Isaías 50
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
Isaías 50
MacArthur explains that "Though the sufferings of Judah were the necessary result of sin, no certificate of divorce or sale to creditors occurred because Zion's separation from the Lord was only temporary. In fact, God gave the non-Davidic northern kingdom a certificate of divorce (see Jer 3:8). However, the unconditional promises of the Davidic Covenant (2 Sa 7:12-16) precluded such a divorce for Judah, although there would be a time of separation (cf. Isa 54:6, 7).(See The MacArthur Bible Commentary) Gary Smith - If God has forsaken and forgotten his covenant wife Israel (49:14), where is the certificate of divorce that needs to be granted to the wife? This refers to a literal "letter of cutting off" that a husband must give a wife that he "sends away, divorces" (the root šālaḥ). Although detailed information about the divorce process in Israel at this time is very incomplete, both Deut 24:1-4 and Jer 3:1, 8 mention the practice of giving a written document to a wife that is divorced. One simple way to prove that God has not rejected the people of Judah is to point to the lack of a divorce document. Since no one could produce such a document, one must conclude that God's relationship with his people has not ended from God's point of view. (New American Commentary - New American Commentary – see Isaiah 40-66 ) Ron Teed - In these verses God is seen as a constant lover. The image of Israel as the wife of Jehovah (God) is found often in the prophets (SEE NOTE BELOW). Israel was “married” to Jehovah when they accepted the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19-20), but they violated that covenant by playing the harlot and worshiping idols. But God did not forsake His people even though they had been unfaithful to Him. The Mosaic permission for divorce is found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (also see Matthew 19:1-12). The “certificate of divorce” declared that the former marriage was broken and that the woman was free to remarry. But it also prevented the woman from returning to her former husband. God had indeed divorced the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and allowed it to be assimilated by the Assyrians (Jeremiah 3:8), so she could not return. But He had not “divorced” the Southern Kingdom (Judah); He had only permitted His unfaithful wife to suffer chastening at the hands of Babylon. He would forgive her and receive her back again. (Ron Teed Commentary) Geoffrey W. Grogan - The figures of divorce and debt set forth Israel's conception of the Lord's relationship to her (v.1). Exiled, she assumes that he has cast her off (cf. Isa 40:27); but God her husband (cf. Jer 31:32) has not divorced her nor sold her to pay off his debts; for he, the Creator, has none. The cause of the Exile was simply sin on Israel's part; and, it is implied, if she returns to God, he will restore her. (The Expositor's Bible Commentary – Volume 6: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel see Isaiah or The Expositor's Bible Commentary ) Trent Butler - God found himself once more in the role of a defendant in a trial. He came out questioning Israel. He used Israelite family law to defend himself. If he had divorced his wife Israel, he would have given her a certificate of divorce and could not remarry her, since she was now married to Babylon or the gods of Babylon (Deut. 24:1-4). (Holman Old Testament Commentary – Isaiah) Edward Young says "Zion has no writing of divorcement and hence cannot produce one, for God has never sent her away." That is an interesting comment, but in about 100 years Judah would in fact be sent away to Babylon. Merrill Unger says "They could produce no such document; so it was not the Lord who had divorced them, but their sin that had effected the separation ("was sent away" - same verb shalach used in Jer 3:8 - "I had sent her [10 Northern Tribes] away")." David
Isaías 50
MacArthur - Though God hates divorce (Mal 2:16+), it is tolerated for unrepentant adultery (see Mt 5:32; 19:8, 9, as indicated by this analogy of God's divorcing Israel for that continual sin in the spiritual realm. God had divorced Israel but not yet Judah (cf. Isa 50:1). Cf. Ezra 10:3, where divorce is the right action of God's people to separate from idolatrous wives. (The MacArthur Study Bible). Sent away (07971)(shalach) means to send, to send forth, to send away, to let go, to put, to expel (cf Ge 3:23). The first use in Ge 3:22 describes Adam as he stretched out his hand to take of the forbidden fruit. The second use in Ge 3:23 describes God's punishment - "God sent him out (shalach) from the Garden." In Ge 8:7 Noah "sent out a raven" then "a dove" (Ge 8:8, 10, 12). In Ge 18:16 Abraham sent the visitors (one of which was the LORD!) on their way, thus sending off in a friendly sense. Of the angels who "reached out (shalach) their hands and brought Lot into the house." The LORD...sent (shalach) us (the angels) to destroy" Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge 19:13). In Ge 19:29 "when God destroyed the cities of the valley, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow." Of Hagar and Ishmael "sent...away" into the wilderness of Beersheba (Ge 21:14). In Ge 22:10 "Abraham stretched out his hand" as he prepared to sacrifice Isaac. God told him "do not stretch out your hand against the lad." (Ge 22:12) We could continue working though the verses which gives us a good sense of what this verb shalach means. In Malachi 3:1 God says He will send "My messenger" (Elijah) (cf Mal 4:5). In Malachi 2:16 God says "I hate divorce" and the word in Hebrew is shalach. Shalach is used to mean - Send fire (Amos 1:4, 7, 10, 12, Amos 2:2,5), a plague (Amos 4:10) or a famine (Amos 8:11). For various lexicon discussions click here. Unfortunately, we have neither time nor space go through all the uses of Shalach, but it would make a very interesting study if you have time (See all 790 verses below). NET Note - The Lord challenges the exiles (Zion’s children) to bring incriminating evidence against Him. The rhetorical questions imply that Israel accused the Lord of divorcing his wife (Zion) and selling his children (the Israelites) into slavery to pay off a debt. Or to whom of My creditors did I sell you? - This question from Jehovah to the children (the Jews) expects a negative reply. In other words God did not sell her to creditors. Jesus alluded to the sale of one's children to pay creditors in (Mt 18:25) -- “But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made." Gilbrant on My creditors - Creditors could sell a debtor’s children into slavery (cf. 2 Ki. 4:1). But the idea that God has creditors is ridiculous. Nevertheless, the sins of the people have put them in the position of being sold and put away. God did not want this. Their sins required it. (Complete Biblical Library – Isaiah) Cornerstone Bible Commentary on My creditors - If a man did not pay his debts, his children could legally be sold as slaves (Exod 21:7; Neh 5:5; 2 Kgs 4:1). But the Lord was not in debt to Babylon; he did not have any creditors, nor did he receive anything when he sent his people into captivity (52:3). They alone were responsible for their captivity because of their rebellion and rejection of the Lord’s authority and rule over them. (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Isaiah) Wiersbe on sold for your iniquities - The second picture in this paragraph is that of a poor family selling their children into servitude (2 Kings 4:1-7; Neh. 5:1-5). God had not sold His people; by their sins, they had sold themselves. God had called to them many times and tried to turn them back from their wicked ways, but they had refused to listen. Judah did not go into exile because of God's weakness, but because of their own sinfulness. (See context The Bible Exposition Commentary). Ron Teed - The second picture in this paragraph is that of a poor family selling their children into servitude (2 Kings 4:1–7; Neh. 5:1–5). God had not sold His people; by their sins, they had sold themselves. God had called to them many times and tried to turn them back from their wicked ways, but they had refused to listen. Judah did not go into exile because of God’s weakness, but because of their own sinfulness. THE REASON ISRAEL WAS SOLD Judah was indeed sold into the hands of her oppressors but it was not because the Lord needed money but because of her many sins. As Paul said centuries later there is a price that must be paid for sin for "the wages of sin is death." (Ro 6:23). Of course, not all of Judah died but many were slaughtered by their enemies when God sold them into their hands. And keep in mind Isaiah is writing almost 100 years before this event will take place. Behold (also in Isa 49:16, 21, 22, 50:2) (02009)(hinneh) is an interjection meaning behold, look, now; if. "It is used often and expresses strong feelings, surprise, hope, expectation, certainty, thus giving vividness depending on its surrounding context." (Baker) Hinneh generally directs our mind to the text, imploring the reader to give it special attention. In short, the Spirit is trying to arrest our attention!
Isaías 50
MacArthur comments that this section "is Messiah's soliloquy about being perfected through obedience (Isa 50:4, 5) and sufferings (Isa 50:6). (See ESV, MacArthur Study Bible) Moody Bible Commentary - This brief section of the two-part poem presents the Servant as an example of trust in the Lord, persevering despite opposition. Written in the first person, the section has four parts, each introduced by the divine name the Lord GOD (Isa 50:4, 5, 7, 9). (See context in The Moody Bible Commentary) ADONAY YHWH The Lord GOD (The sovereign LORD) - Lord God is repeated four times in this chapter - Isa 50:4, 5, 7, 9 but not in the last 2 verses (Isaiah 50:10-11). As discussed more below the title Lord speaks of His sovereign control and GOD (Jehovah) speaks of God as the self-existent One and the covenant keeping God. The Messiah (Not Israel as some suggest - ) is speaking as the Servant of the LORD, Jesus Christ. In the four Servant Songs, this title for God ("Lord GOD") is found most often in the Third Servant Song and only one time in the Third Servant Song (Isa 49:22). Messiah uses Lord GOD again in Isaiah 61:1 (although not a "Servant Song"). Edward Young on The Lord GOD - This combined name lends a tone of majesty and impressiveness to the servant’s words. What the servant speaks is truth because of the covenant God who has all power over the creation. This God who can clothe heavens with blackness has equipped the servant for his task All the uses of Lord GOD in Isaiah (30 of 434 OT uses) Isa. 1:24; Isa. 3:1; Isa. 3:15; Isa. 7:7; Isa. 10:23; Isa. 10:24; Isa. 12:2; Isa. 19:4; Isa. 21:17; Isa. 22:5; Isa. 22:12; Isa. 22:14; Isa. 22:15; Isa. 25:8; Isa. 28:16; Isa. 28:22; Isa. 30:15; Isa. 40:10; Isa. 48:16; Isa. 49:22; Isa. 50:4; Isa. 50:5; Isa. 50:7; Isa. 50:9; Isa. 52:4; Isa. 56:8; Isa. 61:1; Isa. 61:11; Isa. 65:13; Isa. 65:15 Robert B. Girdlestone says that Jehovah Sovereign means that "God is the owner of each member of the human family, and that He consequently claims the unrestricted obedience of all." (Synonyms of the Old Testament) Is not this descriptive definition a bit convicting? As
Isaías 50
MacArthur adds that "The Apostle John writes much about Jesus' obedience to God in fulfilling His will (cf. Jn 5:19, 36; 6:38; 7:16, 29; 12:49, 50, cf. Php 2:8. (The MacArthur Study Bible) As an aside, how different are the ears of the Lord GOD'S Servant from the ears of the Jews to whom Stephen spoke God's Word in Acts 7 for they were " uncircumcised in heart and EARS" and "always resisting the Holy Spirit." (Acts 7:51+) As the Word of God spoken by Stephen pierced them like a sword, "they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their EARS and rushed at him with one impulse.." (Acts 7:57+) The Septuagint is interesting and reads "the instruction of the Lord, even the Lord, opens mine ears." In psalm 40 we read Messiah's words Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired; My ears You have opened; Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required. 7Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” (Ps 40:6-8) Comment - This passage is quoted in Heb 10:5-9. Note the marked contrast between Israel as servant and Messiah as Servant for in Isaiah 48 we see a similar (but negative) description of Israel “You have not heard, you have not known. Even from long ago your ear has not been open, Because I knew that you would deal very treacherously; And you have been called a rebel from birth. (Isa 48:8) W E Vine - This was the very perfection of obedience. Compare Psalm 40:6, where, however, the word rendered to open signifies to dig, which may either refer to the custom of boring a servant’s ear, in token of perpetual service (Ex. 21:6), or be figurative simply of devotion to God’s will. Here in Isaiah a different word is used, with the latter meaning. The Lord Jesus knew all the suffering that lay before Him, and with undeviating steadfastness He pursued His pathway to the Cross. (Ibid) David Guzik on opened My ear - The Messiah, speaking prophetically, looks back to a custom described in Exodus 21:5–6, where a servant became a willing bondslave to his master. (Enduring Word Bible Commentary Isaiah 50) “But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife and my children; I will not go out as a free man,’ 6 then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently. The sign of this willing servant was the ear opened by the piercing of an awl, done against the entry doorway of the master. This speaks of the total submission of the Messiah to the Lord GOD. If, after the six years of servitude, a servant wished to make a life-long commitment to his master—in light of the master’s goodness and his blessings for the servant—he could, through this ceremony, make a life-long commitment to his master. This was a commitment not motivated by debt or obligation, only love for the master. In the ceremony, the servant’s ear would be pierced—opened—with an awl, in the presence of witnesses—then, he shall serve him for ever (Exodus 21:5–6). Psalm 40:6 also speaks of this ceremony taking place between the Father and the Son, where the Psalmist speaks prophetically for the Messiah: Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; my ears You have opened. Jesus was a perfect bond-slave to the Father (Philippians 2:7). David Thompson - Jesus Christ was never disobedient to God’s Word. 50:5a What is revealed here is that there was not one time ever in Jesus Christ’s life that He did anything rebellious that would have required some form of corrective discipline (Ibid., pp. 507-508). In fact, the word carries with it the idea of deserving stripes because one has disobeyed. (Sermon) Edward Young claims this Hebrew word specifically has to do with an inner attitude or disposition of rebellion (The Book of Isaiah, Vol. 3, p. 299). Jesus Christ never had an inclination of rebellion in Him. All of us have gone astray time and time again and have disobeyed God’s Word. We all deserve God’s wrath and what we don’t deserve is His grace. Think about what is revealed here; not one time did Jesus Christ ever disobey God. He was absolutely perfect. He understood every bit of God’s Word and He obeyed every bit of God’s Word. He never violated anything from God’s Word ever. Opened (06605)(pathach) means to open, to be let loose, to free, to carve or engrave. David Thompson - Jesus Christ would never turn away from God’s will. 50:5b-6 Now when Jesus Christ came to this world, He had to complete a very humiliating assignment. He knew full well what was going to happen to Him. He did not hesitate for one second. These things would have caused most of us to turn away in a moment. There are three specific humiliating atrocities that Jesus Christ allowed to happen to Himself. Keep in mind He is God: Humiliating Atrocity #1 - He allowed His back to be beaten. 50:6a / Matthew 27:26 Humiliating Atrocity #2 - He allowed His beard to be ripped off His face. 50:6b Humiliating Atrocity #3 - He allowed His face to be spit on. 50:6c / Matthew 26:67; 27:30 Matthew says they spit in His face and actually beat Him in His head. Then they delivered Him to be crucified. Who of us would be willing to take on this assignment? Jesus Christ did not turn away from God’s will. (Sermon) And I was not disobedient - KJV = "and I was not rebellious." Young comments that "Moses had objected, and also Jeremiah. Jonah had even sought to flee from the presence of the Lord (cf. Ex. 4:10ff.; Jer. 20:7ff.; 17:16; Jon. 1:3). These were sinful human messengers who could not escape God’s commands, for when God spoke, the prophet had to prophesy (Amos 3:8). No suggestion of rebellion, however, was found in the servant." (Ibid) Maclaren on the obedience of the Servant: ‘My meat is to do the will of My Father’ (Jn 4:34); ‘For thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness’ (Mt 3:15); ‘I came down from heaven not to do My own will.’ (Jn 6:38) By His servant’s words: ‘Obedient unto death’ (Php 2:8); ‘Made under the law’ (Gal 4:4); ‘He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.’ (Heb 5:8) (ED: What Jesus knew by omniscience, He "learned" by experience). It is involved in the belief of His righteous manhood. It is essential to true manhood. The highest ideal for humanity is conscious dependence on God, and the very definition of righteousness is conscious conformity to the Will of God. If Christ had done the noblest acts and yet had not always had this sense of being a Servant, He would not have been pure and holy. Disobedient (rebellious) (04784)(marah) means to be contentious, rebellious, and openly defiant to an authority by not obeying commands. Most of the uses of marah refer to rebellion by Israel or Judah against Jehovah. Here the Servant Jesus stands in marked contrast to the Servant Israel. Isaiah used this same word marah earlier to describe God's people... For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen, Because their speech and their actions are against the LORD, To rebel (marah) against His glorious presence. (Isa 3:8+, cf Isa 1:20 "rebel" = marah). And again in Isaiah 63 But they (ISRAEL CONTINUALLY) rebelled (marah) And grieved His Holy Spirit; Therefore He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against them. (Isa 63:10) Nor did I turn back - This position speaks of turning one's back on God and His Word. There is an example of this in Ezekiel 8 where he describes Judah's flagrant rebellion against God in their "worship" practices in His Holy Temple. Ezekiel records Then He (THE HOLY SPIRIT) brought me (THE PROPHET EZEKIEL WHO HAD BEEN TRANSPORTED FROM BABYLON) into the inner court of the LORD’S house (TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM). And behold, at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were prostrating themselves eastward toward the sun (BOWING DOWN WORSHIPING THE SUN RATHER THE SON! OH MY!). (Ezekiel 8:16+) Isaiah 50:6 I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. KJV Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. I gave My back to those who strike Me Lam 3:30; Micah 5:1; Mt 5:39; 26:67; 27:26; Mark 14:65; 15:19; Luke 22:63,64; John 18:22; Heb 12:2 My cheeks to those on 2 Sa 10:4. EVIDENCE OF THE SERVANT'S OBEDIENCE This prophecy gives us striking details which were fulfilled in the Passion of Jesus described in the Gospels. Paul Apple - The Back of a Disciple – Undeterred by both Physical and Emotional Persecution (Undeterred = Not discouraged or not refraining from continuing on the pathway of discipleship Matt. 26:67ff; 27:26ff; John 19:1ff) (Isaiah Commentary) I gave My back to those who strike Me - Notice instead of saying men beat Him, He says "I gave" indicating His voluntary submission, His willingness to suffer. Normal men would have been provoked to fight back or resist, but Jesus was just the opposite even in the face of what was excessively vile treatment. All four Gospels record various aspects of the fulfillment of this prophecy (Mt 26:67; 27:26, 30; Mk 14:65; 15:19; Lk 22:63-65; Jn 18:22). In spite of the ignominious treatment Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by remaining submissive to His Father's will . In Scripture foo And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard - Not described in the Gospels, but surely it occurred. "The eastern people always held the beard in great veneration; and to pluck a man's beard is one of the grossest indignities that can be offered. D'Arvieux gives a remarkable instance of an Arab, who, having received a wound in his jaw, chose to hazard his life rather than suffer the surgeon to cut off his beard." (TSK Note) Cornerstone Bible Commentary on pluck out the beard - Bedouin, who are often very sensitive about care of the beard, use expressions such as “Beg by the beard” or “Swear by the beard.” (See Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Isaiah) Young - The Oriental regarded the beard as a sign of freedom and respect, and to pluck out the hair of the beard (for cheek in effect would refer to a beard) is to show utter contempt. (Ibid)
Isaías 50
MacArthur comments that "So sure was He of the Lord God's help that He resolutely determined to remain unswayed by whatever hardship might await Him (cf. Eze 3:8, 9). Jesus demonstrated this determination in setting His face to go to Jerusalem to be crucified (Lk 9:51+). (See MacArthur Study Bible) David Thompson - Jesus Christ was totally dependent on God the Father for help. He did not get any help from Israel or even His disciples. He was totally focused on God for help. He knew He would never be disgraced or ashamed. Even though He was being disgraced on earth and was treated in a demeaning and shameful way, He knew that He would never be disgraced or ashamed in His Father’s sight. So He set His face like flint on doing His Father’s will. (Sermon) Flint (06440)(challamish) is a masculine noun indicating a rock, flint. It refers to a type of rock made of flint (Deut. 8:15) from which both oil and water came (Deut. 32:13; Ps. 114:8). It is mined by men (Job 28:9). It is used in a simile indicating hardness or fairness and resolve (Isa. 50:7). The Septuagint translates it in Isa 50:7 with the noun petra which is interesting because Paul uses petra to describe Christ speaking of the the rock in the wilderness that produced "living water" when struck - "spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ." (1 Cor 10.4). Gilbrant - Twice the noun is used in connection with the miracle of the water springing forth from a flint rock in the desert (Deut. 8:15; 32:13). It appears parallel to tsûr in Ps. 114:8, which relates the same event in a psalm of praise for Yahweh's deliverance from Egypt. Smick - In the Numbers 20 account of Moses' bringing water from the rock another root (selaʿ) is used. But in Deut. 8:15 where this event is referred to again the words ṣûr ḥallāmîsh "the rock of 'flint'" are used. The poetry of Psalm 114:8 divides the terminology of Deut. 8:15 putting one of the words on each side of the parallelism: "who turned the rock (ṣûr) into standing water//the 'flint' into a fountain of water." (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament) Challamish -5x - Deut. 8:15; Deut. 32:13; Job 28:9; Ps. 114:8; Isa. 50:7 Wikipedia - Flint is a hard, sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of the mineral quartz. (See hardness of flint). And I know that I will not be ashamed - Messiah was confident in God and His Word of Truth that He would not be put to shame.
Isaías 50
MacArthur adds that Isaiah 50:10-11 is "a call to the unconverted to believe and be saved, along with a warning that those who tried to escape moral, spiritual darkness by lighting their own fire (man-made religion, works righteousness) were to end up in eternal torment." (See context in The MacArthur Bible Commentary )
Isaías 50
MacArthur explains - The angel is preaching the good news concerning eternal life and entrance into the kingdom of God (cf. Mt 24:14; 1Co 15:1-10). He is urging the people of the world to change their allegiance from the beast to the Lamb. It is also called in the NT the gospel of God, the gospel of grace, the gospel of Christ, the gospel of peace, the glorious gospel, and the gospel of the kingdom. It is good news that God saves by the forgiveness of sin and opens His kingdom to all who will repent and believe. The whole world will hear this preaching by the angel as God graciously calls all to salvation. (The MacArthur Study Bible) Motyer - “Only he who knows how to obey can call others to obedience.” Obeys (08085)(shama) means to hear (Adam and Eve hearing God = Ge 3:8, 10, Ge 18:10 = "overheard"), to listen (Ge 3:17, Ge 16:2 [= this was a big mistake and was the origin of Jews and Arabs!] Ex 6:9,16:20, 18:19, Webster's 1828 on "listen" = to hearken; to give ear; to attend closely with a view to hear. To obey; to yield to advice; to follow admonition) and since hearing/listening are often closely linked to obedience, shama is translated obey (1 Sa 15:22, Ge 22:18, 26:5, 39:10, Ex 19:5, disobedience = Lev 26:14, 18, 21, 27) or to understand. KJV translates shama "hearken" (196x) a word which means to give respectful attention. Shama means “to hear intelligently and attentively and respond appropriately." In other words to hear does not convey the idea of "in one ear and out the other!" The Septuagint has an interesting variation and after asking who is among you that fears Jehovah, it then gives a command to "Listen (akouo in the aorist imperative) to the voice of His Servant." Brian Bell - Even believers who fear God & obey His voice can still end up in the darkness of perplexity! {But, there’s hope in darkness!} What do we do in the darkness of perplexities & confusions? Darkness not of the heart, but of the mind. I picture being in the middle of a pitch-black warehouse. A voice says, “I know this place pretty well, take my arm & I will lead you out, but only do as I say”. You have a lighter in your pocket you offer to light the way. The voice emphatically says, “NO, it’s best w/o the lighters light!” You don’t understand the voices sharp rebuke. You find yourself stumbling in the dark, bruising your shins & tripping as you go. Getting more & more frustrated why you can’t use the lighter. When you get to the other side, you find the door. Going outside the building you read, “Caution, Odorless Gas Inside”. The lighter would not have been a good light, though it sure seemed it at the time. 1st thing to do is nothing. This is difficult but sit tight. “When you’re rattled, don’t rush!” Remember what do you do when you’re driving & you hit a heavy fog bank? (Do you speed up or slow down?) When you hit spiritual fog do the same thing! Keep your life’s ship anchored, or tied to the dock. Trust in the Lord, wait on Him, & he will give you the light you need, when you need it! That walks in darkness and has no light? - NET = "deep darkness" Warren