Isaiah 28:10, commentary and pictures

The verse means that true instruction is given in small, repeated portions, one precept and one line at a time, here a little and there a little. It was first God's patient way of teaching transgressors through appointed messengers to turn them from evil back to loyalty, leading step by step as in the wilderness through Moses and in the time of Ahaz and Israel's prophets. That teaching begins with the child in its mother's arms and continues through babyhood, childhood, youth and manhood, forming lasting impressions for good or evil in the first years. To those who refuse to hear and cling to their own wisdom the same word becomes a test, so they stumble, fall backward, are broken, snared and taken. Therefore Bible truth must be searched out diligently by comparing part with part rather than by hurried reading, and must be taught to children at home and to others beginning only with what they are ready to receive.

Words and Historical Setting

The verse portrays divine instruction as given in small, repeated portions, precept added to precept and line added to line, truth imparted successively a little at a time rather than all at once in confusing or advanced language. It is teaching of knowledge and doctrine for those made ready to learn, directed to those weaned from milk and drawn from the breasts, and given in clear, simple, connected portions at a pace learners can follow. In its setting this gradual word carries the offer of rest and refreshing to the weary, yet when refused it becomes a test and a cause of stumbling, so that hearers go and fall backward and are broken and snared and taken. The chapter in this warning portrays conditions in the world today.

It was first God's patient teaching of transgressors through appointed messengers to lead them from evil back to loyalty, urging them to forsake evil and return to Him. During the reign of Ahaz the prophets' repeated invitations called erring Israel back to loyalty to Jehovah and bore fruit. In the wilderness journey toward the promised land He taught Israel through Moses step by step what character to form and how to act in difficulty, allowing trials to train them and to give strength for each successive stage. That instruction to Israel also supplies principles for later generations, for those journeying heavenward and especially in the last days to study and value, and the same gradual home instruction of the Word prepared Timothy to bear responsibilities at a young age.

The teaching begins with the child in its mother's arms and continues through babyhood, childhood, youth and manhood, with parents who believe patiently bringing the word before children and keeping it before them. It is to begin with very young children in the first seven or ten years of life, when lasting impressions for good or for evil are made. From babyhood character is to be molded and fashioned according to the divine plan, with virtues instilled into the opening mind so the child will do good to others and honor God. In this early schooling children receive truth in the heart, learn what sin is and that all sin is an offense toward God, and are molded after the similitude of a palace for Christ to dwell in.

In context the gradual word lays in Zion a tried precious cornerstone as sure foundation, and lays judgment to the line and righteousness to the plummet to sweep away the refuge of lies. It is meant to lead to rest and refreshment, but those who reject it and rely on their own wisdom face stumbling, brokenness and capture, being left to their supposed wise judgment without heavenly wisdom. Christ likewise taught divine truth gradually in small portions, in plain, simple, explicit and direct language, step by step and principle by principle. He waited until weak sight could bear what love unfolds, withholding what learners could not yet bear in tenderness and gentleness, requiring teachers to be patient and not hasty toward slow learners who need repeated instruction before discerning holy lessons. He rejected human traditions and outward additions to the law, presenting God's law as expressing His character and binding in every detail, and He came from heaven to make it known one precept after another as the binding standard for life, though companions who received His repeated instruction did not always allow it to transform character.

The same little-by-little pattern can be counterfeited and misused. It is misused by rigid, repeated instruction given to family members that controls them and overrides their judgment. Even scattered remarks spoken bit by bit, here a little and there a little, can be seeds producing a sure harvest, and in one case those remarks encouraged unbelief. Satan likewise leads people step by step into his service, with worldly excitement, earthly pleasure, corrupted ambition and selfish indulgence occupying life until they die without knowing God by personal experience, in contrast to hungering and thirsting for righteousness which brings fulfillment. Rightly understood, the phrase means steadily lifting up the standard little by little here and there to guard the sacredness of the work, keeping self and human ideas from mingling with truth of heavenly origin as chaff with wheat, so that the most important truth ever committed to mortals exerts a decided divine power upon character. It also means speaking a word here and there as opportunity arises, as about God's love and goodness to fellow travelers while remaining ready to speak at any time, and patient gradual help requiring earnest, judicious perseverance to encourage hope for better conditions.

God's Patient Teaching

God teaches knowledge and understanding of doctrine to those made ready to learn by adding truth successively, one precept and one line at a time in clear, simple, connected portions at a pace learners can follow. Important points must be taught repeatedly, a little at a time and in an orderly way, because false teachings and old errors can confuse people and bury the truth they have heard. Instruction is to be given gradually through object lessons suited to the people being taught, planting truth in their hearts through continued steady teaching. Those learning may understand only slowly, like children, so their progress calls for patience and encouragement rather than discouragement, never presenting advanced ideas all at once or in confusing language. Faithful teaching in this clear, definite way can lead many to conviction and conversion through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Christ completes the learner's education gradually, giving instruction step by step and a little at a time, and close fellowship with Him as Elder Brother fits workers for service and teaches them truth. The great Teacher gives instruction line upon line and precept upon precept, and His authoritative precepts are to reach the conscience and expose the heart's defects so that a person may reform, while resisting them in favor of personal ideas prevents hearing and receiving that instruction. Teachers must train the mind by presenting truth step by step, guiding people to understand how to cooperate with God. The mind, enlightened by truth and freed from prejudice and human traditions, can distinguish truth from error, and as a person responds to the light already given the Spirit reveals more of God's truth. Learning this cooperation requires willing response and continued seeking of Christ's lessons, which brings encouragement and strength, and not assuming complete knowledge.

Great light has been given gradually, instruction upon instruction and in small portions, with increased light from the Word to come line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, and every ray emanating from the throne to be caught. The messages sent since 1846, including reproofs and warnings, bring light and correct error, and as people receive and value them they gain understanding and are changed. The unchangeable Bible truths given after the passing of the time in 1844 remain the truth to be proclaimed everywhere with greater assurance than at any previous time, by repeating the same message steadily in small portions, and as those words are spoken the Holy Spirit bears witness with Jesus presiding to bring conversion of souls. For about forty years the same method has taught the principles of health reform as divine instruction, not merely human ideas, to be practiced conscientiously unto restoration of physical and spiritual health, and rejecting them is rejecting the Giver. Light received must be cherished and carried into practical life, for where it was not, there was little spiritual power.

God's peculiar people have been given great light gradually, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little, receiving truth little by little through repeated precepts and lines of teaching over years. That growing knowledge increases responsibility to value Christ, who came to give light and salvation and makes His divine power available to every believer, and to value His priestly intercession serving the plan of salvation, showing no little appreciation for this great salvation. Each part of the instruction can make the way clear, and the light received is to be followed without deviation, lived out, and shared with others. Accumulated light obligates heeding God's warnings and not yielding to the enemy's temptations, not uniting in the least with advocates of false theories and enterprises God has not sent, not enlisting sympathies and interests in work opposed to the Word, and not letting commercialism absorb energies and means due to God's present work, for doing so puts souls on dangerous ground amid agencies of evil. Indolence and positive neglect to walk in the light given bring accountability before God.

Continued instruction comes through Scripture and through repeated messages, warnings, and admonition sent step by step, a little at a time, to guide, teach the way of salvation, and call to searching the Scriptures, obeying God's commandments, conforming life to Christ, and putting away corrupting books. The truths already revealed in Scripture are made clear and memorable through repeated direct counsel that adds no new truth but draws attention to biblical teachings neglected to be obeyed, applying biblical principles to similar cases and directing back to neglected truths. Books provide a lesser light intended to lead to the greater light of the Bible, laying down life's conditions a little at a time. This repeated teaching helps people grow to the full stature of Christ and seek living water, but false teaching can lead some to reject the work of presenting truth as it is in Jesus. Refusing to study or obey the instruction is rejecting light, bringing danger of God's Spirit withdrawn, hardness of heart, blindness of mind, and His controversy with His people.

Steady, careful divine teaching gives each soul spiritual knowledge of God and Jesus Christ as the soul's only hope. That same teaching makes each person feel individually accountable to serve God by helping save others from death.

Refusal Brings Stumbling

The same patient instruction becomes a test when hearers refuse to listen, for those who cherish their own wisdom, work out their own ideas, and trust in human strength are left to their supposed wise judgment without heavenly wisdom and stumble, fall backward, are broken, snared and taken. There is no safety in placing confidence in human wisdom or strength. Truth given repeatedly in successive parts does no good to those who resist hearing and receiving it, even when they have received it line upon line and precept upon precept yet call the warnings worthless. Having truth in this gradual repeated way does not guarantee acceptance, since people may still reject the Spirit's testimony and persist in misrepresentation and false teaching. The chapter portrays conditions in the world today.

Warnings from God come repeatedly and piece by piece and must be heeded rather than disregarded. That repeated small-portion method applies to warnings given through His word, through the testimonies to the church, and through books that explain present duty and clarify what is required now, and obedience to truth for this time guards against strong delusions. To disregard them leaves no valid excuse. Few understand or know those warnings although some do, despite light given precept by precept and line by line. Many warnings and teachings have been sent in mercy as corrective testimonies to turn people from wrong actions and protect them from further error. A word here and a word there has repeatedly shown the way of escape from spiritual danger, yet failure to recognize peril leaves Christ alone as the one who can save.

Those in positions of influence and responsibility have received instruction line upon line, precept upon precept through messages coming year after year, and must heed without delay by putting away the evil of their works, drawing near, repenting and being converted. Reformation must begin with those in the most responsible positions, each in his own house, teaching truth in his own household and showing well-ordered lives and godly speech that please the Lord. Every part of the work requires honest examination to see if the Lord is pleased with its fruit, for speech and presence must fit heaven through conformity to the will of the divine Saviour, with a converted heart and wholehearted service, and where this fruit is missing profession dishonors God and those who pass for Christians are not worthy of the name. Patience, tenderness and reconversion must be added little by little, precept upon precept, under the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, by ministers and physicians and all in office looking to themselves, that in humility and meekness seeking the Lord they may follow step by step in the way of the Lord, meet souls separating from brethren striving for heaven, resist instruction by fallen angels appearing as teachers and temptations and false paths through commercialism and unconverted speculators and teachers whose defects of character have become firmly fixed, and become prepared overcomers for the kingdom of heaven.

Receiving truth gradually in small portions and repeated instruction increases responsibility and does not guarantee acceptance. Those who have received it step by step have a great responsibility to share the final gospel message with those who have not heard it. That growing knowledge increases accountability to value Christ, whose divine power is offered to every believer for salvation and whose priestly intercession serves the plan of salvation, and to show no little appreciation for this great salvation. Full freely given truth brings no lasting benefit or growth to maturity unless received, appreciated, communicated and lived out. Those who have heard truth for years line upon line and precept upon precept should live by light already given rather than require workers to spend all their efforts teaching them again. Light sent repeatedly precept by precept and line by line makes people accountable, yet many have chosen darkness rather than light by disregarding it. Those taught by repeated instruction from God's word cannot rightly ignore His demands or deviate from any part, and must heed and warn those who openly disregard the fourth commandment.

Searching Scripture Diligently

The great system of Bible truth is gathered a little at a time, and its deeper teachings are not discerned by hurried, careless, occasional, or disconnected reading. Finding what forms that system requires diligent research and continuous effort to search out truth and bring passages together from different places.

Scripture is understood by comparing its parts, with one portion linking with and explaining another to form a complete chain. Light from one text clarifies what is obscure in another part of the Word, and the way to life is thus made plain to sincere seekers guided by the Holy Spirit. Knowledge is given in portions, with one point building on another through successive teachings, until the Bible becomes a treasure house of knowledge impressed on the heart. Biblical histories of notable people furnish lessons for learning step by step and applying teachings in daily life. That patient, repeated instruction reshapes character into harmony with God as the Spirit sanctifies and changes the learner, who must make earnest efforts with prayer and struggle.

Instruction itself is given and taught step by step, with each precept and line building on what has come before. Messengers must first receive instruction and understand the Word accurately, then faithfully teach it in small, clear, orderly portions with every word true so they do not teach falsehood. Teaching draws from different parts of Scripture and brings out both familiar and newly understood truths, clearly and intelligently, while ministers continue to study themselves. Many need such patient, gradual education in small portions rather than preaching alone, searching the Scriptures with families, giving time to digest what is heard with opportunity to express themselves and ask questions, and following discourses with personal effort and applied teaching so truth takes root in the heart and hearers become doers. Pastors are to teach the simplicity of faith gradually and plainly, adding one teaching upon another, coming down from pride, ceasing long dry sermons, and caring for the flock as faithful shepherds, and this brings priceless blessings to the churches and the salvation of many souls. Sound biblical teaching must be supported by personal piety and obedience to what is taught, for otherwise the teacher becomes a stumbling block to those weak in faith.

Truth for this time is to be repeated and taught step by step, precept upon precept and line upon line, given gradually and repeatedly a little at a time. Holding the beginning of confidence firm unto the end means staying with the main points instead of wandering to grasp unimportant theories and unessential problems such as the problem of the day line. Those entrusted with the third angel's message have a great work to do for the people and cannot come down to solve such questions, but are to keep attention on its main truths and solemn warnings with urgency and faithful repetition, even among the settlements in the mountains and valleys. This steady teaching of God's downtrodden law vindicates and magnifies it as the revelation of the character of Jehovah against bitterness toward it, causes error to flee, rolls back false doctrines by the light of Christ's righteousness, and lets truth win the victory. The truth that the heavens rule is to be taught in the same way, gradually and repeatedly in small portions, as parents instruct their children.

Instructing Children at Home

Parents as home educators are to begin from the cradle and continue daily, morning and evening with family prayer, teaching continually in the ordinary moments of life, correcting errors and patiently guiding toward obedience and the right way. They are to watch constantly over the children, counsel and warn and exhort them, take a firm stand while they are young, and discipline them in youth, holding control with firm yet gentle loving power. They are to know where the children are and their company, choose society for them, and recognize that their own conduct and words shape the children's future, while steady repeated instruction in piety lets Jesus abide in the home.

Instruction is to be brief, frequent, gentle and sympathetic rather than long speeches that burden the mind and make spiritual teaching distasteful. Children and youth need time to take in and digest truth, so they are to be drawn toward heaven gently and not hastily or rashly, with kind encouraging words, tenderness, patience, sympathy and love. Teaching is to add each precept and line to what came before, giving Scripture instruction briefly and often, one lesson at a time, so they can learn without becoming weary or averse, until correct habits and a right spirit are formed and Christ's love revealed binds them to the heart.

From earliest years children are to be taught line by line and little by little to control passion, deny appetite, overcome selfishness, and learn self-denial, self-control, obedience and reverence, with daily small lessons at the fireside and table beginning as innocent babes from the cradle and infancy. This steady instruction repeated in small lessons shapes character and impresses the divine image upon the soul. Repeated neglect forms bad habits harder to undo than good habits are to establish, wastes life's motive power, and leaves blunders as an inheritance.

Parents appointed as priests of the household and home missionaries must teach moral purity and obedience to God's law patiently, consistently, gradually and step by step, with special personal care and thorough protection from corrupting influences. They are to develop mental powers, imbue hearts with right principles, teach to reason from cause to effect, show that violation of health laws brings suffering and that recklessness about bodily health leads to recklessness in morals, guard from careless demoralizing habits, allow only associations of right influence, and know where children are and what they do in the evening. If this gradual training has been neglected, duty must begin at once, neglect confessed to the children without delay, the past redeemed by diligent effort, and children asked to join in reform, so the church is reformed in the home for time and eternity, binding children to parents and to God and leading them to Christ to influence others to salvation, while failure leaves defective character uncorrected and may place children in the ranks of the enemy as his agents in ruining others.

Children must learn God's claims, requirements and commandments precept by precept and line by line, beginning when weaned, so understanding of truth and obedience is built gradually and precepts are kept before them so they are not forgotten. This includes that reverence for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, that Scripture is to be distinguished from human traditions and error mixed with truth, and that they may stand firmly for truth and righteousness and remain loyal to God. Here that steady careful instruction applies especially to the commandments and the Sabbath, that the seventh day not the first is God's Sabbath and knowingly observing the first day after learning truth contradicts God's law and is idolatry, and that Christ's righteousness alone is the covering that admits to heaven and leads to duties that glorify God.

The chief aim is to lead children to know God and Jesus Christ, teaching the great sacrifice of the Son and the knowledge of God gradually one precept and one line at a time, lifting up Christ so hearts are given early with peace and faith taking root in the whole household. The Bible is to be opened to them gradually line upon line and precept upon precept so they can understand and receive light, with repeated instruction leading to practical obedience and service, patiently and tenderly guarding them in the Lord's way so they may be ready for His kingdom. This faithful work must not be neglected at any stage, especially the early years, and must take priority over visitors, unnecessary sewing, extra food preparation and other tasks, forming courtesy, helpfulness, right use of means to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, neat orderly habits and clean homes, useful duties and correct speech, until desires harmonize with God's mind and they become good and useful members of society, fitted for service, baptism, citizenship in heaven and entrance through the gates into the city.

Presenting Truth to Others

Truth as it is in Jesus is to be made known little by little, precept upon precept and line upon line, beginning with the first principles of Christianity before introducing the Sabbath, giving only what hearers are ready to understand. Those unfamiliar with Scripture or taught traditions and false interpretations find the claims new and strange and cannot receive every difficult point at once, so the whole message is not to be pressed upon them at the outset but presented in words they can understand with love and meekness, waiting on other matters until they are prepared. In the Southern field this ordered gradual work meant not provoking opposition over Sunday work in order to observe the Sabbath, lest surveillance, cruel treatment, and closed doors cut off access to the downtrodden colored people.

The warning message is to be given carefully and urgently, step by step with repeated building on each point, so people can understand the truth and make an informed decision while probation lingers. It is to be applied by the Spirit's power to heart and conscience with love, faith, hope, and courage, using every means to bring saving truth home through patient piece-by-piece teaching. People learning the Scriptures need truths explained gradually a little at a time and repeated, led bit by bit into full light through short plain lessons, repeated return to important points, time for questions and expression, personal effort after discourses, and house-to-house instruction as in the early days.

Schools and churches are to educate patiently step by step, precept by precept and line by line, with sympathy, tenderness, kind encouraging words, and revealed love that can touch hearts and transform children whose characters were not properly formed at home. The young are to be taught with kindness, patience, and tenderness rather than left without guidance amid discouragement and temptation, receiving patient instruction precept upon precept and line upon line. Instruction covers reading, writing, arithmetic, and practical knowledge but above all reverence and knowledge of God, forming correct habits and character for usefulness and for temples of the Spirit, and education built on a scriptural foundation is gained gradually little by little. In perilous times it is not safe to send children to public schools; God-fearing parents must endeavor to send them to schools where Scripture-based education is received in this gradual way, and advanced light must not be pressed faster than minds can follow lest fanciful believers result.

Health and temperance must be taught gradually a little at a time and repeated over and over, precept by precept and principle by principle, until understood and practiced. Even professed believers are ignorant on this subject, so it must be kept fresh before them at every yearly gathering, camp meeting, lecture, Bible class, and study that trains people little by little. Well-trained nurses and physicians are to teach the sick and the people healthful living here a little and there a little, correcting habits and establishing healthful practices upon hygienic principles, showing prevention more valuable than cure, reforming health-destroying habits, depending on nature's simple remedies rather than drugs, and keeping bodies, houses, and premises clean with pure air. The Lord has been sending these health principles in this gradual way, and rejecting them rejects the Giver and not merely the messenger, while practicing them restores physical and spiritual health.

Spiritual care is to join physical care by giving instruction from God's word steadily in small portions, line upon line and precept upon precept, joined with tears and prayer and words about the love of the sin-pardoning Saviour so souls may be saved from death. Nurses are to use suitable opportunities to combine spiritual care with physical treatment, presenting small spiritual thoughts that can influence the sick mind and turn it to Christ the healer of soul and body, guiding patients toward Him gradually with gentle repeated teaching, kindness, and cheer. Physicians likewise are to give needed words from the Word with tears and prayer, seeking salvation of souls, and patient gradual Bible teaching breaks prejudice and educates even the unbelieving in practical reform such as diet change. Students also were taught economy gradually lesson by lesson as they learned to save money for the work of saving souls.

Light must shine everywhere, spread in small pieces in jots and tittles here a little and there a little, given in contrast with error to break through dense darkness upon human minds and let the true Light shine forth. This is done through many brief publications on different subjects, books, papers, pamphlets, and leaflets, so that minds darkened by error may receive true light and as they read light from the throne shines into the inner life and feeds the soul with truth fully separated from error. Canvassers carry out this work as evangelists, educating people step by step precept by precept and line by line, a practical teaching that also prepares young workers for ministry. The most successful work for Christ is not great deeds and wonderful achievements but humble patient gradual instruction and small acts of love with self kept out of sight, coming close in sympathy with human hearts, giving special instruction on surrendering will and mind to Jesus and how to become Christians, picking up everyday opportunities and privileges. These little fillings in, a cup of cold water given and a word spoken in due season, done without self-credit or dwelling on reward, count with God as precious pearls treasured by angels and will be recognized by Christ at the last day.

Instruction about growing confusion, violence, and crime in cities until the close of history, and the advantages of quiet retired country locations for sanitariums and schools, is to be given gradually with one point building on another and truth presented in small portions. Degraded fields are reconstructed only by long persevering labor adding effort upon effort until reform leavens the whole. Those who have received instruction in Scripture and spiritual matters, in contrast with those who lacked opportunity and training, bear responsibility to help and prepare others through prayerful careful conduct. God teaches each soul step by step, giving spiritual knowledge of God and Jesus Christ that must lead each person to recognize individual accountability and to serve in saving others, with students given clear knowledge of the reasons for faith so they can understand truth as it is in Jesus and serve acceptably. The instruction God has given His people is to be received and acted on and leads toward the greater light of the Bible, while neglecting the Bible and failing to practice it leaves less vigilance, self-denial, and effort and fewer rejoicing in present truth.

Every soul bought by Christ's life, from helpless infant and child to beggar, profligate, slave, savage, and aged, being a candidate for heaven or perdition and an object of divine mercy, must not be neglected or regarded indifferently. Each is to be patiently taught a little at a time in the greatest simplicity to restore the moral image of God in man, with fellow men reclaiming brothers from vice by holding up the Saviour and bidding each soul look and live.