Charles Ellicott Commentary Isaiah 28:17

"And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place." — Isaiah 28:17 (ASV)

Judgment also will I lay to the line... —Rather, I make judgment for a line, and righteousness for a plummet.

The architectural imagery is continued. The “elect corner stone” will come up to the standard of perfection, laid four-square (Revelation 21:16); and, therefore, should be the true place of refuge, while the boast of the scorners, which the prophet repeats in the words that follow, will prove a false one.

They will see their place of refuge swept away by the great waters . Their treaty with death and Hades will be treated as null and void, and they will be trampled underfoot by the invading armies.