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Isaiah 42:16
Verse
Context
A New Song of Praise
15I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes. 16I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. 17But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In paths - The Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, and nine MSS., (two ancient), read ובנתיבות ubenotiboth. Will I do unto them - עשיתם asitem. This word, so written as it is in the text, means "thou wilt do, "in the second person. The Masoretes have indeed pointed it for the first person; but the י yod in the last syllable is absolutely necessary to distinguish the first person; and so it is written in forty MSS., עשיתים asithim. Jarchi, Kimchi, Sal. ben Melec, etc., agree that the past time is here put for the future, עשיתי asithi for אעשה; and indeed the context necessarily requires that interpretation. Farther it is to be observed that עשיתים asithim is put for עשיתי להם asithi lahem, "I have done them," for "I have done for them;" as עשיתני asitheni is for עשיתי לי asiti li, "I have made myself," for "I have made for myself," Eze 29:2; and in the celebrated passage of Jephthah's vow, Jdg 11:31, והעליתיהו עולה veheelitihu olah for העליתי לו עולה heelithi lo olah, "I will offer him a burnt-offering, "for "I will offer unto him (that is, unto Jehovah) a burnt-offering;" by an ellipsis of the preposition of which Buxtorf gives many other examples, Thes. Grammat. lib. 2:17. See also note on Isa 65:5. A late happy application of this grammatical remark to that much disputed passage has perfectly cleared up a difficulty which for two thousand years had puzzled all the translators and expositors, had given occasion to dissertations without number, and caused endless disputes among the learned on the question, whether Jephthah sacrificed his daughter or not; in which both parties have been equally ignorant of the meaning of the place, of the state of the fact, and of the very terms of the vow; which now at last has been cleared up beyond all doubt by my learned friend Dr. Randolph, Margaret Professor of Divinity in the University of Oxford, in his Sermon on Jephthah's Vow, Oxford, 1766. - L.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The great thing which is brought to pass by means of this catastrophe is the redemption of His people. "And I lead the blind by a way that they know not; by steps that they know not, I make them walk: I turn dark space before them into light, and rugged places into a plain. These are the things that I carry out, and do not leave." The "blind" are those who have been deprived of sight by their sin, and the consequent punishment. The unknown ways in which Jehovah leads them, are the ways of deliverance, which are known to Him alone, but which have now been made manifest in the fulness of time. The "dark space" (machshâk) is their existing state of hopeless misery; the "rugged places" (ma‛ăqasshı̄m) the hindrances that met them, and dangers that threatened them on all sides in the foreign land. The mercy of Jehovah adopts the blind, lights up the darkness, and clears every obstacle away. "These are the things" (haddebhârı̄m): this refers to the particulars already sketched out of the double manifestation of Jehovah in judgment and in mercy. The perfects of the attributive clause are perfects of certainty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
blind--God's people, Israel, in captivity, needing a guide. In the ulterior sense the New Testament Church, which was about to be led and enlightened by the Son of God as its leader and shepherd in the wilderness of the Roman empire, until it should reach a city of habitation. "A way . . . they knew not," refers to the various means ployed by Providence for the establishment of the Church in the world, such as would never have occurred to the mind of mere man. "Blind," they are called, as not having heretofore seen God's ways in ordering His Church. make darkness light, &c.--implies that the glorious issue would only be known by the event itself [VITRINGA]. The same holds good of the individual believer (Isa 30:21; Psa 107:7; compare Hos 2:6, Hos 2:14; Eph 5:8; Heb 13:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not,.... The Targum interprets this of the people of Israel, thus, "I will lead the house of Israel, which are like to the blind, in a way which they knew not.'' But it is better to understand it of the Gentiles, who, before the light of the Gospel came among them, were blind as to the true knowledge of God, and especially as in Christ; and of Christ, and the way of peace, life, and salvation by him; and of themselves, and their miserable estate and condition; and of the Spirit of God, and his operations; and of the Scriptures, the Gospel, and the doctrines of it; and which is the case of all men in a state of nature: but the Lord, by his Spirit, opens the eyes of their understandings, and shows them those things they were blind in, and ignorant of, and brings them by a way they knew not before; which way is Christ, the only way to the Father; the way of peace, righteousness, and life; the way to heaven, and eternal happiness: this they knew not before, but thought they must make their own way to God, and their peace with him; must be justified by their own works, and work out their own salvation; but, in conversion, this way to Christ is made known and plain unto them; and in this way the Lord brings all his people to eternal glory: I will lead them in paths that they have not known; in the paths of duty and truth; in the paths of faith, righteousness, and holiness, and in the ordinances of the Gospel; which they were aliens and strangers to before: I will make darkness light before them; by going before them himself, as before the children of Israel in a pillar of fire by night; by giving his word to enlighten them; by granting his good Spirit, as a spirit of illumination to them; and by lifting up the light of his countenance on them: and crooked things straight; remove all obstructions, bear them up under all discouragements, and carry them through all difficulties: these things will I do unto them, and not forsake them; which may be depended upon, being promised by him that is able to perform, is true, and faithful, and changes not; and, when done, shall not be the last done for them; he will never leave them, nor forsake them, till he has brought them safe to glory.
Isaiah 42:16
A New Song of Praise
15I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes. 16I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. 17But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How to Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit
By Al Henson1.7K1:10:31Holy SpiritISA 42:16MAT 6:33JHN 3:161TH 5:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of acknowledging our spiritual blindness in order to be led by God. He emphasizes that being man-centered rather than God-centered can hinder our spiritual growth. The speaker also references Hebrews 5:14, which speaks about the need for believers to mature in their faith and move from spiritual milk to solid food. The sermon concludes with a testimony of a spontaneous preaching moment where the Holy Spirit convicted the congregation and led them to worship and prayer.
A Light in the Darkness
By Ian Paisley1.1K55:25PSA 27:1PSA 112:4ISA 42:16JHN 1:5JHN 8:122CO 4:6EPH 5:81JN 1:5This sermon emphasizes the theme of light in the darkness, highlighting the struggles faced by the upright, the dangers of apostasy, and the need for God's intervention and guidance. It traces historical events where God's light shone in times of darkness, leading to victories and the preservation of truth. The speaker reflects on the formation of the Free Presbyterian Church amidst opposition, celebrating God's faithfulness and the ongoing battle against apostasy.
March Forward
By Charles E. Cowman0EXO 14:15PSA 77:19PSA 93:4ISA 42:16ISA 43:2Charles E. Cowman preaches about the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea by the children of Israel, emphasizing the power of God to make a way where there seems to be no way. He encourages believers to trust in God's command, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, knowing that God will provide a path to freedom and victory. Cowman reminds the congregation that God's presence is greater than any storm or barrier, and that obedience to His leading will lead to a place of unknown blessings and praises.
God's Terribleness and Gentleness
By Joseph Parker0PSA 37:35PSA 55:22PRO 3:5ISA 33:14ISA 40:10ISA 41:10ISA 42:16ISA 57:15HEB 12:291JN 4:8Joseph Parker preaches about the contrasting truths of God's power and restraint, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing both aspects. He illustrates how God's power, like fire and water, can bring destruction or devastation when misused, yet can also provide warmth, refreshment, and life when properly regulated. Parker highlights the need for individuals to build their character with foresight and wisdom, just as they would build a house to withstand all seasons. He urges listeners to prepare for the rough seas of life by acknowledging God's judgment and righteousness, and to trust in His guidance and provision, especially in times of weakness and need.
Thy Love to Me Was Wonderful
By C.H. Spurgeon0ISA 42:16ISA 49:6MAT 4:16MAT 9:27LUK 1:79LUK 4:18JHN 1:4JHN 5:3ACT 13:11ROM 1:16ROM 2:19PHP 2:152PE 1:9REV 3:17In this sermon on blindness, the preacher delves into the concept of 'tuphlos' which can refer to both literal and spiritual blindness. It is used to describe one's mind as ignorant, slow of understanding, and incapable of comprehending spiritual truth. Jesus criticized the religious leaders of His time as 'blind guides' for leading people away from the Light of the world. The Jews were meant to be a light to the Gentiles, but many failed in this role until figures like Paul stepped in to fulfill God's purpose of bringing salvation to all nations.
The Lord My Leader
By Octavius Winslow0Leadership of ChristTrust in God's GuidancePSA 32:8ISA 40:11ISA 42:16MAT 11:28JHN 10:11Octavius Winslow emphasizes that Jesus is our gentle and skillful Leader, guiding us through the uncertainties and challenges of life. He reassures us that Christ knows every path we take and has gone before us, providing an example to follow. Winslow encourages believers to trust in Jesus' leadership, especially during times of doubt and fear, reminding us that He leads us graciously and through His providence. The sermon highlights the importance of committing ourselves to the Lord's guidance, even when the way seems unclear or difficult. Ultimately, Winslow calls us to rely on Christ's promise to lead us safely home.
Darkness Cannot Stop the Light!
By David Wilkerson0Light in DarknessHope in DespairISA 9:2ISA 42:16MAT 5:14JHN 1:5David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite the increasing darkness and moral decline in society, the light of the gospel will always prevail. He reflects on his early warnings about the rise of drugs and immorality, which many dismissed, yet have now become a reality. Wilkerson encourages believers not to be intimidated by the darkness, reminding them that God's light will shine even brighter in times of despair. He cites Isaiah's prophecies to affirm that God will lead and guide His people through the darkness. Ultimately, he calls for a focus on God's light rather than the surrounding darkness.
He Went Out, Not Knowing Whither He Went
By A.B. Simpson0Trust in God's GuidanceFaithPSA 37:23PSA 119:105PRO 3:5ISA 42:16JER 29:11MAT 6:33JHN 16:33ROM 8:282CO 5:7HEB 11:1A.B. Simpson emphasizes the essence of true faith, illustrating it through the metaphor of a ship crossing the Atlantic without visible paths or shores. He explains that faith is not based on sight or reasoning but on trusting in God's guidance, much like a captain who navigates by the heavenly lights rather than earthly signs. Simpson encourages believers to step into uncertainty with confidence, knowing that God will illuminate their path even in the darkest times. He reassures that our moments of doubt can lead to divine breakthroughs, urging us to trust and move forward despite not knowing the destination.
And I Will Bring the Blind by a Way That They Knew Not
By Octavius Winslow0Divine GuidanceTrust in God's PlanPSA 25:9PRO 3:5ISA 42:16Octavius Winslow emphasizes God's sovereign guidance in the lives of His people, illustrating that while God's ways may seem mysterious to us, they are perfectly clear to Him. He explains that our inability to see the full picture leads to confusion and doubt, but we are called to trust in God's eternal wisdom and goodness. Winslow encourages believers to humble themselves before God, recognizing that true guidance comes from surrendering our own understanding and relying on the Lord's direction. He reassures the suffering believer to wait patiently for God's glory, as He leads us through paths we do not know. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a posture of humility and trust in God's perfect plan.
A Sure Guide
By C.H. Spurgeon0Trust in GodDivine GuidancePSA 32:8PRO 3:5ISA 42:16C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound grace of God as a Guide for the spiritually blind, illustrating how, in our natural state, we are unable to find the way to salvation. He highlights that, despite our blindness to the future and the path ahead, the Lord leads us with wisdom and care, ensuring our safe passage through life. Spurgeon encourages believers to trust in the Lord's guidance, surrendering their uncertainties and fears to Him. Ultimately, he assures that when we reach our heavenly home, we will be filled with gratitude for the divine guidance we received along the way.
The Object of True Faith
By A.W. Tozer0Trust in GodFaithPRO 3:5ISA 42:16HEB 11:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true faith is not merely an intellectual exercise but a moral strength to trust in Christ. He illustrates that, like a child who feels secure on a journey with their father without needing to foresee every event, believers can find peace in their relationship with God. Life is filled with mysteries, yet trusting in Jesus allows us to navigate through them confidently. Tozer finds comfort in the promise of Isaiah, affirming that God will guide and support us through the unknown. Ultimately, he reassures that God has been faithful in this life and will continue to be in the next.
The Eyes Opened to the Law of God
By Charles Finney0Understanding God's LawSpiritual IlluminationPSA 119:18PRO 2:6ISA 42:16MAT 5:14JHN 8:121CO 2:142CO 4:6EPH 1:18HEB 4:12JAS 1:5Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of spiritual illumination to truly understand the law of God, as expressed in Psalm 119:18. He explains that the term 'law' encompasses the entire revealed will of God, and the request to 'open mine eyes' signifies a plea for spiritual light to perceive the wonders within Scripture. Finney outlines the implications of this request, including the need for divine assistance to grasp spiritual truths and the transformative consequences of having one's eyes opened, which leads to a deeper understanding of oneself and God. He concludes that such illumination not only enriches personal faith but also sets believers apart from those who remain spiritually blind.
Moving Towards Daybreak
By John Henry Jowett0PSA 23:4PSA 119:105ISA 42:16ROM 8:182CO 4:17John Henry Jowett preaches about how God's darkness and tunnels are not His ultimate destinations for us, but rather means to lead us to His light and glory. Just like being in a subway tunnel or a dark country tunnel, we are always in motion towards the open country of God's grace and beauty. God guides us delicately or firmly, always moving us towards His light, even through the darkest valleys. Therefore, we are encouraged to be patient, knowing that the darkness is not our final destination, but a passage to the liberty and glory of being children of God.
The Heavenly Birth and Its Earthly Counterfeits
By J.C. Philpot0JOB 6:2PSA 78:41PSA 107:7ISA 42:16ISA 53:2JHN 1:11JHN 3:3ROM 11:5EPH 4:18Joseph Philpot preaches about the rejection of Christ by His own people due to hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and worldliness, despite their outward religious practices. He emphasizes the sovereignty of God in determining who receives Christ and the instrumental causes that influence hearts. Philpot delves into the distinct classes of characters - those who receive Christ and those who do not, highlighting the happiness and privilege of those who receive Him. He explores the reasons behind the rejection of Christ, such as blindness, self-righteousness, worldliness, and unbelief, while also discussing the secret causes that lead some to receive Him, including the quickening work of God's Spirit and the manifestation of fruits of faith.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In paths - The Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, and nine MSS., (two ancient), read ובנתיבות ubenotiboth. Will I do unto them - עשיתם asitem. This word, so written as it is in the text, means "thou wilt do, "in the second person. The Masoretes have indeed pointed it for the first person; but the י yod in the last syllable is absolutely necessary to distinguish the first person; and so it is written in forty MSS., עשיתים asithim. Jarchi, Kimchi, Sal. ben Melec, etc., agree that the past time is here put for the future, עשיתי asithi for אעשה; and indeed the context necessarily requires that interpretation. Farther it is to be observed that עשיתים asithim is put for עשיתי להם asithi lahem, "I have done them," for "I have done for them;" as עשיתני asitheni is for עשיתי לי asiti li, "I have made myself," for "I have made for myself," Eze 29:2; and in the celebrated passage of Jephthah's vow, Jdg 11:31, והעליתיהו עולה veheelitihu olah for העליתי לו עולה heelithi lo olah, "I will offer him a burnt-offering, "for "I will offer unto him (that is, unto Jehovah) a burnt-offering;" by an ellipsis of the preposition of which Buxtorf gives many other examples, Thes. Grammat. lib. 2:17. See also note on Isa 65:5. A late happy application of this grammatical remark to that much disputed passage has perfectly cleared up a difficulty which for two thousand years had puzzled all the translators and expositors, had given occasion to dissertations without number, and caused endless disputes among the learned on the question, whether Jephthah sacrificed his daughter or not; in which both parties have been equally ignorant of the meaning of the place, of the state of the fact, and of the very terms of the vow; which now at last has been cleared up beyond all doubt by my learned friend Dr. Randolph, Margaret Professor of Divinity in the University of Oxford, in his Sermon on Jephthah's Vow, Oxford, 1766. - L.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The great thing which is brought to pass by means of this catastrophe is the redemption of His people. "And I lead the blind by a way that they know not; by steps that they know not, I make them walk: I turn dark space before them into light, and rugged places into a plain. These are the things that I carry out, and do not leave." The "blind" are those who have been deprived of sight by their sin, and the consequent punishment. The unknown ways in which Jehovah leads them, are the ways of deliverance, which are known to Him alone, but which have now been made manifest in the fulness of time. The "dark space" (machshâk) is their existing state of hopeless misery; the "rugged places" (ma‛ăqasshı̄m) the hindrances that met them, and dangers that threatened them on all sides in the foreign land. The mercy of Jehovah adopts the blind, lights up the darkness, and clears every obstacle away. "These are the things" (haddebhârı̄m): this refers to the particulars already sketched out of the double manifestation of Jehovah in judgment and in mercy. The perfects of the attributive clause are perfects of certainty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
blind--God's people, Israel, in captivity, needing a guide. In the ulterior sense the New Testament Church, which was about to be led and enlightened by the Son of God as its leader and shepherd in the wilderness of the Roman empire, until it should reach a city of habitation. "A way . . . they knew not," refers to the various means ployed by Providence for the establishment of the Church in the world, such as would never have occurred to the mind of mere man. "Blind," they are called, as not having heretofore seen God's ways in ordering His Church. make darkness light, &c.--implies that the glorious issue would only be known by the event itself [VITRINGA]. The same holds good of the individual believer (Isa 30:21; Psa 107:7; compare Hos 2:6, Hos 2:14; Eph 5:8; Heb 13:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not,.... The Targum interprets this of the people of Israel, thus, "I will lead the house of Israel, which are like to the blind, in a way which they knew not.'' But it is better to understand it of the Gentiles, who, before the light of the Gospel came among them, were blind as to the true knowledge of God, and especially as in Christ; and of Christ, and the way of peace, life, and salvation by him; and of themselves, and their miserable estate and condition; and of the Spirit of God, and his operations; and of the Scriptures, the Gospel, and the doctrines of it; and which is the case of all men in a state of nature: but the Lord, by his Spirit, opens the eyes of their understandings, and shows them those things they were blind in, and ignorant of, and brings them by a way they knew not before; which way is Christ, the only way to the Father; the way of peace, righteousness, and life; the way to heaven, and eternal happiness: this they knew not before, but thought they must make their own way to God, and their peace with him; must be justified by their own works, and work out their own salvation; but, in conversion, this way to Christ is made known and plain unto them; and in this way the Lord brings all his people to eternal glory: I will lead them in paths that they have not known; in the paths of duty and truth; in the paths of faith, righteousness, and holiness, and in the ordinances of the Gospel; which they were aliens and strangers to before: I will make darkness light before them; by going before them himself, as before the children of Israel in a pillar of fire by night; by giving his word to enlighten them; by granting his good Spirit, as a spirit of illumination to them; and by lifting up the light of his countenance on them: and crooked things straight; remove all obstructions, bear them up under all discouragements, and carry them through all difficulties: these things will I do unto them, and not forsake them; which may be depended upon, being promised by him that is able to perform, is true, and faithful, and changes not; and, when done, shall not be the last done for them; he will never leave them, nor forsake them, till he has brought them safe to glory.