Isaiah 9:16

For the leaders of this people cause [them] to err; and [they that are] led of them [are] destroyed.

For the leaders {H833} of this people {H5971} cause them to err {H8582}; and they that are led {H833} of them are destroyed {H1104}.

For those leading this people lead them astray, and those led by them are destroyed.

For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up.

For they that lead this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

Isaiah 9:16 (KJV) delivers a sharp indictment against the leadership of ancient Israel, highlighting the devastating consequences when those in authority mislead the people. This verse is part of a larger prophecy by Isaiah concerning God's judgment on a rebellious nation, interspersed with promises of future restoration and the coming of a Messiah.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is situated within Isaiah's pronouncements of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Judah, particularly during a period of significant political instability and spiritual decline. The people had largely abandoned their covenant with God, turning to idolatry and trusting in political alliances rather than divine providence. The Assyrian Empire was a dominant threat, and the leaders, instead of guiding the people back to God, led them further astray through corrupt practices, false prophecies, and misguided policies. This context underscores the prophet's call for accountability and repentance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Corrupt Leadership: The primary message is the profound danger of leaders who "cause them to err." This refers to spiritual, moral, and political misguidance that deviates from God's truth and righteous paths. Such leadership is not merely incompetent but actively destructive.
  • Consequences of Misguidance: The verse states that "they that are led of them are destroyed." This destruction is not just physical but encompasses spiritual and societal ruin. When the populace follows leaders who promote falsehood or wickedness, the entire society suffers severe, often irreversible, consequences.
  • Divine Judgment: This statement is part of God's righteous judgment against a nation whose leaders have failed their divine mandate and whose people have followed willingly into error. It emphasizes the principle that both leaders and followers bear responsibility for their choices.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cause to err" (taʿah) implies not just making a mistake but actively leading astray, deceiving, or causing someone to wander from the right path. It suggests a deliberate or negligent act of misdirection. The term "destroyed" (bālaʿ) is vivid, meaning to be swallowed up, consumed, or utterly lost. It paints a picture of complete ruin and dissolution, emphasizing the severity of the outcome for those who are misled.

Related Scriptures

The theme of leadership accountability is pervasive throughout scripture. This verse resonates with the warning given in Matthew 15:14 where Jesus speaks of the "blind leading the blind," resulting in both falling into a ditch. The prophet Jeremiah also strongly condemns false prophets who "cause my people to err by their lies" (Jeremiah 23:32). Conversely, the Bible teaches that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. Isaiah 9:16 stands in stark contrast to the hope presented just verses earlier, concerning the coming Messiah, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, who would lead His people in truth and righteousness.

Practical Application

Isaiah 9:16 serves as a timeless warning for all generations. It underscores the immense responsibility of those in positions of influence—whether in government, churches, education, or families. Leaders are called to guide with integrity, truth, and a commitment to God's ways. For those who are led, the verse highlights the critical need for discernment. Followers are not absolved of responsibility; they must actively test what they hear and see, ensuring that their paths align with divine truth rather than blindly following destructive guidance. This verse encourages both leaders and followers to seek wisdom and righteousness, ensuring that the path chosen leads to life, not destruction.

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.

  • Isaiah 3:12

    [As for] my people, children [are] their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause [thee] to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

  • Matthew 15:14

    Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

  • 1 Kings 8:55

    And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

  • 1 Kings 8:56

    Blessed [be] the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

  • Matthew 23:16

    Woe unto you, [ye] blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

  • Matthew 23:36

    Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:27

    Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came [up] to his holy dwelling place, [even] unto heaven.

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