The book of Psalms begins by warning us who we listen to, where we put ourselves, and with whom we identify and settle in with. Psalm 1:1: “Blessed is he walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”
What are “scoffers”? The Hebrew word is used only once in Psalms, but five times in Proverbs. In Proverbs 1:22 scoffers are associated with simpletons and fools. In Prov. 3:34 the word is also translated scorners or mockers, but they get for themselves God’s scorn. In 19:29 scoffers get condemnation and again are paired with “fools” who will get a beating. Prov. 21:24 describes a scoffer as arrogant, haughty and prideful. And in 29:8 they are seen as socially destructive: “Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away from anger.” That brings to mind the “mostly peaceful protesters,” as the mainstream media described the raging arsonists in the summer of 2020.
Be Careful Who You Listen To
In Isaiah 28:14 the LORD calls the rulers of Jerusalem scoffers, who depend on lies and falsehoods. Reminds me of the Deep State in Washington D.C. and their allies throughout the land (media, academia, big business etc.) Isaiah, God’s prophetic voice in 28:22 warns: “Stop scoffing now, or you’ll have stronger chains put on you, for I have heard a decree of destruction from the LORD God of hosts against the whole land.” In Isaiah 28 God renounces (divorces) His people, who are now ruled in Jerusalem by “scoffers,” people who ignore, defy and mock God and His Word. “Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 28:14) Notice God no longer says “My people,” but “this people.”
Have We Made Lies Our Refuge?
God describes the rulers as those who have made a covenant (treaty) with death and Sheol (hell). In other words, they will let Satan have his way (abortion, LGBTQI+, mutilation and murder of children, etc.) as long as he doesn’t bother them–make them pay for their godless lifestyle. They assume bargaining with Satan will protect them from harm as long as they follow Satan’s ways, saying,
“for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter.”
Isaiah 28:15
Such is a description of the current rulers in this nation’s capital city (Washington D.C.), with all their lies, euphemisms and truth cancellations, which are dutifully parroted by the mainstream media and inculcated into the next generation through the school system.
However: “Thus says the LORD God . . . “Your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with hell will not stand when the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be beaten down by it.” (Isaiah 28:18) “It will be sheer terror to understand the message.” (v. 19) Isaiah concludes: “Now therefore do not scoff, lest your bonds be made strong, for I have heard a decree of destruction, from the LORD God of hosts against the whole land.” (Is. 28:22)
Kiss The Son
But God also provides a way of escape for a remnant in Isaiah 28:16: “Thus says the LORD God, ‘Behold I am the One who has laid a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation. Whoever believes in Him will not be in haste.'” (i.e., fleeing in fear and anxiety in God’s day of reckoning) This Rock of Ages is none other than Jesus Christ. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36) Or as the Psalmist says, “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 2:12)
Walking, Standing & Sitting
Remember to daily seek the Lord’s blessing by asking Him to help you walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers. Or as The Message version states, “don’t walk in the ruts of those blind-as-bats, don’t stand with the good-for-nothings, and don’t take your seat among the know-it-alls.”
