Isaiah 28. In Isaiah 28:1-4 Isaiah predicts the speedy overthrow of Samaria. The date is therefore not later than the year in which Samaria fell (Isaiah 7:22). Apparently it was uttered before the siege began, as is suggested by the reference to the drunken revelling of the inhabitants. It may possibly be fixed after Hoshea had concluded his alliance with Egypt and revolted from Assyria and before Shalmaneser had actually taken steps to punish his defection (pp. 59, 70). Isaiah 28:5 f. seems to be a later addition. The rest of the chapter belongs in the main to c. 703. Probably Isaiah 28:7-13 and Isaiah 28:14-22 were originally independent oracles, but they seem to deal with the same circumstances. There is no valid reason for doubting the Isaianic origin of Isaiah 28:23-29, and it may quite well be a continuation of the preceding prophecies.
Isaiah 28:1-6. The Doom of Samaria. Samaria crowned the summit of a beautiful hill (p. 30), hence it is here described as the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim. But there is also an allusion to the garlands worn by revellers. Just as they fade and droop in the hot atmosphere as the banquet goes on, so the gay city which crowns the rich valley will be destroyed. For Yahweh has the mighty Assyria for His instrument, which will come like a tempest or a flood. The crown, of which Ephraim's drunkards were so proud, shall be flung aside all withered, to be trampled under foot, and it shall vanish as quickly as the firstripe fig, a rare delicacy, scarcely in the hand before it is in the mouth. If 5f. belongs to this prophecy, Isaiah passes from the disaster to the blessedness which is to follow; then the crown in which the remnant will rejoice will not be the crown of a strong fortress or a drunkard's garland, but Yahweh Himself. He will inspire the judge with the true spirit of judgment, and the warriors with strength to drive the battle back to (mg.) the gate. But apparently the verses mean that while Samaria is overthrown, righteous Judah will have Yahweh for her crown, and He will equip her with judgment and strength. But this is contrary to several expressions of Isaiah elsewhere.
Isaiah 28:4. The figs were ripe in August, the firstripe figs in June.