Isaiah 42:16
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know
This phrase speaks to God's guidance and providence. The Hebrew word for "lead" is "nahal," which implies a gentle, nurturing guidance, much like a shepherd leading his flock. The "blind" here can be understood both literally and metaphorically, representing those who are spiritually blind or unaware of God's plans. Historically, Israel often found itself in situations where the path forward was unclear, yet God promised to guide them through unknown territories. This reflects God's faithfulness and His ability to make a way where there seems to be none.

along unfamiliar paths I will guide them
The "unfamiliar paths" symbolize life's uncertainties and the new challenges that believers face. The Hebrew word "nathiv" for "paths" suggests a track or course that is not well-trodden. This can be seen as a metaphor for the new covenant and the new life in Christ, which was unfamiliar to the Israelites. God's promise to "guide" them reassures believers that even when the future is uncertain, His presence is constant and His guidance is sure.

I will turn darkness into light before them
This phrase is rich with imagery and promise. "Darkness" in Hebrew is "choshek," often used to describe chaos, ignorance, or adversity. The transformation of "darkness into light" signifies enlightenment, understanding, and hope. In a spiritual sense, this is the work of Christ, who is the Light of the World, bringing clarity and salvation to those in spiritual darkness. Historically, this reflects God's deliverance of Israel from the darkness of exile and oppression.

and rough places into level ground
The "rough places" refer to obstacles and difficulties in life. The Hebrew word "ma'aqash" suggests something twisted or crooked. God's promise to make these "level" indicates His power to remove barriers and provide a smooth path for His people. This can be seen as a metaphor for the sanctification process, where God works in the lives of believers to remove sin and make their paths straight.

These are the things I will do
This statement underscores the certainty and intentionality of God's actions. The phrase "I will do" is emphatic in Hebrew, highlighting God's commitment to His promises. It reassures believers of God's active role in their lives, fulfilling His covenant promises and working all things for their good.

I will not forsake them
The promise of not forsaking is a profound assurance of God's eternal faithfulness. The Hebrew word "azab" means to leave or abandon. This echoes God's covenant promise to Israel and, by extension, to all believers, that He will never leave nor forsake them. It is a reminder of God's unwavering presence and support, even in the most challenging times. This assurance is foundational to the Christian faith, providing comfort and hope in the journey of life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Blind
Symbolically represents those who are spiritually blind or lacking understanding. In the context of Isaiah, it often refers to Israel, who is in need of divine guidance.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The speaker in this verse, promising guidance and transformation for His people. Yahweh is the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His faithfulness and power.

3. Unfamiliar Paths
Represents the new and unknown ways that God will lead His people, signifying change and divine intervention.

4. Darkness and Light
Symbolic of ignorance and understanding, or despair and hope. God's intervention brings enlightenment and hope.

5. Rough Places
Metaphor for difficulties and obstacles in life that God promises to smooth out for His people.
Teaching Points
Divine Guidance
God promises to lead us even when we cannot see the way. Trust in His guidance, especially in times of uncertainty.

Transformation
God has the power to transform our darkest moments into light. Seek His presence in times of despair for hope and clarity.

Faithfulness of God
God assures us that He will not forsake us. Rely on His steadfast love and faithfulness in all circumstances.

Overcoming Obstacles
God can make rough places smooth. Trust Him to help you overcome life's challenges and obstacles.

Spiritual Enlightenment
Seek God's wisdom and understanding to illuminate your path and guide your decisions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can you apply the promise of divine guidance in Isaiah 42:16 to a current situation in your life where you feel "blind" or uncertain?

2. Reflect on a time when God turned a "dark" situation into "light" for you. How did this experience strengthen your faith?

3. In what ways can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and His promise not to forsake you during difficult times?

4. How does the promise of God making rough places smooth encourage you to face challenges in your life?

5. How can you incorporate the teachings of Proverbs 3:5-6 into your daily walk with God, especially in light of Isaiah 42:16?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 119:105
This verse speaks of God's word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, connecting to the theme of divine guidance and illumination.

John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world, which ties into the theme of turning darkness into light.

2 Corinthians 4:6
Paul speaks of God shining light into our hearts, echoing the transformation from darkness to light.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting in the Lord for guidance and having our paths made straight aligns with the promise of guidance in Isaiah 42:16.
Darkness Made LightC. Bridges.Isaiah 42:16
Darkness, Light; and Crooked Things StraightIsaiah 42:16
Divine GuidanceG. Macmichael, B. A.Isaiah 42:16
Divine LeadingsJames Walls.Isaiah 42:16
God Blindfolds that He May LeadT. G. Selby.Isaiah 42:16
God Brings Safely ThroughIsaiah 42:16
God Conceals that He May GuideT. G. Selby.Isaiah 42:16
God Leading the BlindF. Delitzsch, D. D.Isaiah 42:16
God the Guide of His Blind PeopleW. E. Schenck.Isaiah 42:16
Guidance for the BlindS. Robins, M. A.Isaiah 42:16
Light and RightW.M. Statham Isaiah 42:16
Mysterious ProvidencesJ. Lombard.Isaiah 42:16
Obedient FollowingChristianIsaiah 42:16
Providence in the Life of CowperChristian Budget.Isaiah 42:16
Safe Walking for the BlindJ. H. Evans, M. A.Isaiah 42:16
The Blind BefriendedIsaiah 42:16
The Blind LedC. Bradley, M. A.Isaiah 42:16
The Blind TravellersF. Tucker, B. A.Isaiah 42:16
The Leader of the BlindW. Jay, M. A.Isaiah 42:16
The Spiritual Condition of ManS. Drew, M. A.Isaiah 42:16
The Surprising Life-GuideR. Tuck Isaiah 42:16
The Unknown PathThe ThinkerIsaiah 42:16
The Unrecognized PathW. Clarkson Isaiah 42:16
The Way in Which God Leads His PeopleA. Alexander, D. D.Isaiah 42:16
Behold, My ServantF. B. Meyer, B. A.Isaiah 42:1-17
Christ Delighted in by the FatherH. Melvill, B. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
Cyrus and the Servant of JehovahProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
God's Programme for the WorldS. Chadwick.Isaiah 42:1-17
Jehovah and Jehovah's ServantProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
Messiah and His WorkOriginal Secession MagazineIsaiah 42:1-17
Purpose and Method of the RedeemerR. R. Meredith, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
Silent Spread of ChristianitySermons by the Monday ClubIsaiah 42:1-17
The Coming SaviourSermons by the Monday ClubIsaiah 42:1-17
The Coming SaviourHomiletic ReviewIsaiah 42:1-17
The Dignity of ServiceJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Ideal IsraeliteB. H. Alford.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Ideal Servant JehovahE. H. Plumptre, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Ideal Servant's WorkProf. S. R. Driver, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Mediator is the CentreF. Delitzsch, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Servant of JehovahProf. T. K. Cheyne, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Servant of JehovahAnon.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Servant of JehovahJ. A. Alexander.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Servant of the LordA. Maclaren, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Servant, First Israel as a Whole, Then Israel in PartProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Service of God and ManProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Servitude of JesusJ. Vaughan, M. A.Isaiah 42:1-17
The Trinity in UnityW. Cadman, M. A.Isaiah 42:1-17
Who is the Servant of JehovahProf. T. K. Cheyne, D. D.Isaiah 42:1-17
A New Song to JehovahE. Johnson Isaiah 42:10-25
People
Isaiah, Jacob, Kedar
Places
Jerusalem, Kedar, Sela
Topics
Along, Blind, Bring, Cause, Caused, Crooked, Dark, Darkness, Forsake, Forsaken, Ground, Guide, Guiding, Lead, Leave, Level, Paths, Places, Plain, Plains, Roads, Rough, Rugged, Smooth, Straight, Strange, Tread, Turn, Undone, Unfamiliar, Unlevelled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 42:16

     4811   darkness, symbol of sin
     5296   disabilities
     5698   guardian
     8125   guidance, promise
     8412   decisions
     8419   enlightenment

Isaiah 42:16-18

     5135   blindness, spiritual

Library
Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of Incipient Good
'A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench.... He shall not fail nor be discouraged.'--ISAIAH xlii. 3, 4. The two metaphors which we have in the former part of these words are not altogether parallel. 'A bruised reed' has suffered an injury which, however, is neither complete nor irreparable. 'Smoking flax,' on the other hand--by which, of course, is meant flax used as a wick in an old-fashioned oil lamp--is partially lit. In the one a process has been begun which,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and the Spirit of Error Carrieth Many Away.
There is a time when the spirit of error is going abroad, and truth is questioned, and many are led away with delusions. For Satan can change himself into an angel of light, and make many great and fairlike pretensions to holiness, and under that pretext usher in untruths, and gain the consent of many unto them; so that in such a time of temptation many are stolen off their feet, and made to depart from the right ways of God, and to embrace error and delusions instead of truth. Now the question is,
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant
"I give thee for a covenant of the people."--ISA. xlii. 6, xlix. 8. "The Lord shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in."--MAL. iii. 1. "Jesus was made Surety of a better covenant."--HEB. vii. 22. "The Mediator of the Better Covenant, established upon better promises . . . The Mediator of the New Covenant. . . Ye are come to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant."--HEB. viii. 6, ix. 15, xii. 24. WE have here four titles given to our Lord Jesus in
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Words of Counsel.
"A bruised reed shall He not break."--Isaiah xlii. 3; Matt. xii. 20. It is dangerous for those who are seeking salvation to lean upon the experience of other people. Many are waiting for a repetition of the experience of their grandfather or grandmother. I had a friend who was converted in a field; and he thinks the whole town ought to go down into that meadow and be converted. Another was converted under a bridge; and he thinks that if any enquirer were to go there he would find the Lord. The best
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

The Blessed Journey
Gerhard Ter Steegen Is. xlii. 16 Let Him lead thee blindfold onwards, Love needs not to know; Children whom the Father leadeth Ask not where they go. Though the path be all unknown, Over moors and mountains lone. Give no ear to reason's questions: Let the blind man hold That the sun is but a fable Men believed of old. At the breast the babe will grow; Whence the milk he need not know.
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

China Evangelized.
China Evangelized. "The Lord of hosts mustereth the host of the battle."--Isa. xlii. 4. PART I. PART II. PART III. Lift up your heads, ye gates of brass! Ye bars of Iron! yield; And let the King of Glory pass,-- The Cross is in the field. That banner, brighter than the star, That leads the train of night, Shines on their march and guides from far His servants to the fight. A holy war those servants wage; --Mysteriously at strife, The powers of heaven and hell engage For more than death or life.
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

The Prophet Hosea.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. That the kingdom of Israel was the object of the prophet's ministry is so evident, that upon this point all are, and cannot but be, agreed. But there is a difference of opinion as to whether the prophet was a fellow-countryman of those to whom he preached, or was called by God out of the kingdom of Judah. The latter has been asserted with great confidence by Maurer, among others, in his Observ. in Hos., in the Commentat. Theol. ii. i. p. 293. But the arguments
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Prayer Taught and Encouraged.
(Probably Judæa.) ^C Luke XI. 1-13. ^c 1 And it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, that when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples. [Jesus had already taught his disciples how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount. This disciple probably thought that the prayer already taught was too brief to be sufficient, especially as Jesus often prayed so long. It was customary for the rabbis to give their disciples forms
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Book ix. Epistle i. To Januarius, Bishop of Caralis (Cagliari).
To Januarius, Bishop of Caralis (Cagliari). Gregory to Januarius, &c. The preacher of Almighty God, Paul the apostle, says, Rebuke not an elder (1 Tim. v. 1). But this rule of his is to be observed in cases where the fault of an elder does not draw through his example the hearts of the younger into ruin. But, when an elder sets an example to the young for their ruin, he is to be smitten with severe rebuke. For it is written, Ye are all a snare to the young (Isai. xlii. 22). And again the prophet
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

"But if we Walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have Fellowship one with Another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ His
1 John i. 7.--"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Art is the imitation of nature, and true religion is a divine art, that consists in the imitation of God himself, the author of nature. Therefore it is a more high and transcendent thing, of a sublimer nature than all the arts and sciences among men. Those reach but to some resemblance of the wisdom of God, expressed in his works,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"And He is the Propitiation,"
1 John ii. 2.--"And he is the propitiation," &c. Here is the strength of Christ's plea, and ground of his advocation, that "he is the propitiation." The advocate is the priest, and the priest is the sacrifice, and such efficacy this sacrifice hath, that the propitiatory sacrifice may be called the very propitiation and pacification for sin. Here is the marrow of the gospel, and these are the breasts of consolation which any poor sinner might draw by faith, and bring out soul refreshment. But truly,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Introduction, with Some General Observations from the Cohesion.
Doubtless it is always useful, yea, necessary, for the children of God to know the right way of making use of Christ, who is made all things to them which they need, even "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption," 1 Cor. i. 30. But it is never more necessary for believers to be clear and distinct in this matter, than when Satan, by all means, is seeking to pervert the right ways of the Lord, and, one way or other, to lead souls away, and draw them off Christ; knowing that, if he prevail
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

1872-1874. Letter from Rev. A. M. W. Christopher --Letter from Gulf of St. Lawrence-Mrs. Birt's Sheltering Home, Liverpool --Letter to Mrs. Merry --Letter from Canada --Miss
Letter from Rev. A. M. W. Christopher--Letter from Gulf of St. Lawrence-Mrs. Birt's Sheltering Home, Liverpool--Letter to Mrs. Merry--Letter from Canada--Miss Macpherson's return to England-- Letter of cheer for Dr. Barnardo--Removal to Hackney Home. Though human praise is not sought, we cannot but feel peculiar pleasure in giving the following testimony from a servant of the Lord so much revered as the Rev, A. M. W. Christopher of Oxford:-- "Of all the works of Christian benevolence which the great
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers

The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as Natural Reason Admits.
1. Secondary helps to establish the credibility of Scripture. I. The arrangement of the sacred volume. II. Its dignity. III. Its truth. IV. Its simplicity. V. Its efficacy. 2. The majesty conspicuous in the writings of the Prophets. 3. Special proofs from the Old Testament. I. The antiquity of the Books of Moses. 4. This antiquity contrasted with the dreams of the Egyptians. II. The majesty of the Books of Moses. 5. The miracles and prophecies of Moses. A profane objection refuted. 6. Another profane
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Purpose in the Coming of Jesus.
God Spelling Himself out in Jesus: change in the original language--bother in spelling Jesus out--sticklers for the old forms--Jesus' new spelling of old words. Jesus is God following us up: God heart-broken--man's native air--bad choice affected man's will--the wrong lane--God following us up. The Early Eden Picture, Genesis 1:26-31. 2:7-25: unfallen man--like God--the breath of God in man--a spirit, infinite, eternal--love--holy--wise--sovereign over creation, Psalm 8:5-8--in his own will--summary--God's
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

How to Make Use of Christ, as Truth, for Comfort, when Truth is Oppressed and Born Down.
There is another difficulty, wherein believing souls will stand in need of Christ, as the truth, to help them; and that is, when his work is overturned, his cause borne down, truth condemned, and enemies, in their opposition to his work, prospering in all their wicked attempts. This is a very trying dispensation, as we see it was to the holy penman of Psalm lxxiii. for it made him to stagger, so that his feet were almost gone, and his steps had well nigh slipt; yea he was almost repenting of his
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Messiah the Son of God
For to which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? T hough every part of a revelation from God must of course be equally true, there may be a considerable difference even among truths proposed by the same authority, with respect to their immediate importance. There are fundamental truths, the knowledge of which are essentially necessary to our peace and holiness: and there are others of a secondary nature, which, though very useful in their proper connection,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being
Rom. xi. 36.--"Of him and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever." And 1 Cor. x. 31--"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." All that men have to know, may be comprised under these two heads,--What their end is, and What is the right way to attain to that end? And all that we have to do, is by any means to seek to compass that end. These are the two cardinal points of a man's knowledge and exercise. Quo et qua eundum est,--Whither to go, and what way to go.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. "
1 John ii. 1.--"We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." There is no settlement to the spirit of a sinner that is once touched with the sense of his sins, and apprehension of the justice and wrath of God, but in some clear and distinct understanding of the grounds of consolation in the gospel, and the method of salvation revealed in it. There is no solid peace giving answer to the challenges of the law and thy own conscience, but in the advocation of Jesus Christ, the Saviour
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Of the Unity of the Godhead and the Trinity of Persons
Deut. vi. 4.--"Hear, O Israel The Lord our God is one Lord."--1 John v. 7 "There are three that bear record in heaven the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost and these three are one." "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Tim. iii. 16. There is no refuse in it, no simple and plain history, but it tends to some edification, no profound or deep mystery, but it is profitable for salvation. Whatsoever
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
The duty of Covenanting is founded on the law of nature; but it also stands among the arrangements of Divine mercy made from everlasting. The promulgation of the law, enjoining it on man in innocence as a duty, was due to God's necessary dominion over the creatures of his power. The revelation of it as a service obligatory on men in a state of sin, arose from his unmerited grace. In the one display, we contemplate the authority of the righteous moral Governor of the universe; in the other, we see
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

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