Isaiah 28:15

Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:

Isaiah 28:15 (KJV)

Context

Isaiah addresses the leaders of Judah, warning them of impending judgment. Their boastful words reveal a fatal self-deception: they trust in political alliances and deceptive schemes rather than in the Lord. The overflowing scourge likely refers to the Assyrian invasion, which they hoped to escape through their own maneuvering.

Meaning

The covenant with death and agreement with hell (Sheol) symbolize the people’s reliance on foreign alliances and false assurances. They believed that even if disaster struck, they would be protected. This false confidence in human strength and strategy stands in stark contrast to trusting God’s guidance and protection.

The overflowing scourge represents a devastating calamity, such as a military invasion, that would bring destruction upon the land. The people’s refuge in lies and falsehood shows their departure from God’s truth. They chose deceitful practices and false assurances over the security that comes from obedience to God.

Biblical connections

This verse sets up God’s response in the following verses, where He declares He will lay a tested cornerstone in Zion (Isaiah 28:16). This contrasts their false refuge with God’s sure foundation, reminding readers that only God’s provision is reliable. The cornerstone imagery directly answers the people’s boast, showing that their self-made security cannot withstand the judgment they sought to escape.

Application

Isaiah 28:15 warns against placing trust in worldly alliances, false assurances, and deceptive practices. It calls for honest self-examination and trust in God’s revealed truth rather than in human schemes. The danger of presuming upon God’s mercy while continuing in sin is clear: human attempts to secure safety through lies and alliances are ultimately futile. The people’s words expose their heart condition, believing they could outwit divine judgment through cleverness.

Reflection

Consider where you might be tempted to make your own covenant with death—relying on wealth, relationships, or strategies instead of God. True security is found only in the cornerstone God has laid, Jesus Christ. Let this verse prompt you to examine your heart and turn from false refuges to the only sure foundation.