Isaiah 8:19

When they shall say. Isaiah here denounces the sources upon which Ahaz and many in Judah were relying for counsel and guidance.

Familiar spirits. See on Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:11. By their iniquities the children of Israel had cut themselves off from God, even as Saul had done, so that the Lord no longer answered them (see on 1 Sam. 28:6). And like Saul, the people now turned to demons for guidance and help. Spiritualism was prevalent then, as it is today, with the result that the people sought the spirits for guidance.

Peep. Heb. saphaph, commonly meaning “to chirp,” “to whisper” (see on Lev. 19:31). The mediums spoke in a lisping whisper. There is something of ridicule and contempt in these words. The emissaries of the devil often resorted to the most senseless and degrading devices in making contacts with the spirits. By consulting the spirits of devils, men would inevitably become like them in character and actions. Satan exercises practically unlimited influence over those who forsake the “law” and the “testimony” (Isa. 8:20) in preference for the more pleasing messages of his evil spirits.

Seek unto their God. The alternative to seeking the spirit mediums for counsel. It was the height of folly for Israel to forsake God, the Author of life, and give themselves over to the author of misery and death.

For the living to the dead. Literally, “on behalf of the living [should they consult] to the dead?” Since “the dead know not any thing” (Eccl. 9:5), it is obvious that they cannot be consulted, and that any pretense at doing so is trickery. Man is capable of no higher folly than forsaking the living God and putting himself under the influence of the author of death. Those who refuse truth because it is not pleasing to them are defenseless against the devil’s lies (see 2 Thess. 2:10, 11).