster, but the prophet declares their confidence is a dangerous delusion that will be swept away.
"Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem!" — It's easy to miss that "scoffers" here isn't just about rude people, but specifically targets the political leaders of Jerusalem. These were the ones in power, who arrogantly believed their human sch…
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Last reviewed October 2026