Isaiah Chapter 50 · Verse 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?
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.