READ: Is. 28:23-29: … For He instructs him in right judgment … This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.
Four times, Isaiah calls for attention to his message about the LORD’s teaching. The agricultural process—preparing, sowing, and harvesting—is carefully examined. There is a structured approach in which different steps are followed in sequence. A farmer is not always plowing and harrowing; no, the goal is to prepare the soil for sowing and planting crops.
First, the top layer must be leveled. Only then can the seeds be scattered, sown, and planted. Care must be taken to differentiate between crops: some are better planted in rows, others scattered over larger areas. Some crops are placed at the edges.
How does the farmer know this? Isaiah says in verse 26: “God instructs him in the right way. He teaches him.”
What is the purpose of this teaching for us? Isn’t it to recognize God’s work in how He deals with people? It may seem arbitrary, but in God’s counsel, it is precisely planned. The events leading to salvation or condemnation are deliberately prepared and carried out by God. He also takes into account the nature of man, his resilience, sensitivity, etc.
In harvesting, the farmer also makes distinctions. He uses different tools: a threshing sledge, a cartwheel, or a rod. Strength is needed, but the yield must not be destroyed. The LORD deals similarly with His people and their opponents.
Isaiah ends in worship: “This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.” After times of peace, times of tribulation are needed. The LORD knows what we need, both as a church and as individual believers.
Let us then trust in Him in all circumstances!
How do we experience God’s wisdom in our time?
Sing: Ps. 92:3,4