Isaiah 28:14-15
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This verse isn't just calling out general scoffing; it specifically targets the leaders in Jerusalem. They aren't just people who mock; they are actively "ruling," implying their scorn directly influences the nation's policies and trajectory.
Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem! Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming whip passes through it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter”;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaiah addresses the leaders in Jerusalem directly, calling them "scoffers" because they dismiss God's warnings and trust in their own political schemes. These rulers, secure in their perceived cleverness and secret alliances, believe they have insulated themselves from the coming judgment. The prophet declares that their confidence is misplaced and their "refuge" will fail when the overwhelming force arrives.
Imagine your nation's leaders openly mocking God's messengers. What kind of impact does that have on everyone else?
Isaiah's message begins with a direct challenge to the rulers in Jerusalem. He calls them 'scornful men.' This isn't just a mild criticism; it highlights a deep-seated contempt for God and His word.
The Weight of Leadership
These weren't just any citizens; they were the ones 'who rule this people.' This means their mockery had a ripple effect, influencing the entire community. When leaders disregard divine warnings, they set a dangerous precedent, leading others astray. Their position amplifies their sin and its consequences.
Scoffing as Open Contempt
The word for 'scornful' points to a deliberate and open mockery. It's a rejection not just of the message, but of the Messenger Himself. This attitude often masks a false sense of security and pride, making them resistant to truth.
What happens when people believe they've outsmarted God and death itself? Isaiah shows us their 'refuge' is nothing but a lie.
The leaders in Jerusalem weren't just mocking; they had a false confidence. Isaiah reveals their inner thoughts: they believed they had made a 'covenant with death' and an 'agreement with hell' (Sheol).
The Illusion of Control
This 'covenant' was their belief that human plans, political alliances (like with Egypt, mentioned in other commentaries), or their own cleverness would protect them from the coming judgment. They thought they had secured themselves against the 'overflowing scourge' – a reference to the invading armies, likely Assyria.
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Refuge of Lies
Isaiah exposes this as a 'refuge of lies.' Their confidence wasn't based on God's promises or His protection, but on deceptive human strategies and perhaps even idolatry. When disaster struck, these false refuges would crumble, leaving them exposed and terrified.
Understand the original words
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.
bərîth · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or treaty, often established by God with His people, characterized by mutual obligations or divine promises of faithfulness.
she’ôl · Hebrew Noun
The realm of the dead or the underworld in the Old Testament, representing the grave or the place where human existence apart from God's presence continues in a shadowy state.
machseh · Hebrew Noun
A place of protection or safety, often used metaphorically for trust in God, but here used ironically to describe the false security found in deceit.
sheqer · Hebrew Noun
Intentional deception, untruth, or vanity; that which is not real or lasting and stands in opposition to the truth of God.
This verse is a stern warning to the political leaders in Jerusalem during a time of intense geopolitical pressure from the Assyrian Empire. Their scoffing and reliance on their own political maneuvering, rather than on God, set the stage for divine judgment, even as the city itself was spared from complete destruction by Sennacherib's siege.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Dominance
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II, exerted significant influence and control over the region, demanding tribute and intervening in local politics.
c. 705-701 BC
Hezekiah's Rebellion
King Hezekiah of Judah, against Isaiah's counsel, participated in a revolt against Assyrian rule, aligning with other Levantine states. This led to a major Assyrian invasion.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army under Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem. The city was miraculously spared from destruction, but many other Judean cities were conquered, and a heavy tribute was imposed.
Late 7th century BC
Rise of Babylon
The Neo-Babylonian Empire began to challenge Assyrian power, eventually leading to the fall of Nineveh and the expansion of Babylonian influence in the region.
This passage echoes Isaiah's critique of leaders who misuse God's temple and trust in empty words, while God declares their actions turn His house into a 'den of robbers,' highlighting the theme of spiritual and political corruption leading to judgment.
Proverbs 1:22This verse describes the 'simple' who love their simplicity and the 'scorners' who delight in scorning, directly paralleling the character of the rulers addressed in Isaiah 28:14 and showing the destructive nature of their scoffing attitude.
Luke 11:45-46Jesus rebukes the lawyers and Pharisees for burdening people with laws they themselves do not keep, similar to Isaiah's condemnation of leaders whose actions contradict their positions and lead others astray.
Ezekiel 13:6-7This passage condemns prophets who 'see falsehood and lying' and claim God has spoken when He has not, aligning with Isaiah's accusation that the rulers' 'covenants' and 'refuges' are built on lies and will fail.
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…
This verse isn't just calling out general scoffing; it specifically targets the leaders in Jerusalem. They aren't just people who mock; they are actively "ruling," implying their scorn directly influences the nation's policies and trajectory.
Isaiah addresses the leaders in Jerusalem directly, calling them "scoffers" because they dismiss God's warnings and trust in their own political schemes. These rulers, secure in their perceived cleverness and secret alliances, believe they have insulated themselves from the coming judgment. The prophet declares that their confidence is misplaced and their "refuge" will fail when the overwhelming force arrives.
Isaiah addresses the leaders in Jerusalem directly, calling them "scoffers" because they dismiss God's warnings and trust in their own political schemes. These rulers, secure in their perceived cleverness and secret alliances, believe they have insulated themselves from the coming judgment. The prophet declares that their confidence is misplaced and their "refuge" will fail when the overwhelming force arrives.
"Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem! Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming whip passes th…" — This verse isn't just calling out general scoffing; it specifically targets the leaders in Jerusalem. They aren't just people who mock; they are actively "ruling," implying their scorn directly inf…
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Last reviewed October 2026
