Isaiah 8:22

KJV

And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and [they shall be] driven to darkness.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall look {H5027} unto the earth {H776}; and behold trouble {H6869} and darkness {H2825}, dimness {H4588} of anguish {H6695}; and they shall be driven {H5080} to darkness {H653}.

Complete Jewish Bible

or [down] at the earth, they will see only trouble and darkness, anguished gloom and pervasive darkness.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they will look to the earth and see only distress and darkness and the gloom of anguish. And they will be driven into utter darkness.

American Standard Version

and they shall look unto the earth, and, behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and into thick darkness they shall be driven away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:22 delivers a stark prophetic warning, depicting the grim consequences awaiting those who reject divine revelation and seek guidance from ungodly sources. It paints a vivid picture of a people plunged into profound despair, spiritual blindness, and inescapable affliction, emphasizing the ultimate futility and suffering that result from turning away from the Lord's light and truth. The verse serves as a powerful testament to the inevitable spiritual and existential darkness that engulfs those who choose rebellion over reliance on God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 8:22 concludes a significant prophetic section, primarily chapters 7 and 8, which addresses the Syro-Ephraimite War and King Ahaz's refusal to trust the Lord. Following a series of warnings and prophecies concerning the impending Assyrian invasion and its devastating impact on Judah and Israel, Isaiah shifts focus to the spiritual condition of the people. The preceding verses, particularly [Isaiah 8:19-20](/isaiah/8-19 "Isaiah 8:19-20 - Seeking Mediums vs. God's Law"), condemn the practice of consulting mediums and spiritists, urging the people to turn "to the law and to the testimony." This final verse of the chapter, therefore, serves as a climactic declaration of the dire outcome for those who persist in spiritual rebellion and refuse to seek the true light of God's Word, setting a dark stage for the glorious promise of light in [Isaiah 9:1-2](/isaiah/9-1 "Isaiah 9:1-2 - The Light in Galilee").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the late 8th century BCE, a period of immense geopolitical instability. The northern kingdom of Israel and Aram (Syria) formed an alliance against Judah, prompting King Ahaz to consider an alliance with the formidable Assyrian Empire rather than trusting in God's protection. Culturally, the region was rife with pagan practices, including necromancy and divination, which offered alternative, albeit false, sources of guidance. Isaiah's prophecy directly confronts these practices, highlighting the contrast between the deceptive "whispers and mutterings" of the spiritists and the clear, authoritative voice of the Lord. The "earth" mentioned in the verse can also allude to the land of Judah itself, which would soon experience the desolation brought by the Assyrian invasion, a tangible manifestation of the spiritual darkness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is the **consequences of rejecting divine revelation**, illustrating that turning away from God's light leads inevitably to spiritual and existential darkness. The repeated imagery of "darkness" and "anguish" underscores the theme of **profound despair and judgment** that awaits those who refuse to heed God's warnings and persist in idolatry or ungodly practices. It also reinforces the theme of **spiritual blindness**, where a people's refusal to see God's truth results in an inability to discern their way, leaving them lost in their own self-inflicted predicament. This bleak portrayal serves as a stark contrast, amplifying the subsequent theme of **God's sovereign provision of light and salvation** through the coming Messiah, as prophesied immediately after this passage in [Isaiah 9](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9 - The Coming Messiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Look (Hebrew, _nâbaṭ'_ - H5027):** This primitive root means "to scan, i.e., look intently at." It implies a deliberate, searching gaze, often with an expectation or hope. In this context, "they shall look unto the earth" suggests a futile, desperate search for help or answers from earthly sources, rather than from God. It highlights a misdirected focus, a turning away from the divine to the temporal and ultimately unhelpful.
* **Trouble (Hebrew, _tsârâh'_ - H6869):** Derived from a root meaning "tightness," this word denotes distress, affliction, anguish, or tribulation. It conveys a sense of being hemmed in, restricted, or in a narrow, difficult place. This "trouble" is not merely inconvenience but a profound, oppressive hardship, both physical and spiritual, that grips those who are depicted in this verse.
* **Darkness (Hebrew, _chăshêkâh'_ - H2825):** This term refers to literal darkness but is frequently used figuratively to denote misery, distress, ignorance, or spiritual depravity. The verse also employs related terms like _mâʻûwph_ (H4588, "dimness," a covering shade) and _ʼăphêlâh_ (H653, "gloominess," "thick darkness," or "misfortune"). The pervasive use of these words for "darkness" emphasizes not just an absence of light, but an active, oppressive state of spiritual and moral obscurity, leading to profound misery and a complete lack of understanding or direction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall look unto the earth":** This clause describes a futile and misdirected search for help or answers. Instead of looking to God, the source of true light and salvation, the people are depicted as desperately scanning the physical world or relying on human wisdom and pagan practices, which ultimately offer no solace or solution. This signifies a fundamental spiritual disorientation and a rejection of divine counsel.
* **"and behold trouble and darkness":** This phrase reveals the immediate and inevitable consequence of their misdirected gaze. What they find is not relief, but an overwhelming reality of "trouble" (distress, affliction) and "darkness" (spiritual and moral obscurity, misery). This is the direct result of their choices, a self-inflicted predicament where their spiritual environment becomes one of profound gloom.
* **"dimness of anguish":** This vivid phrase intensifies the preceding description. "Dimness" (a thick, oppressive gloom) combined with "anguish" (a feeling of being hemmed in, profound distress) paints a picture of suffocating despair. It suggests a state where any remaining light or hope is obscured by an overwhelming cloud of suffering, making it impossible to see a way out or find relief.
* **"and [they shall be] driven to darkness":** This final clause emphasizes the inescapable nature of their plight. The verb "driven" (nâdach, H5080) implies being pushed off, expelled, or compelled into this state. It suggests a relentless force, perhaps the consequence of their own actions or divine judgment, that pushes them deeper into an ultimate, inescapable spiritual and existential darkness, from which there appears to be no escape.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 8:22 is rich with literary devices that amplify its somber message. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of a desolate landscape filled with "trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish." The repeated use of words related to "darkness" (darkness, dimness, driven to darkness) is a powerful example of **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the pervasive and inescapable nature of the spiritual and existential gloom. This "darkness" functions as a profound **Symbolism**, representing not merely the absence of physical light but also spiritual ignorance, moral depravity, divine judgment, and utter despair. The phrase "dimness of anguish" employs **Metaphor** and **Personification**, as anguish itself is given a tangible "dimness," suggesting it casts a literal shadow over the people's very being. The cumulative effect of these descriptions creates a sense of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of the suffering to impress upon the audience the severity of the consequences of rejecting God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:22 stands as a stark theological declaration about the consequences of spiritual rebellion and misdirected trust. It underscores the biblical truth that turning away from God, the source of all light and life, inevitably leads to a state of profound spiritual and existential darkness. This darkness is not merely an absence of light but an active, oppressive condition characterized by trouble, anguish, and a complete loss of direction. The verse highlights God's justice in allowing those who reject His counsel to experience the natural, yet severe, outcomes of their choices. It serves as a powerful warning against idolatry, human reliance, and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, emphasizing that true wisdom and salvation are found only in the Lord.

* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")
* [Proverbs 4:19](/proverbs/4-19 "Proverbs 4:19 - The Way of the Wicked is Darkness")
* [Isaiah 9:2](/isaiah/9-2 "Isaiah 9:2 - The Great Light in Galilee")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 8:22 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the critical importance of discerning where we seek guidance and hope. In a world constantly offering alternative "lights" and solutions—from worldly philosophies to self-help gurus, from political ideologies to technological advancements—this verse challenges us to ask ourselves: "Where am I looking for answers?" If our gaze is fixed solely "unto the earth," on human wisdom, material pursuits, or even forbidden spiritual practices, we risk plunging ourselves into the very "trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish" that Isaiah describes. The passage calls us to a profound self-examination, urging us to continually re-evaluate our sources of truth and comfort. It compels us to recognize that true peace, clarity, and deliverance from despair are found only when we turn our eyes heavenward, seeking the Lord and His revealed Word as our ultimate source of light and guidance. Embracing this truth is not merely an intellectual exercise but a daily, intentional choice to walk in God's light, thereby avoiding the profound spiritual gloom that results from rejecting Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "look unto the earth" for solutions, rather than seeking God's wisdom?**
* **How does the "darkness" described in this verse manifest in personal or societal struggles today when God is rejected or ignored?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my spiritual gaze is fixed on God's truth and light, rather than on worldly distractions or false promises?**

### FAQ
**What does "dimness of anguish" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Dimness of anguish" is a powerful and evocative phrase that describes a state of profound, suffocating despair. The word "dimness" (Hebrew: *ma'uph*) refers to a thick, oppressive gloom or obscurity, suggesting a clouding of vision or understanding. "Anguish" (Hebrew: *tsoq*) conveys a feeling of being hemmed in, distressed, or in a narrow, inescapable situation. Together, they paint a picture of overwhelming suffering where any light of hope or clarity is obscured, leaving individuals trapped in a deep, pervasive spiritual and emotional torment with no apparent way out. It signifies not just hardship, but a complete lack of spiritual discernment and a crushing sense of hopelessness that results from turning away from God's light.

**How does Isaiah 8:22 relate to the surrounding verses?**

Answer: Isaiah 8:22 serves as the climactic conclusion to a section (primarily [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - Ahaz's Unbelief") and [Isaiah 8](/isaiah/8 "Isaiah 8 - Prophecies of Judgment and Hope")) where the prophet Isaiah warns Judah against misplaced trust and spiritual rebellion. Immediately preceding this verse, [Isaiah 8:19-20](/isaiah/8-19 "Isaiah 8:19-20 - Consulting Mediums") condemns the practice of seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists instead of from the Lord and His law. Therefore, Isaiah 8:22 vividly portrays the ultimate, dire consequence of such choices: a descent into deep trouble, spiritual obscurity, and inescapable darkness for those who reject divine guidance and persist in seeking answers from forbidden or earthly sources. It acts as a stark warning, setting the stage for the glorious promise of light and salvation found in the very next chapter, [Isaiah 9](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9 - The Messiah's Reign").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 8:22 paints a bleak picture of judgment and spiritual darkness for those who reject God, it paradoxically sets the stage for the glorious advent of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the light promised to those in darkness. The very next verses in Isaiah 9 immediately pivot from this profound gloom to the prophecy of a "great light" shining upon those who "walked in darkness" and "dwelt in the land of the shadow of death" ([Isaiah 9:2](/isaiah/9-2 "Isaiah 9:2 - The Great Light in Galilee")). This prophetic transition finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus came into a world steeped in the very "trouble and darkness" described in Isaiah 8:22. He declared Himself to be the "[light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")," promising that "whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). His coming, particularly His ministry in Galilee, directly fulfills the prophecy of [Isaiah 9:1-2](/isaiah/9-1 "Isaiah 9:1-2 - The Messiah's Birth and Reign") as recorded in [Matthew 4:16](/matthew/4-16 "Matthew 4:16 - Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee"). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ delivers humanity from the "domain of darkness" and transfers believers "into the kingdom of his beloved Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, the despair of Isaiah 8:22 underscores the profound necessity and redemptive power of the light that dawned in Christ, offering salvation and true spiritual vision to all who believe.

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

Isaiah 5:30

And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if [one] look unto the land, behold darkness [and] sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.

Matthew 22:13

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast [him] into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 8:12

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jeremiah 13:16

Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, [and] make [it] gross darkness.

Zephaniah 1:14

¶ The great day of the LORD [is] near, [it is] near, and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

Zephaniah 1:15

That day [is] a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

Jeremiah 30:6

Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?