Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary, and deliver Jacob to utter destruction and Israel to reviling.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God's word is stark: He Himself has "profaned the princes of the sanctuary" and delivered Jacob to utter destruction. This isn't a divine accident; it's a direct consequence of Israel's own actions, as the text explicitly connects their rebellion ("Thy father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed") to God's judgment of bringing them to utter ruin and disgrace.
Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary, and deliver Jacob to utter destruction and Israel to reviling.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears at the end of a section where God is lamenting Israel's persistent sin and unfaithfulness, which has led to their present state of judgment. God has been patient, but their continued rebellion, even among their spiritual leaders (the princes of the sanctuary), has brought about this severe consequence. The following verses will pivot to God's ultimate faithfulness and promise of restoration, but this verse seals the reality of the judgment for their covenant-breaking.
The verse speaks of 'princes of the sanctuary' being profaned. What does this mean when applied to religious leaders, and how does it reflect God's judgment?
God's Disregard for Status
In Isaiah 43:28, God declares He will 'profane the princes of the sanctuary.' This isn't about God Himself doing the profaning, but rather that He allows it to happen as a consequence of their sin.
Who are these 'Princes'?
The 'princes of the sanctuary,' or 'consecrated princes,' refer to the chief priests and other high-ranking religious officials. These were individuals set apart, holding a sacred office. In 1 Chronicles 24:5, they are even called 'governors of the sanctuary.'
What does 'Profane' Mean Here?
The Hebrew word used here can mean to treat as common, to desecrate, or to defile. God is saying that these holy princes, because of their unfaithfulness and sin, will be stripped of their sacred status. They will be treated like ordinary people, sharing in the common punishment and disgrace of the nation. Their consecrated position will offer them no special protection from God's judgment.
This highlights a crucial truth: God values obedience over position. When those entrusted with His service fail, their elevated status offers no immunity.
Ask a follow-up
The verse mentions Jacob and Israel being given to the 'curse' and 'reproaches.' What is the gravity of this 'curse,' and what does it reveal about God's justice?
The Devastation of the Curse
The verse speaks of God giving 'Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.' This signifies a complete and utter devastation as a result of their sin.
The 'Curse' (Cherem)
The Hebrew word translated as 'curse' here is cherem. This term denotes something that is devoted to destruction, set apart for utter ruin, or placed under a ban – a complete anathema. It signifies a total loss of status and a handing over to complete destruction.
Delivered to Reproaches
Being given to 'reproaches' means being subjected to scorn, mockery, and utter contempt by their enemies. In their exile and disfavor, their enemies would heap insults upon them, using their downfall as proof of their gods' superiority or their own god's weakness.
This speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's judgment when a people turns away from Him. It's not just a removal of favor but a handing over to the deepest levels of shame and destruction.
Understand the original words
chalal · Hebrew Verb
To treat something holy or set apart as common, ordinary, or unclean. In a biblical context, it involves stripping away the sacred status of something dedicated to God, often as a judgment for disobedience.
sar · Hebrew Noun
High-ranking individuals within the Temple system, such as priests or religious leaders. They are intended to be holy, but here they suffer the consequences of their own and the nation's spiritual failure.
Ya'aqob · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name for the nation descended from the patriarch Jacob/Israel. It encompasses the entirety of the community that bears the responsibility of the covenant and experiences the consequences of corporate faithfulness or rebellion.
cherem · Hebrew Noun
A term for complete and total destruction, often associated with a divine ban (herem). It represents the full expression of judgment and the removal of something from God's presence or protection.
geduphah · Hebrew Noun
The state of being spoken about with contempt or shame. It is the public loss of reputation, honor, and standing, often serving as a visible sign of divine judgment against a disobedient nation.
This verse reflects the devastation and disgrace of the Babylonian exile, where the 'princes of the sanctuary' (priests and leaders) shared the same fate as the common people, being subjected to a 'curse' (devotion to destruction) and 'reproaches' from their conquerors. This severe judgment was a consequence of generations of Israel's sin and unfaithfulness.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Hezekiah's reforms and faith lead to a miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army under Sennacherib.
c. 621 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
King Josiah's religious reforms following the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple.
605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Campaign
Nebuchadnezzar defeats Pharaoh Neco at Carchemish, extending Babylonian influence and leading to Judah's tribute to Babylon.
598 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem, deports King Jehoiachin and many citizens, including the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon.
587 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, deporting the remaining population, including King Zedekiah.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers the Neo-Babylonian Empire, paving the way for the return of the Jewish exiles.
This verse reflects a similar sentiment of divine displeasure, where the Lord has covered the sanctuary with a cloud in his anger and cast down Israel's splendor to the ground.
Ezekiel 25:17This passage shows God enacting vengeance and judgment upon nations for their actions, mirroring the divine judgment described in Isaiah for the people of Israel.
Zephaniah 1:8Zephaniah speaks of God punishing the princes and the house of the king, akin to Isaiah's pronouncement against the 'princes of the sanctuary,' indicating a broad scope of divine judgment.
Psalm 89:39This Psalm describes God treating His anointed one with contempt and casting his throne to the ground, a concept that resonates with Isaiah's message of God 'profaning' the princes and delivering Israel to disgrace.
ellicottIsaiah 43:28: "Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches."
(28) I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary. —Better, holy princes. The title is given to the chief priests in 1Chronicles 24:5 . In the exile their priestly functions were in abeyance. They were practically desecrated. The curse.—The cherem, or ban, answering to the anathema. The state described answers to that of Hosea 3:4.
pulpitIsaiah 43:28: "Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches."
Verse 28. - Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary. The "princes of the sanctuary" (literally, "princes of holiness") are the principal members of the priesthood, who were carried into captivity with the rest of the people (2 Kings 25:18), and deprived of their functions, as a part of the punishment due to Israel for its sins. Israel itself was at…
God's word is stark: He Himself has "profaned the princes of the sanctuary" and delivered Jacob to utter destruction. This isn't a divine accident; it's a direct consequence of Israel's own actions, as the text explicitly connects their rebellion ("Thy father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed") to God's judgment of bringing them to utter ruin and disgrace.
This verse appears at the end of a section where God is lamenting Israel's persistent sin and unfaithfulness, which has led to their present state of judgment. God has been patient, but their continued rebellion, even among their spiritual leaders (the princes of the sanctuary), has brought about this severe consequence. The following verses will pivot to God's ultimate faithfulness and promise of restoration, but this verse seals the reality of the judgment for their covenant-breaking.
This verse appears at the end of a section where God is lamenting Israel's persistent sin and unfaithfulness, which has led to their present state of judgment. God has been patient, but their continued rebellion, even among their spiritual leaders (the princes of the sanctuary), has brought about this severe consequence. The following verses will pivot to God's ultimate faithfulness and promise of restoration, but this verse seals the reality of the judgment for their covenant-breaking.
"Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary, and deliver Jacob to utter destruction and Israel to reviling." — God's word is stark: He Himself has "profaned the princes of the sanctuary" and delivered Jacob to utter destruction. This isn't a divine accident; it's a direct consequence of Israel's own actions,…
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Last reviewed October 2026