Isaiah 28:11

"For it is precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little."

Key Reflection

The verse from Isaiah 28:11 uses vivid imagery to describe how God's word would be revealed to His people, layering it in such a way that it becomes both intricate and accessible. By repeating the phrase “precept on precept” and “line on line,” the original audience—likely those familiar with the meticulous writing of legal documents—would have understood the idea of detailed instructions being given piece by piece, ensuring no detail was overlooked. This method would allow for a gradual yet thorough understanding, even if comprehension came slowly or only partially at first, leading to a deeper engagement with God’s teachings over time.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

For -This verse is to be understood as a response to what the complaining and dissatisfied people had said, as expressed in the previous verse. God says that he will teach them, but it should be by another tongue - a foreign language in a distant land. Since they refused to hearken to the messages which he sent to them, and which they regarded as adapted only to children, he would teach them in a manner that should be “much more” humiliating; he would make use of the barbarous language of foreigners to bring them to the true knowledge of God.

Related Verses

More from Isaiah 28

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