ישעיהו, פרק ח׳, פסוק כ׳

The prophets of Israel frequently confronted a society drawn to seek answers from foreign sources, such as consulting the dead and practicing necromancy. Against this dangerous trend, a true anchor is presented to the people, accompanied by a sharp warning against the empty promises of those who lead them astray. The ultimate foundation is the Torah and the testimony. The primary approach among commentators is that this declaration functions as an oath. The prophet swears by the Torah and the testimony, using both terms as synonymous references to the Torah itself [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, others dispute this, noting that there is no precedent in the Bible for an oath structured this way [אבן עזרא]. Instead, this declaration may serve as the decisive response God places in the mouths of the prophet and his students. When inciters approach them to suggest consulting the dead, they must firmly reply that their sole duty is to observe the Torah and the testimony, completely rejecting the false claims [רש״י]. Alternatively, the phrasing simply directs the people's focus toward the teachings of prophecy [אבן עזרא].

The conflict with the inciters is an ongoing struggle. Building on the idea of an oath, the prophet warns his students that these deceivers will undoubtedly continue to spread their nonsense, shamelessly urging the masses to listen to sorcerers and spirits [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Yet, there is also a more optimistic perspective. Once the prophet firmly establishes the truth of the Torah, the honest individuals among the opposing factions will eventually concede, openly admitting that the prophet is right [רש״י]. Another view suggests that it is not the people speaking, but rather the Torah and the testimony themselves that actively speak and bear witness to these truths [מלבי״ם].

The false beliefs promoted by the inciters are ultimately described as lacking any morning light or clarity [מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. Commentators agree that this imagery portrays their teachings as dark, illogical, and entirely meaningless, emerging from a blurred and confused reality [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Idolatry is compared to absolute nonsense that holds no light and offers no hope, leaving no logical reason for anyone to seek it out [מלבי״ם]. A Midrashic approach points out the deep irony of idolatry: an idol cannot even illuminate itself, as it has eyes but cannot see, making it impossible for it to shine light upon anyone else [רש״י, רד״ק]. The focus of this darkness is squarely on the false content being preached, rather than on the individuals speaking it [שד״ל]. Taking a completely different approach, some suggest that this darkness actually describes the people's reaction to the prophet's true message. Instead of accepting his words, the people will claim that his prophecy is a dark mystery they have never heard before, viewing it as a night without a dawn that will never come to light [אבן עזרא].