ISAIAH CHAPTER 28 The drunkenness of Ephraim bringeth destruction on them: a remnant shall be honourable, Isaiah 28:1-8. Their unteachableness, Isaiah 28:9-13. Their mock at God's threatenings, Isaiah 28:14,15. Christ prophesied for a sure foundation to believers, Isaiah 28:16, and destruction to the mockers, who are exhorted to amend, Isaiah 28:17-22. God's providence, its work and seasons towards the church set out by a husbandman, Isaiah 28:23-29. The crown of pride; that proud and insolent kingdom; for the crown is oft put for the kingdom, as Jeremiah 13:18, &c. The drunkards; either,
1. Metaphorically, drunk with proud self-confidence, and security, and prosperity; or rather,
2. Properly, by comparing this with Isaiah 28:7 Hosea 7:5 Amos 6:6, where the Israelites are taxed with this sin. For having many and excellent vines among them, they were exposed to this sin, and frequently overcome by it. Of Ephraim; of the kingdom of the ten tribes; which is commonly called. by the name of Ephraim, as hath been oft noted before. Whose glorious beauty is a fading flower; whose glory and greatness shall suddenly wither and perish. Which are; which proud and drunken Israelites have their common and chief abode. Or, which is, i.e. which flower is-or which beauty or glory is. The head of the fat valleys either,
1. In Samaria, which might well be called the head, as being seated upon a mountain; and the head of the kingdom, and the head of the fat valleys, because it was encompassed with many fat and rich valleys. Or,
2. Upon the chief or choicest (as this word signifies, Exodus 30:23 Song of Solomon 4:14 Isaiah 9:14,15, and elsewhere) of the fat or rich valleys; which they made occasions and instruments of luxury. That are overcome, Heb. that are smitten, or broken, or overthrown, or knocked down; all which significations of this word fitly agree to drunkards.