“Against the background of the nation’s vain and misplaced confidence in false security Isaiah utters one of the greatest Messianic prophecies in his entire work. This prophecy in some respects calls to mind the situation present in chapter seven. As the unbelieving Ahaz had rejected the sign proffered of the Lord, and consequently the Lord Himself had given a a sign, so here, the Lord again takes action, setting in contrast to the weak foundations upon which Judah trusted, the true and tried Stone which alone is a foundation upon which one may rest.” (E. J. Young, The Book of Isaiah, Vol. 2, p. 284).
“Tongues are a sign against unbelievers. This can be seen… in the use of Isaiah 28:11ff. To support the character of tongues as a sign…. Paul pointedly excludes a positive or evangelizing use for tongues. Prophecy, not tongues, attacts unbelievers to the gospel and serves to win them for Christ.” (Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., Perspectives on Pentecost, p. 104 [on Paul’s use of Isaiah 28 in 1 Corinthians 14]).
The next 101 Bible Study, meeting Friday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Astoria area, focuses on Isaiah 30–31. Call 971/238-6101 for location.
