Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death… Concerning the people it is affirmed — I. That they walked IN DARKNESS. Darkness must he understood in the figurative sense in which it is often used in Scripture to signify a state of ignorance, sin, and misery. Ignorance, like a veil, continues upon their hearts until the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ shines into their minds. In this uncomfortable state they act under the influence of corrupt principles, committing those enormous transgressions which are justly denominated the works of darkness. From hence arise distresses and miseries of various kinds, which terminate in utter darkness and everlasting woe, unless prevented by the illumination of the true light. II. In this condition the people are described as WALKING, which, in the Word of God, frequently denotes the whole course of man's life, in which every action makes a step towards that everlasting state to which we are journeying. 1. Walking is a voluntary motion, the consequence of preceding choice and deliberate resolution 2. Walking is a continued motion, in which one step regularly follows another, until the ground intended is gone over. 3. Walking is a progressive motion, by which a traveller still goes forward until he arrives at the end of his journey. (R. Macculloch.) Parallel Verses KJV: The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. |
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