God’s instructions sometimes arrive little by little, but each line and each order together form a complete message that guides believers toward spiritual maturity.
“For He says, ‘Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there.’” (Isaiah 28:10) describes how God’s message often comes in gradual stages. Isaiah, who prophesied in Judah around 740-686 B.C., presents these repeated words to illustrate a people who mock the prophet’s instruction, dismissing the LORD’s guidance as if it were mere children’s lessons. The repetition of “order on order” and “line on line” reflects a slow but deliberate unfolding of divine truth. Much like a patient teacher providing small bits of knowledge, the LORD ensures His people have ample opportunity to understand, despite their stubbornness.
In its historical context, Isaiah 28 addresses the leaders of Judah who have grown complacent, believing themselves safe from harm. These words speak of God’s willingness to communicate clearly, even to those too prideful to receive a straightforward message. The phrase “A little here, a little there” suggests that, over time, the patient efforts of God’s revelations will become impossible to ignore. If the people of Judah refuse to listen, they will eventually face the consequences of rejecting bit-by-bit instruction.
Through this verse, we see that God’s patient teaching style invites His people to humility. Rather than dismissing the LORD’s prophets, the passage encourages believers to receive each command and principle gratefully, knowing that every line of revelation is precious and intended to draw them nearer to truth and life.
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Isaiah 28:10 meaning
“For He says, ‘Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there.’” (Isaiah 28:10) describes how God’s message often comes in gradual stages. Isaiah, who prophesied in Judah around 740-686 B.C., presents these repeated words to illustrate a people who mock the prophet’s instruction, dismissing the LORD’s guidance as if it were mere children’s lessons. The repetition of “order on order” and “line on line” reflects a slow but deliberate unfolding of divine truth. Much like a patient teacher providing small bits of knowledge, the LORD ensures His people have ample opportunity to understand, despite their stubbornness.
In its historical context, Isaiah 28 addresses the leaders of Judah who have grown complacent, believing themselves safe from harm. These words speak of God’s willingness to communicate clearly, even to those too prideful to receive a straightforward message. The phrase “A little here, a little there” suggests that, over time, the patient efforts of God’s revelations will become impossible to ignore. If the people of Judah refuse to listen, they will eventually face the consequences of rejecting bit-by-bit instruction.
Through this verse, we see that God’s patient teaching style invites His people to humility. Rather than dismissing the LORD’s prophets, the passage encourages believers to receive each command and principle gratefully, knowing that every line of revelation is precious and intended to draw them nearer to truth and life.