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.
Original Language Analysis
כֻּלְּכֶ֛ם
H3605
כֻּלְּכֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וּבְזִיקוֹת֙
and in the sparks
H2131
וּבְזִיקוֹת֙
and in the sparks
Strong's:
H2131
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, what leaps forth, i.e., flash of fire, or a burning arrow; also (from the original sense of the root) a bond
לְכ֣וּ׀
H1980
לְכ֣וּ׀
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
7 of 17
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּא֣וּר
in the light
H217
בְּא֣וּר
in the light
Strong's:
H217
Word #:
8 of 17
flame; hence (in the plural) the east (as being the region of light)
וּבְזִיקוֹת֙
and in the sparks
H2131
וּבְזִיקוֹת֙
and in the sparks
Strong's:
H2131
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, what leaps forth, i.e., flash of fire, or a burning arrow; also (from the original sense of the root) a bond
מִיָּדִי֙
This shall ye have of mine hand
H3027
מִיָּדִי֙
This shall ye have of mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Romans 10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.John 8:24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.Jonah 2:8They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
Historical Context
Israel's repeated alliances with Egypt/Assyria rather than trusting God illustrate 'kindling fire' - attempting security through human wisdom. Every such attempt ended in judgment. The principle applies to all self-salvation attempts apart from God's provided way.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fires' are you kindling (self-help strategies, worldly solutions) rather than trusting God in darkness?
- How has self-reliance led to the 'sorrow' this verse warns about, and what would repentant trust look like?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The warning to those who 'kindle a fire' and 'compass yourselves about with sparks' describes self-reliance - creating own light rather than trusting God. The judgment 'ye shall lie down in sorrow' shows that human-generated solutions lead to misery. This contrasts with verse 10's trust in darkness - those who rest in God's will find peace; those who create own alternatives find sorrow.