11. In contrast to the godly
(Isa 50:10),
the wicked, in times of darkness, instead of trusting in God, trust in
themselves (kindle a light for themselves to walk by)
(Ec 11:9).
The image is continued from
Isa 50:10,
"darkness"; human devices for salvation
(Pr 19:21; 16:9, 25)
are like the spark that goes out in an instant in darkness (compare
Job 18:6; 21:17,
with Ps 18:28).
sparks--not a steady light, but blazing sparks extinguished in a
moment.
walk--not a command, but implying that as surely as they
would do so, they should lie down in sorrow
(Jer 3:25).
In exact proportion to mystic Babylon's previous "glorifying" of
herself shall be her sorrow
(Mt 25:30; 8:12;
Re 18:7).
JFB.
Picture Study Bible