Isaiah 58:8

¶ Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

Then shall thy light {H216} break forth {H1234} as the morning {H7837}, and thine health {H724} shall spring forth {H6779} speedily {H4120}: and thy righteousness {H6664} shall go {H1980} before {H6440} thee; the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} shall be thy rereward {H622}.

Then your light will burst forth like the morning, your new skin will quickly grow over your wound; your righteousness will precede you, and ADONAI's glory will follow you.

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy healing shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of Jehovah shall be thy rearward.

Commentary

Context

Isaiah 58:8 is a powerful promise of divine blessing that follows a strong rebuke and call to repentance in the preceding verses (Isaiah 58:1-7). The prophet Isaiah addresses the people of Israel who were observing outward religious rituals, such as fasting, but neglecting true justice, compassion, and care for the needy. God condemns their hypocritical worship, where fasting was accompanied by strife, oppression, and self-indulgence. This verse, therefore, outlines the glorious consequences that would follow if they shifted from mere ritualism to genuine righteousness and heartfelt obedience, demonstrating true worship through acts of love and justice.

Key Themes

  • Divine Illumination and Guidance: "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning." This speaks to a sudden, clear manifestation of God's favor and guidance. It implies spiritual clarity, understanding, and a visible display of God's presence, much like the dawn dispels darkness. It promises an end to spiritual obscurity and a new season of divine revelation for those who walk in integrity, echoing the idea of the path of the just shining brighter and brighter.
  • Holistic Restoration and Well-being: "and thine health shall spring forth speedily." The Hebrew word for 'health' here, 'arukah, implies not just physical healing but a complete restoration, knitting together, or new flesh. This promise encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, signifying quick and comprehensive recovery from distress or brokenness. It points to God's desire for the complete flourishing of His people.
  • Righteousness as a Precursor: "and thy righteousness shall go before thee." This highlights the importance of ethical conduct and moral integrity. When a people live righteously, their actions precede them like a vanguard, paving the way and ensuring divine favor. It signifies that their godly character and deeds will be evident and will lead to blessings, setting the stage for God's glory. This aligns with the principle of seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness first.
  • God's Protective Presence: "the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward." The term "rereward" (or "rearguard") refers to the protective force that brings up the rear of an army, guarding against attack from behind. This powerful imagery assures divine protection and vindication. It means that God's majestic presence and radiant glory will secure them from behind, ensuring their safety and ultimate triumph against all adversaries. This echoes instances where God's presence was a rear guard for Israel in the wilderness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "rereward" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew word 'asaph, which conveys the idea of gathering, bringing up, or collecting, specifically referring to the rear part of a company or army. It strongly emphasizes God's role as a protective shield from behind, ensuring no enemy can approach unhindered. The word for "health," 'arukah, is significant, meaning a complete healing or restoration, implying new growth and wholeness, not just a temporary fix.

Practical Application

Isaiah 58:8 serves as a timeless reminder that true faith is demonstrated not merely through outward religious observances, but through genuine acts of justice, mercy, and humility. For believers today, this verse encourages us to examine our hearts and actions. Are we truly seeking God's will and caring for others, especially the vulnerable, or are we content with superficial spirituality? When we align our lives with God's heart for justice and compassion, we can expect His blessings: spiritual clarity, holistic well-being, His divine approval guiding our path, and His protective presence guarding us from behind. It calls us to live a life of active love, knowing that such a life invites the manifest glory and blessing of the Lord.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 52:12

    For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel [will be] your rereward.

  • Jeremiah 33:6

    Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

  • Psalms 37:6

    And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

  • Jeremiah 30:17

    For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

  • Psalms 85:13

    Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set [us] in the way of his steps.

  • Malachi 4:2

    But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

  • Isaiah 58:10

    And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday: