Question 1

What are familiar spirits and wizards that peep and mutter in this passage?

Accepted Answer

“Familiar spirits” and “wizards that peep and mutter” refer to people who claim to speak with the dead or hidden spirits and give guidance through secret, whispering words. In this passage, God’s people are being tempted to go to these kinds of occult practices when they are afraid and do not know what to do. The prophet is clear that this is not innocent curiosity. It is a turning away from God as the true source of help, and it leads people into spiritual darkness instead of light.

Question 2

What does the question should not a people seek unto their God mean?

Accepted Answer

The question, “Should not a people seek unto their God?” is meant to show how wrong it is to run to mediums and wizards when trouble comes. If God is the one who made His people, saved them, and speaks through His word, then it makes sense that they should go to Him first and only. The prophet is asking, almost with surprise, why anyone would choose dead, powerless sources when the living God is ready to guide and help those who belong to Him.

Question 3

What does to the law and to the testimony mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

“To the law and to the testimony” is a call to go back to what God has already spoken. “Law” and “testimony” refer to God’s revealed word, which shows who He is and what He wants from His people. The prophet is saying that all teaching and advice must be tested by God’s word. If someone’s message does not agree with what God has already said, then that person has no real light. God’s word is the standard, and anything that leads away from it should be refused.

Question 4

What does it mean that there is no light in them if they do not speak according to this word?

Accepted Answer

When the passage says there is “no light in them” if they do not speak according to God’s word, it means such people are in spiritual darkness. They may sound wise, religious, or powerful, but if their teaching does not line up with what God has said, they do not have true understanding from God. Their counsel will not lead to life, peace, or truth. Instead, following them will move people away from God and into confusion, fear, and judgment, because they are cut off from the light of His truth.

Question 5

Why do the people curse their king and their God when they are hungry?

Accepted Answer

The picture of people hungry, angry, and cursing their king and their God shows what happens when hearts are hard and refuse to repent. Instead of seeing that their trouble comes from turning away from God, they blame others. They blame their leaders and even blame God Himself. This shows deep rebellion, not humble sorrow. Their hunger is more than empty stomachs. It points to a deep emptiness without God’s favor, yet they still will not bow to Him or turn back to His word.

Question 6

What is the trouble and darkness and dimness of anguish described here?

Accepted Answer

The trouble, darkness, and dimness of anguish describe the misery that follows when people reject God’s word and chase false guidance. It includes real suffering in the land, such as fear, lack, and confusion. But it also shows inner darkness: no hope, no clear way forward, and no comfort from God. Instead of light, they feel surrounded by thick night. They look up and around for help, but find only more distress. This is a warning picture of life cut off from the light of God’s presence and truth.

Question 7

How does this passage warn against occult practices today?

Accepted Answer

This passage warns that turning to mediums, spirits, or any hidden power instead of God is a serious sin, not a game. When people seek answers from the dead, horoscopes, magic, or any form of divination, they are doing what the people here were tempted to do. The message is to turn away from those things and go “to the law and to the testimony,” meaning to God’s word. God wants His people to trust His voice alone for guidance, comfort, and direction, especially in times of fear and confusion.

Question 8

How can I apply to the law and to the testimony to my life today?

Accepted Answer

To apply “to the law and to the testimony” today means making God’s written word your main and final guide. When you face big choices, fears, or confusing voices, you measure them against Scripture. You ask, “Does this agree with what God has already said?” It also means refusing advice, spiritual experiences, or teachings that pull you away from trusting Christ and obeying God. By going again and again to Scripture, you walk in the light God has given instead of wandering in the darkness of human ideas.

Question 9

Why does this passage seem harsh with its picture of being driven to darkness?

Accepted Answer

The picture of being “driven to darkness” can feel harsh, but it is meant as a serious warning. It shows that turning from God is not neutral. When people push away the light of His word and run after other guides, the natural result is deeper darkness. God is not being petty. He is showing the end of a path that ignores Him. This strong language is meant to wake people up, so they will see where they are heading and turn back to Him before they are lost in that darkness.

Isaiah 8:19

¶ 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?

Darkness and Light

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Isaiah 8:19

¶ 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?

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Darkness and Light

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