Isaiah 50:10-11 Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of his servant, that walks in darkness, and has no light?… 1. If this were the only word Isaiah had ever written, it, would be cherished as a marvel of sweetest wisdom; just as, were there only. one star, it would be admired with surpassing interest and wonder. But, one amongst many, the brightest star and the richest text ceases to enkindle the enthusiasm or attract the gaze of men. 2. There are many things about this word strikingly suggestive — (1) The Old Testament designation of a saint — "One that feareth the Lord."(2) By linking this verse (ver. 10) to the one that follows, and studying the two as a pair, what lessons do they give — on the superiority of Divine darkness to human light; on the blessedness of rather being under the cloud, patiently waiting God's appearing, than striking sparks of our own light to lead us in the ways of common life. Heaven-sent darkness — say care or affliction, is better than sparks of one's own kindling — say gaiety, mirth, delusive theories of life. 3. The text assumes that, although joy in the Holy Ghost ought to mark every saint of God, yet, as a matter of fact, the truest saints have to endure darkness, gloom, and trial. And it requires that all such should not be dispirited by the clouds which cross their sky, but that even when long patience and earnest gazing fail to perceive the presence of God they should still rely on Him. Many would say: If any among you fears the Lord and walks in darkness, let him suspect there is something wrong; be careful to examine himself whether he is in the faith, etc. But where we would say "Examine," the prophet says "Trust." (R. Glover, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. |
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