Isaiah 50:10

KJV

¶ Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who is among you that feareth {H3373} the LORD {H3068}, that obeyeth {H8085} the voice {H6963} of his servant {H5650}, that walketh {H1980} in darkness {H2825}, and hath no light {H5051}? let him trust {H982} in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, and stay {H8172} upon his God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Who among you fears ADONAI? Who obeys what his servant says? Even when he walks in the dark, without any light, he will trust in ADONAI's reputation and rely on his God.

Berean Standard Bible

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God.

American Standard Version

Who is among you that feareth Jehovah, that obeyeth the voice of his servant? he that walketh in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the name of Jehovah, and rely upon his God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 50:10 presents a profound invitation and exhortation to those who, despite their reverence for the LORD and faithful obedience to His divine instruction, find themselves navigating periods of profound spiritual or circumstantial obscurity. It serves as a luminous beacon of hope, directing the faithful to anchor their souls in the unwavering character and revealed name of God, even when their immediate path is shrouded in darkness and lacks discernible light. The verse powerfully underscores that true, enduring faith is demonstrated not by the absence of trials, but by steadfast reliance on God's unchanging nature amidst them, offering a divine imperative for trust in the face of uncertainty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 50:10 is strategically positioned within the third of Isaiah's "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 49:1-50:11), a series of poetic passages that collectively delineate the character, mission, and suffering of the LORD's ideal Servant. Immediately preceding this verse, the Servant himself speaks of his unwavering obedience to God's call, even when confronted with rejection, mockery, and physical abuse, as vividly described in passages like [Isaiah 50:4-6](/isaiah/50-4-6 "Isaiah 50:4-6 - The Obedient Servant's Suffering"). The Servant's resolute trust in God, despite immense suffering and apparent lack of success, provides the crucial theological and narrative backdrop for the exhortation that follows. Verse 10 marks a significant shift from the Servant's example to a direct address to the people, inviting them to emulate the Servant's profound faith. It acknowledges the perplexing reality that even those who genuinely fear the LORD can experience deep distress, mirroring the exilic experience of Israel, or indeed, any believer's journey through profound trials.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah spans a significant period of Israelite history, encompassing the Assyrian threat in the 8th century BCE and extending to the Babylonian exile and the promise of restoration in the 6th century BCE. Isaiah 50, with its potent themes of suffering, divine justice, and ultimate hope, resonates deeply with the lived experience of the exiles in Babylon. These were a people who, by and large, were called to fear the LORD, yet found themselves in a land of profound darkness, far removed from the light of the Jerusalem temple and the promised land. Their national identity was shattered, their future uncertain, and the immediate presence of God seemed tragically obscured. In such dire circumstances, the call to "trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God" would have constituted a radical act of faith for a people who had lost so much and whose immediate circumstances offered little visible hope or comfort.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Primarily, it addresses the theme of **Faith in Adversity**, demonstrating unequivocally that genuine piety does not exempt individuals from periods of profound difficulty, spiritual obscurity, or existential crisis. It highlights the unwavering **Sovereignty and Faithfulness of God**, asserting that His character (encapsulated by His "name") remains utterly trustworthy even when His immediate guidance or intervention is not apparent. The verse also reinforces the interconnected themes of **Obedience and Trust**, positing that a foundational relationship of reverent awe and active heeding of God's voice (as perfectly exemplified by the Servant) serves as the prerequisite for enduring trials. This echoes the broader biblical principle that those who walk in God's ways are called to trust Him even when the path is unclear, as vividly seen in the journey of Abraham, who left his homeland without knowing where he was going ([Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1-4 "Genesis 12:1-4 - The Call of Abraham")), or the Israelites in the wilderness, guided by a pillar of cloud and fire ([Exodus 13:21-22](/exodus/13-21-22 "Exodus 13:21-22 - Pillar of Cloud and Fire")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **feareth (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This term (H3373) denotes a profound, reverential awe and respect for the LORD, extending beyond mere terror to include obedient submission. It signifies a recognition of God's majesty, holiness, and authority, leading to a life characterized by humble devotion and adherence to His will.
* **darkness (Hebrew, _chăshêkâh'_):** This word (H2825) refers to literal absence of light, but more significantly in this context, it functions figuratively to describe a state of profound misery, distress, confusion, or spiritual obscurity. It implies a condition where one lacks clarity, guidance, or comfort, experiencing a sense of being lost or abandoned.
* **trust (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** This primitive root (H982) signifies more than a fleeting hope; it means to hide for refuge, to be confident, or to feel secure in something or someone. It implies a deep, settled conviction and active reliance on God, an unwavering posture of dependence that finds security in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant,"**: This opening rhetorical question precisely defines the intended audience: those who possess genuine devotion to God. "Feareth the LORD" speaks to their inner reverence, awe, and respectful submission, while "obeyeth the voice of his servant" refers to their outward adherence to divine instruction, likely communicated through the prophets or the ideal Servant figure himself. This clause masterfully sets the stage by identifying the righteous and obedient who are, paradoxically, facing profound difficulty.
* **"that walketh in darkness, and hath no light?"**: This rhetorical question vividly describes the perplexing predicament of the faithful. Despite their piety and consistent obedience, they find themselves in a state of "darkness"—a powerful metaphor for distress, confusion, spiritual obscurity, or a lack of clear divine guidance. The subsequent phrase "hath no light" emphatically underscores the absence of their own understanding, comfort, or any discernible path forward, highlighting a situation where human wisdom or insight offers no solution.
* **"let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God."**: This is the divine counsel, a profound imperative issued in the face of obscurity and despair. The righteous are commanded not to succumb to hopelessness but to actively "trust" and "stay upon" God. "The name of the LORD" encapsulates God's entire revealed character, His attributes, His power, His covenant faithfulness, and His unwavering promises. To trust in His name is to rely on who He has consistently shown Himself to be, even when His immediate actions or purposes are not clear. "His God" personalizes this relationship, emphasizing the intimate, steadfast, and covenantal bond between the believer and their Creator, inviting a deeply personal reliance.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 50:10 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound and enduring message. The verse commences with a compelling **rhetorical question** ("Who is among you...?"), which immediately engages the reader and draws them into the scenario, making the subsequent exhortation intensely personal and direct. **Metaphor** is central to the verse's impact, particularly in its evocative use of "darkness" and "light." "Darkness" serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual distress, confusion, the absence of clear divine guidance, or a lack of comfort, while "light" represents clarity, hope, and the illuminating presence of God. The stark juxtaposition of these two states powerfully highlights the challenging reality faced by the righteous. The imperative commands, "let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God," utilize **synonymous parallelism**, where two phrases convey a similar meaning, reinforcing the central message of complete and unwavering reliance on God. The phrase "the name of the LORD" is a classic example of **metonymy**, where "name" stands in for God's entire revealed character, His attributes, His authority, and His reputation. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **didactic instruction**, providing clear, actionable guidance and profound encouragement for those navigating the most trying seasons of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 50:10 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that authentic faith is not merely intellectual assent but a radical, costly act of dependence, especially when circumstances defy human understanding or expectation. It underscores the paradox that even those who are most devoted to God, who fear Him and obey His voice, may experience periods of profound spiritual darkness, mirroring the suffering of the Servant himself. Yet, in these very moments, the divine call is to lean more heavily on the unchanging character and covenant faithfulness of God, rather than on fleeting circumstances or limited personal comprehension. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that God's faithfulness is not contingent on our ability to perceive His path or understand His ways, but on His inherent, immutable nature, compelling us to anchor our hope in His sovereign wisdom and unwavering love.

* [Psalm 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - Walking Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart")
* [2 Corinthians 5:7](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 50:10 offers profound solace and crucial direction for contemporary believers navigating their own seasons of uncertainty, grief, spiritual dryness, or existential confusion. In a world that often demands immediate clarity, tangible results, and visible progress, this verse reminds us that walking with God sometimes means walking in what feels like profound darkness, where the next step is not immediately illuminated. It challenges us to deeply examine the true depth of our "fear of the LORD"—not as mere terror, but as reverent awe, humble submission, and obedient trust—and to honestly question whether our ultimate reliance is truly on His name and unchanging character, or on our limited ability to control, comprehend, or manipulate our circumstances. When our own light of understanding, comfort, or hope inevitably fails, the divine imperative is to shift our gaze from the overwhelming problem to the Person of God, leaning into His unwavering faithfulness and sovereign wisdom. This verse is a powerful call to cultivate a resilient faith that thrives not on sight or immediate clarity, but on the steadfast conviction that God is precisely who He says He is, and He will unfailingly do what He has promised, even when we cannot discern the way forward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel like you are "walking in darkness" or "have no light"?**
* **How does your understanding of "fearing the LORD" (as reverent awe and obedience) influence your immediate and long-term response to periods of uncertainty or distress?**
* **What practical, tangible steps can you take to more fully "trust in the name of the LORD" and "stay upon his God" when your personal or spiritual path is unclear?**
* **How does the example of the Servant of the LORD (as described in Isaiah 50 and fulfilled in Christ) encourage you to persevere in obedience and trust despite suffering, opposition, or a profound lack of clarity?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "trust in the name of the LORD"?**

Answer: To "trust in the name of the LORD" means to place your complete confidence, unwavering reliance, and ultimate hope in God's revealed character, His inherent attributes, and His unfailing promises. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a "name" was far more than a mere label; it represented the very essence, reputation, authority, and power of a person. Therefore, trusting in the LORD's name (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_, H3068) means trusting in His self-existent, eternal nature, His omnipotence, His perfect faithfulness, His boundless love, and all that He has demonstrably shown Himself to be throughout redemptive history and in His covenant relationship with His people. It is a profound act of faith that anchors itself in God's unchanging identity and integrity, even when immediate circumstances seem to contradict His goodness or obscure His presence. This concept is foundational to biblical faith, as seen in passages like [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Name of the LORD"), where reliance on human strength or material resources is sharply contrasted with reliance on the glorious name of the LORD.

**How can someone "obey the voice of his servant" when they are walking in darkness?**

Answer: The "servant" in Isaiah 50 can refer to the prophet Isaiah himself, the nation of Israel as God's chosen instrument, or, most profoundly, the coming Messiah. To "obey the voice of his servant" even in a state of darkness implies that the foundational instruction, divine revelation, and moral principles have already been given and internalized by the believer. Even when the *path* ahead is unclear, the *principles* of God's revealed will, communicated through His chosen messengers (the "servant"), remain constant and binding. This means that even in distress, confusion, or spiritual obscurity, the believer is called to remember, adhere to, and live by the truths they have already received from God's Word. It is about maintaining a posture of active obedience to known commands and trusting the unchanging character of the God who gave them, rather than waiting for new light to appear before acting. This aligns perfectly with the biblical concept of walking by faith, not by sight, as powerfully encouraged in [2 Corinthians 5:7](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 50:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the perfect and suffering Servant of the LORD. The preceding verses in Isaiah 50 vividly describe the Servant's unwavering obedience and willingness to suffer, even as he resolutely sets his face like flint against opposition ([Isaiah 50:7](/isaiah/50-7 "Isaiah 50:7 - The Servant's Resolve")). Jesus perfectly embodies the one who "feareth the LORD" in perfect reverence and "obeyeth the voice of his servant" (the Father), demonstrating unparalleled submission even to the point of agonizing death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). He truly "walked in darkness" in the garden of Gethsemane, wrestling with the Father's will, and most acutely on the cross, experiencing the profound spiritual darkness of bearing the sins of humanity and uttering the cry of dereliction, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Yet, even in that darkest hour, Jesus utterly "trusted in the name of the LORD" and "stayed upon his God," committing His spirit into the Father's hands ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commits His Spirit")). Therefore, for believers today, Isaiah 50:10 is not merely an ancient exhortation but a divine invitation to follow the very pattern of Christ. When we find ourselves in darkness, we are called to emulate our Savior, who perfectly demonstrated what it means to trust God implicitly, even when there was "no light" to guide His human understanding, knowing that the Father's ultimate plan would bring forth resurrection and triumphant light ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 12:46

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Micah 7:7

¶ Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Micah 7:9

I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, [and] I shall behold his righteousness.

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

John 8:12

¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.