I really wanted to discuss Isaiah 8:19-20. But felt the chapter’s first 4 verses (yesterday’s lesson) were paramount. So, as has become my “pattern” in this journey through Isaiah … here are some “things I didn’t say” about the spiritual condition prevalent among God’s people during King Ahaz’s tenure.

“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:19-20, I am going to get to talk about this little Paragraph today!

“Familiar spirits” and “peeping wizards” are demons of various kinds! Fallen angels, emissaries of the Devil! Literally, “conjured spirits trapped inside bottles” and “knowers of demons,” wicked spirits that chatter and mutter, making eerie “sounds!” (This practice may involve trying to contact the spirits of the departed dead, as well. Think of Saul and the “witch of Endor!)

Wow!

Spirituality had fallen so low, so perverted … that the people (at large) wanted to get their counsel from demons! And they seem (here) to be urging Isaiah to do the same! The verb “seek” is “darash,” expressed as a command and often suggesting “prayer!” (The word is translated “to enquire” 43 times in the King James Version of Scripture.)

But God here has an Opinion! Or at least a Question.

“Should not a people seek unto their God?” Heartbroken, sounds like, the Almighty Creator! WHY seek the advice of a (dead) chunk of rock or (senseless) block of wood” That is essentially what comprises an idol! Why this, when Israel had such a rich heritage of spiritual Truth!

God continues His Query: ” … for the living to the dead?” In other words, as I understand it, “Why are you living folks consulting dead folks?” (By the way, our great God is not dead, but eternally alive! (Remember, He is … “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8)

Then God gives us the RIGHT SOURCE for spiritual guidance! Where we should go for “light.” Verse 20 …  “To the law and to the testimony.” That is, to God’s infallible Word!

“Law” is “torah,” meaning “teaching, instruction.”

And “testimony” is “teudah,” meaning “repetition,” essentially pointing to the things God has said “over and over and over again!” (Even the Book of “Deuteronomy” proves the point. It being a word which means a “second” giving of the “Law” of God!) I am glad God says things over and over again!

GOD’S WORD USURPS ANYTHING ANY DEMON HAS EVER SAID!

But it appears that the people of Isaiah’s day, early in his ministry anyway (prior to the Revival under King Hezekiah), were NOT interested in the Word of God!

The rest of today’s Text … “if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 5:20b

The verb “speak” used here (“amar” in Hebrew) means to talk conversationally! In everyday banter! As a normal course of life. Nobody is any longer “meditating” on God’s Word! Talking it day and night!

Then look at God’s Assessment! “NO WORD … NO LIGHT!”

Reminds me of Psalm 119:130 … “The entrance of thy words (Lord) giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” So true!

Without paying close attention to God’s Word … a people will drift, devolve into “darkness.” Now think of Psalm 119:105 … “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” 

Wow!

I don’t always do this, but today let me reprint our whole Text … for emphasis. Re-read it now and see if the meanings I’ve given you will “fit” (will help you better “understand”) what God (through Isaiah) is saying.

“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:19-20

I fear America today is just about where Israel was in those Isianic days long ago … just prior to her national judgment!

Sad indeed.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell