What is the Covenant with Death mentioned in Isaiah 28:14-18?

Hi,

as with many prophecies there is a near and future fulfillment going on here. Here is the prophecy:

Isa 28:14-18  Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem.  (15)  You boast, "We have entered into a covenant with death, with the grave we have made an agreement. When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by, it cannot touch us, for we have made a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place."  (16)  So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.  (17)  I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place.  (18)  Your covenant with death will be annulled; your agreement with the grave will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you will be beaten down by it.

The Historical Background and Context

The background and surrounding context from Isaiah 28:1-13 is a warning to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (designated by the name 'Ephraim' in 28:1,3) that they were soon to be judged for their pride. We know from history that this occurred in 722 BC when the Assyrian army overcame them and took them into captivity. 

In verse 14 the Lord then turns His attention to the Southern Kingdom of Judah ('the people who rule in Jerusalem') and gives them a warning for they were living with the same attitude as their northern brothers. The rulers of Judah were not trusting in the Lord but in an alliance with Egypt. They saw this as a guarantee of their safety from the Assyrian army. To them it was like they had made a covenant with death and Sheol, guaranteeing them that harm and death would not come their way. They thought that they would not be touched even if an overwhelming scourge came by. But as the Lord points out, they had actually made lies and falsehood their refuge. And He ends by saying 'Your covenant with death will be annulled; your agreement with the grave will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you will be beaten down by it.' In other words, the Lord is saying 'you think you have a guarantee with Death itself that you will be spared. Well, that is not going to happen. Your agreement with death will come to nothing and you will be beaten down by the invading army.'

In light of this the Lord exhorts them to trust in Him and not any foreign nation or god. If they were to trust in Him they will not be dismayed. We read:

Isa 28:16  So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.

The Future Fulfillment

Now as I said, many prophecies have a near and future fulfilment. And some are like cycles increasing in intensity until they come to their ultimate fulfilment. It is not hard to see how this passage finds its ultimate fulfilment for we know that once again, in the last days, Israel will trust not in the Lord, but in another. And that won't end well. The covenant they enter into will be with the Antichrist (Dan 9:27). Initially this will bring the people of Israel a tremendous sense of security and they will feel that they cannot be touched. Once again, it will be like they have made an agreement with Death itself not to touch or harm them. But we know how this will end. At the midpoint of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will show His true colors and intentions. 

Dan 8:25  He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.

1Th 5:3  While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

Dan 9:27  "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."

Truly, any agreement that Israel thought they had with Death will be annulled. Any safety that they thought they had will vanish and many will die. Jesus spoke concerning this time and said when they see teh abomination of desolation, they have one choice - run! They must flee to the place God has prepared for them lest they be overtaken and die. 

And ultimately, it all comes down to this... Israel must come to the place where they finally see and acknowledge that Jesus, Yeshua, is their Messiah and only hope. They have to come to know, believe and trust in Him. Having being deceived by the lies of the Antichrist, they must come to place their feet upon the sure foundation that Isaiah, and scripture in general, speaks of:

"See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed."

And what will that take? It will take the day of Jacob's trouble (Jer 30:7). It will take the power of the Holy People (Israel) being shattered (Dan 12:7). It will take their utter misery (unfortunately) to cause them to earnestly seek Him. But seek Him, and find Him, they will! He will become their sure foundation and be like the spring rains, bringing new life again.

Hos 5:15-6:3  Then I will go back to my place until they admit their guilt. And they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me."  (6:1)  Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.  (2)  After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.  (3)  Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth."

Rom 11:12  But if their (Israel's) transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring!

Rom 11:15  For if their (Israel's) rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

So thank you for the question. I have studied these things for 35 years and still get amazed to see how it is all getting aligned and ready to be played out on the global stage. God's word is awesome and it is true. And there is a very ancient story playing out here, in real time, before our eyes. If we have eyes to see. 

Hope that helped. Blessings.