Isaiah 8:22
And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.
Original Language Analysis
יַבִּ֑יט
And they shall look
H5027
יַבִּ֑יט
And they shall look
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
3 of 10
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
Cross References
Isaiah 5:30And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.Jeremiah 13:16Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.Matthew 22:13Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Matthew 8:12But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Job 18:18He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.Proverbs 14:32The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.Jude 1:13Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
Historical Context
Describes conditions during final judgment on Israel and Judah—spiritual darkness accompanying physical devastation. The 'darkness' was both literal (during sieges) and spiritual (apostasy, idolatry). Yet this sets up the glorious reversal in 9:2—'the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.' The darkness of judgment prepares for the light of Messiah. This pattern recurs throughout redemptive history—God's salvation shines brightest against the backdrop of human depravity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this description of total darkness help us understand humanity's desperate need for Christ?
- What does it mean to be 'driven to darkness' by rejecting God's light?
- How does recognizing our spiritual darkness increase our appreciation for the gospel's light?
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Analysis & Commentary
The final verse of chapter 8 depicts total spiritual darkness. Looking downward (earth) or upward (heaven) reveals only trouble, darkness, and dimness. 'Anguish' suggests intense distress; 'driven to darkness' indicates being forced into deeper spiritual blindness. This complete absence of light represents the condition of souls apart from divine revelation. The chapter that began with prophetic light (8:1-4) ends with this stark warning: rejecting God's word leads to comprehensive darkness. Only chapter 9's Messianic promise provides hope.