Isaiah 50:11

Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass [yourselves] about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks [that] ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Behold, all ye that kindle {H6919} a fire {H784}, that compass yourselves about {H247} with sparks {H2131}: walk {H3212} in the light {H217} of your fire {H784}, and in the sparks {H2131} that ye have kindled {H1197}. This shall ye have of mine hand {H3027}; ye shall lie down {H7901} in sorrow {H4620}.

But all of you who are lighting fires and arming yourselves with firebrands: go, walk in the flame of your own fire, among the firebrands you lit! From my hands this [fate] awaits you: you will lie down in torment.

Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who array yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and of the firebrands you have lit! This is what you will receive from My hand: You will lie down in a place of torment.

Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that gird yourselves about with firebrands; walk ye in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of my hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Isaiah 50:11 delivers a powerful warning to those who reject divine guidance and instead rely on their own self-generated solutions. This verse contrasts sharply with the preceding call to trust in the Lord, highlighting the futility and sorrow that await those who walk in the light of their own making.

Context

This verse is part of the "Servant Songs" section within the book of Isaiah, specifically chapter 50, which emphasizes God's unwavering power and the obedience of His chosen Servant. While Isaiah 50:10 encourages those who fear the Lord to trust in His name and lean on Him, verse 11 directly addresses those who choose a different path. It speaks to a people, perhaps during or after the Babylonian exile, who were prone to seeking security and wisdom through human means rather than divine revelation, leading to spiritual blindness and ultimately, despair.

Key Themes

  • Self-Reliance vs. Divine Trust: The core message is a stark contrast between trusting in God's light and creating one's own. "Kindle a fire" and "compass yourselves about with sparks" symbolize human efforts, intellect, or false securities built apart from God.
  • Futility of Human Endeavor: The "fire" and "sparks" represent temporary, insufficient, and ultimately dangerous sources of light and warmth. They cannot provide lasting comfort, guidance, or salvation, leading only to disillusionment.
  • Divine Consequence and Judgment: The phrase "This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow" underscores that the negative outcome is a direct, divinely ordained consequence of choosing self-sufficiency over dependence on God. It's a reminder that whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrases used vividly paint a picture:

  • "Kindle a fire" (קֹדְחֵי אֵשׁ - qodchey esh) refers to those who initiate, ignite, or create their own source of light or warmth. It implies a deliberate act of self-reliance, attempting to provide for oneself what only God can truly give.
  • "Compass yourselves about with sparks" (מְאַזְּרֵי נִיצוֹצוֹת - m'azrey nitzotzot) suggests surrounding oneself with these self-made, fleeting, and potentially dangerous sources of light. Sparks are transient, offer little illumination, and can burn without providing true warmth or guidance.
  • "Sorrow" (בְּמַעֲצֵבָה - b'ma'atzevah) denotes deep pain, grief, or anguish. This is the inevitable end for those who reject God's way, emphasizing the severe and personal nature of the consequences.

Practical Application

Isaiah 50:11 serves as a timeless warning for all generations. It challenges us to honestly assess where we place our trust and source our "light." In a world that often champions self-made success and human ingenuity, this verse reminds us that true and lasting peace, wisdom, and security come only from God. Relying on our own strength, wisdom, or resources apart from Him is like walking by the dim, dangerous light of sparks, which ultimately leads to disappointment and sorrow. Instead, we are called to seek and follow Jesus Christ, the true Light of the world, whose guidance leads to life eternal and genuine joy.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 17:5

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 17:7

    Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

  • Romans 1:21

    Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

  • Romans 1:22

    Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

  • Romans 10:3

    For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

  • Matthew 15:6

    And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

  • Matthew 15:8

    This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.

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