Isaiah 28:14–18

14 Therefore hear the word of the Lord,q you scoffersr

who rule this people in Jerusalem.

15 You boast, “We have entered into a covenant with death,s

with the realm of the dead we have made an agreement.

When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by,t

it cannot touch us,

for we have made a lieu our refuge

and falsehoodb our hiding place.v”

16 So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion,w a tested stone,x

a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;y

the one who relies on it

will never be stricken with panic.z

17 I will make justicea the measuring line

and righteousness the plumb line;b

hailc will sweep away your refuge, the lie,

and water will overflowd your hiding place.

18 Your covenant with death will be annulled;

your agreement with the realm of the dead will not stand.e

When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by,f

you will be beaten downg by it.