And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.
Sorrow, and the light is darkened - otherwise, distress and light (i:e., hope and fear) alternately succeed (as usually occurs in an unsettled state of things), and darkness arises in, etc. (Maurer).
In the heavens - literally, clouds; i:e., its sky is rather 'clouds' than sky [`ªriypiym, from `aarap (H6201), to drop] (Deuteronomy 33:28). Otherwise, as margin, from the same Hebrew, root, in the sense to break or behead (Hosea 10:2) 'in its destructions,' or ruins. Horsley takes 'sea, if one look unto the land,' as, a new image taken from mariners in a coasting vessel (such as all ancient vessels were), looking for the nearest land, which the darkness of the storm conceals: so that darkness and distress alone may be said to be visible (Isaiah 13:10; Amos darkness of the storm conceals: so that darkness and distress alone may be said to be visible (Isaiah 13:10; Amos 8:9).
Remarks: Great privileges entail great responsibilities. Where much has been given, there much will be required. The Israelite Church was separated from the rest of the world. No loving pans were spared on the part of the Lord to secure its well-being and its fruitfulness. To Israel pertained the adoption, the Shekinah-glory, the covenants, the Law, the temple service, the promises, and the fathers in whose seed, even Christ, all families of the earth are to be, blessed. But Israel abused her high trust; so God took from her that which she only seemed to have. The present Christian Church is called to still higher privileges. Therefore still greater fruits are required from her than were from Israel of old. Does Christendom then produce fruits such as are acceptable in the eyes of the Lord of the vineyard? There is doubtless an elect remnant who bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in some measure, and who are accordingly the object of the Lord's delight. But if we try the vast majority of professing Christians by the tests herein set forth, the conclusion must be respecting the outward Church, "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting."