Isaiah 50:11
Isaiah 50:11 in Multiple Translations
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 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 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.
See, all you who make a fire, arming yourselves with burning branches: go in the flame of your fire, and among the branches you have put a light to. This will you have from my hand, you will make your bed in sorrow.
Beware all you who start a fire, who pick up blazing torches! Go ahead, walk in the light of your own fire and of the torches you yourselves have set alight! This is what you will receive from me: You are going to lie down in a place of suffering.
Beholde, all you kindle a fire, and are compassed about with sparkes: walke in the light of your fire, and in the sparkes that ye haue kindled. This shall ye haue of mine hand: ye shall lye downe in sorowe.
Lo, all ye kindling a fire, girding on sparks, Walk ye in the light of your fire, And in the sparks ye have caused to burn, From my hand hath this been to you, In grief ye lie down!
Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who adorn yourselves with torches around yourselves, walk in the flame of your fire, and among the torches that you have kindled. You will have this from my hand: you will lie down in sorrow.
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that encompass yourselves with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of my hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
Behold all you that kindle a fire, encompassed with dames, walk in the light of your fire, and in the dames which you have kindled: this is done to you by my hand, you shall sleep in sorrows.
But you people who oppose me, who would like to throw me into a blazing fire, walk in your own fires and burn yourselves with your own torches! This is what Yahweh will cause to happen to you: You will be enduring great torment when you die [EUP]!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 50:11
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 50:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֧ן
כֻּלְּ/כֶ֛ם
קֹ֥דְחֵי
אֵ֖שׁ
מְאַזְּרֵ֣י
זִיק֑וֹת
לְכ֣וּ
בְּ/א֣וּר
אֶשְׁ/כֶ֗ם
וּ/בְ/זִיקוֹת֙
בִּֽעַרְתֶּ֔ם
מִ/יָּדִ/י֙
הָיְתָה
זֹּ֣את
לָ/כֶ֔ם
לְ/מַעֲצֵבָ֖ה
תִּשְׁכָּבֽוּ/ן
הֵ֧ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
כֻּלְּ/כֶ֛ם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
קֹ֥דְחֵי
qâdach
H6919
to kindle
V-Qal
אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
מְאַזְּרֵ֣י
ʼâzar
H247
to gird
V-Piel
זִיק֑וֹת
zîyqâh
H2131
missile
N-cp
לְכ֣וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
בְּ/א֣וּר
ʼûwr
H217
flame
Prep | N-ms
אֶשְׁ/כֶ֗ם
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs | Suff
וּ/בְ/זִיקוֹת֙
zîyqâh
H2131
missile
Conj | Prep | N-cp
בִּֽעַרְתֶּ֔ם
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Piel-Perf-2mp
מִ/יָּדִ/י֙
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
הָיְתָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
זֹּ֣את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
לָ/כֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
לְ/מַעֲצֵבָ֖ה
maʻătsêbâh
H4620
torment
Prep | N-fs
תִּשְׁכָּבֽוּ/ן
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 50:11
הֵ֧ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
כֻּלְּ/כֶ֛ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
קֹ֥דְחֵי
qâdach
H6919
"to kindle"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to start a fire or ignite something, and it is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, often in a literal sense.
Definition: 1) to kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kindle 1a2) to be kindled
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: burn, kindle. See also: Deuteronomy 32:22; Isaiah 64:1; Isaiah 50:11.
אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
מְאַזְּרֵ֣י
ʼâzar
H247
"to gird"
V-Piel
To gird means to wear a belt or surround something, like God surrounding his people with strength. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) gird, encompass, equip, clothe 1a) (Qal) to gird, gird on (metaphorical of strength) 1b) (Niphal) be girded 1c)(Piel) hold close, clasp 1d) (Hiphpael) gird oneself (for war)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bind (compass) about, gird (up, with). See also: 1 Samuel 2:4; Psalms 18:40; Psalms 18:33.
זִיק֑וֹת
zîyqâh
H2131
"missile"
N-cp
This word describes a fetter or chain, often made of metal. In Judges 15:14, Samson breaks free from fetters, showing his great strength. The word can also refer to a burning arrow or spark.
Definition: spark, missile, firebrand, flaming arrow
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: chain, fetter, firebrand, spark. See also: Job 36:8; Isaiah 45:14; Psalms 149:8.
לְכ֣וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בְּ/א֣וּר
ʼûwr
H217
"flame"
Prep | N-ms
This word means flame or fire, and also refers to the East as a region of light. In the Bible, it appears in books like Isaiah and Job, symbolizing God's presence and guidance. Light is a powerful symbol in scripture.
Definition: flame, light of fire
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fire, light. See also H224 (אוּרִים). See also: Isaiah 24:15; Isaiah 47:14; Isaiah 31:9.
אֶשְׁ/כֶ֗ם
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs | Suff
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וּ/בְ/זִיקוֹת֙
zîyqâh
H2131
"missile"
Conj | Prep | N-cp
This word describes a fetter or chain, often made of metal. In Judges 15:14, Samson breaks free from fetters, showing his great strength. The word can also refer to a burning arrow or spark.
Definition: spark, missile, firebrand, flaming arrow
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: chain, fetter, firebrand, spark. See also: Job 36:8; Isaiah 45:14; Psalms 149:8.
בִּֽעַרְתֶּ֔ם
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Piel-Perf-2mp
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
מִ/יָּדִ/י֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הָיְתָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
זֹּ֣את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
לָ/כֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/מַעֲצֵבָ֖ה
maʻătsêbâh
H4620
"torment"
Prep | N-fs
Maatsabah refers to a place of pain or grief, like a time of sorrow. It is used to describe a state of anguish or terror.
Definition: 1) place of pain, place of grief 2) (TWOT) terror
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: sorrow. See also: Isaiah 50:11.
תִּשְׁכָּבֽוּ/ן
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 50:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 50:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 50:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 50:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 50:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 50:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 50:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 50:11
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 50:11
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 50:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 50:11
- Sermons on Isaiah 50:11
Context — The Servant’s Obedience
9Surely the Lord GOD helps Me. Who is there to condemn Me? See, they will all wear out like a garment; the moths will devour them.
10Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God.
11Behold, 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.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 17:5–7 | This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. |
| 2 | Romans 1:21–22 | For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, |
| 3 | Romans 10:3 | Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. |
| 4 | John 8:24 | That is why I told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” |
| 5 | Matthew 15:6–8 | he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. |
| 6 | Psalms 20:7–8 | Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. |
| 7 | Revelation 19:20 | But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. |
| 8 | Jonah 2:8 | Those who cling to worthless idols forsake His loving devotion. |
| 9 | Isaiah 28:15–20 | For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place. Your covenant with death will be dissolved, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be trampled by it. As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror. Indeed, the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket too small to wrap around you. |
| 10 | Isaiah 30:15–16 | For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence— but you were not willing.” “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. |
Isaiah 50:11 Summary
This verse is saying that if we try to make our own way and rely on our own strength, rather than trusting in God, we will ultimately face the consequences of our actions. It's like trying to light our own way through life with a fire that we've made, but that fire will eventually burn out and leave us in darkness, as warned in Jeremiah 17:5-6. Instead, we should trust in the name of the Lord and lean on Him, as encouraged in Isaiah 50:10 and Psalm 37:3-6, and He will be our guide and our light, leading us through life's challenges and into a place of safety and peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to kindle a fire and array oneself with firebrands in Isaiah 50:11?
In this context, kindling a fire and arraying oneself with firebrands refers to relying on one's own strength and resources rather than trusting in God, as seen in Isaiah 50:10 where it says to trust in the name of the Lord and lean on Him, similar to Proverbs 3:5-6 where it instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Is this verse speaking of literal fire or is it a metaphor?
The fire in Isaiah 50:11 is a metaphor for the self-sufficiency and rebellion against God, as seen in other scriptures like Jeremiah 17:5-6 where it warns against trusting in flesh, and instead, we should trust in God as our source of strength and guidance.
What does the phrase 'lie down in a place of torment' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'lie down in a place of torment' refers to the ultimate judgment and punishment that awaits those who reject God and trust in their own ways, similar to what is described in Revelation 20:15 where it talks about the lake of fire.
How does this verse relate to the preceding verses, especially Isaiah 50:10?
Isaiah 50:10 and 11 present a contrast between those who trust in God and those who trust in themselves, with the former being called to trust in the name of the Lord and the latter being warned of the consequences of their self-reliance, a theme also seen in Psalm 37:3-6 where it instructs us to trust in the Lord and do good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I might be 'kindling a fire' or relying on my own strength rather than trusting in God?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in the name of the Lord, as mentioned in Isaiah 50:10, to my current challenges and struggles?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of my tendency to self-reliance and instead lean on God as my source of guidance and strength, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What does it mean for me to 'walk in the light of the fire' of my own making, and how does this compare to walking in the light of God's presence and guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 50:11
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire,.... To enlighten and warm yourselves; who, rejecting Christ the Light of the world, and despising the glorious light of his Gospel, and loving darkness rather than
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 50:11
All ye that kindle a fire, that you may enjoy the light and comfort of it, as it is explained in the following words. You that reject the light which God hath set up, and refuse the counsel of his servant, and seek for comfort, and safety, and the knowledge of God’ s mind, and the enjoyment of his favour, by your own inventions; which was the common error of the Jews in all ages, and especially in the days of the Messiah, when they refused him, and that way of righteousness and salvation which he appointed, and rested upon their own traditions and devices, going about to establish their own righteousness, and not submitting unto the righteousness of God, as is expressed, . That compass yourselves about; endeavouring to warm and refresh yourselves on all sides. With sparks; or rather, with firebrands, as this very word is fitly rendered, , which is better than sparks or flames, which is there put in the margin, because firebrands only, and not sparks or flames, are capable of being thrown by one man at another. And this word is no where else used in Scripture. He mentions firebrands, either to imply that these fires yielded more smoke than heat or light, of because these were the usual materials of a fire. Walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled; use your utmost endeavours to get comfort and satisfaction from these devices. This shall ye have of mine hand, ye shall lie down in sorrow; this shall be the fruit of all, through my just judgment, that instead of that comfort and security which you expect by these means, you shall receive nothing but vexation and misery, which shall pursue you both living and dying; for this word, which is here rendered lie down, is frequently used for dying, as , and elsewhere. Or it is a metaphor from a man that lying down on his bed for rest and ease, meets with nothing but trouble and pain, as Job complained, ,14.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 50:11
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.Ver. 11. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire.] That instead of relying upon God, would relieve yourselves by carnal shifts and fetches, a fire of your own kindling, or rather sparks of your own tinderboxes, strange fire, and not that of God’ s sanctuary. Or say they be your own good works you trust to. Like as the phoenix gathereth sweet odoriferous sticks in Arabia together, aud then blows them with her wings, and burns herself with them. That compass yourselves about with sparks.] Away with those tinder boxes of yours. What are your sparkles but such as are smitten out of a flint, which (1.) Yields no warmth or good light; (2). Are soon extinct; (3.) Nevertheless, you are sure to "lie down in sorrow," to be "cast into utter darkness," where you shall never see the light again till you see the whole world all on a light fire at the last day. Walk in the light of your fire.] Do so if ye think it good; but your light shall be put out into darkness and worse; like as lightning is followed by rending and roaring thunder. This shall ye have of my hand.] This I will assure of; and having spoken it with my mouth, I will fulfil it with my hand.
Ye shall lie down in sorrow.] As sick folk, who being in grievous pain, would fain die, but cannot. Cubatum ibitis, ad ignes, ad dolores et cruciatus. You shall make your beds in the bottom of hell, as it is said of the king of Babylon, and as of Pope Clement V it was reported, that upon the death of a nephew of his, whom he had sensually abused, he sent to a certain magician to know how it went with his soul in the other world? The magician showed him to the messenger as lying in hell in a bed of fire. Whereupon the Pope was so struck with horror, that he never held up his head more, but soon after died also. Jacob. Revius, Hist. Pontif., p. 199.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 50:11
(11) All ye that kindle a fire.—The words obviously point to any human substitute for the Divine light, and thus include the two meanings which commentators have given them: (1) Man’s fiery wrath, that worketh not the righteousness of God; and (2) man’s attempt to rest in earthly comforts or enjoyments instead of in the light and joy that comes from God. That compass yourselves about with sparks.—The words are rendered by many commentators, gird yourselves with burning darts, or firebrands, i.e., with calumnies and execrations as your weapons of warfare (Comp. Ephesians 6:16.) Ye shall lie down in sorrow.—The words point to a death of anguish, perhaps to the torment that follows death (comp. Luke 16:24), as the outcome of the substitution of the earthly for the heavenly light.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 50:11
Verse 11. Ye that kindle a fire] The fire of their own kindling, by the light of which they walk with security and satisfaction, is an image designed to express, in general, human devices and mere worldly policy, exclusive of faith, and trust in God; which, though they flatter themselves for a while with pleasing expectations and some appearance of success, shall in the end turn to the confusion of the authors. Or more particularly, as Vitringa explains it, it may mean the designs of the turbulent and factious Jews in the times succeeding those of Christ, who, in pursuit of their own desperate schemes, stirred up the war against the Romans, and kindled a fire which consumed their city and nation. That compass yourselves about with sparks - "Who heap the fuel round about"] "מגוזלי megozeley, accendentes, Syr.; forte legerunt pro מאזרי meazzerey מאירי meirey; nam sequitur אור ur." - Secker. Lud. Capellus, in his criticism on this place, thinks it should be מאזרי meazzerey, from the Septuagint, κατισχυοντες. There are others who are widely different from those already described. Without faith, repentance, or a holy life, they are bold in their professed confidence in God - presumptuous in their trust in the mercy of God; and, while destitute of all preparation for and right to the kingdom of heaven, would think it criminal to doubt their final salvation! Living in this way, what can they have at the hand of God but an endless bed of sorrow! Ye shall lie down in sorrow.
But there is a general sense, and accordant to the design of the prophecy, in which these words may be understood and paraphrased: Behold, all ye that kindle a fire - provoke war and contention; compass yourselves about with sparks - stirring up seditions and rebellions: walk in the light of your fire - go on in your lust of power and restless ambition. Ye shall lie down in sorrow - it will turn to your own perdition. See the Targum. This seems to refer to the restless spirit of the Jews, always stirring up confusion and strife; rebelling against and provoking the Romans, till at last their city was taken, their temple burnt to the ground, and upwards of a million of themselves destroyed, and the rest led into captivity!
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 50:11
11. that compass yourselves about with sparks] Lit. as R.V., that gird yourselves about with firebrands (cf. Proverbs 26:18). The verb “gird” hardly suits the metaphor; hence it is better with many authorities to change ξΰζψι into ξΰιψι (“that kindle”). “Fire” and “firebrands” are both images for the machinations of the ungodly party against the true servants of Jehovah (cf. Psalms 7:13; Ephesians 6:16). walk in the light &c.] Rather: walk into the flame of your fire &c. Their mischievous designs shall recoil on themselves (Psalms 7:15 f.). this shall ye have of mine hand] Better: from my hand is this (appointed) for you. ye shall lie down in sorrow] perhaps: in the place of torment; see on ch. Isaiah 66:24.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 50:11
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire - This verse refers to the wicked. In the previous verse, the Messiah had called upon all the pious to put their trust in God, and it is there implied that they would do so.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 50:11
11. Ye… that compass yourselves about with sparks — If any son of Israel is neglecting Jehovah his God, is self-sufficient, is kindling his own fire and walking by the light of it, even daring the
Sermons on Isaiah 50:11
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Walking Daily in the Light of God's Eternal Purpose by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having life in order to walk in the ways of God. He explains that if we only have the natural, fallen life inherited from A |
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True and False Conversions by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the critical distinction between true and false conversions, emphasizing that many who believe they are saved may only be kindling a fire of their own maki |
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Maintaining Ministerial Fervor by Don Currin | Don Currin delivers a powerful sermon on the lethal effects of clerical complacency, emphasizing the danger of passionless ministers contributing to spiritual deadness and formalit |
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The Work of the Ministry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot emphasizes that true ministers are not made by possessing natural abilities, knowledge of scriptures, or even gracious experiences, but by a special ministerial gift c |
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Esther #3 Ch. 5-7 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Esther from the Bible. He highlights a scene where the king wants to reward Mordecai, but Haman, who wants to hang Mordecai, co |
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The Two Judaisms by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the materialistic mindset prevalent in America, where success is measured by wealth and possessions. He acknowledges the struggle of those wh |
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Jeremiah, the Persecuted Prophet by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for filmmaker Steven Spielberg to be stripped of his worldly success and brought into the wilderness of the nations. This wilderness |