Isaiah 8:20

To the law and to the testimony See on Isaiah 8:16. Apparently an exclamation of the distracted people (see on next clause).

The remainder of the verse, where the construction is very difficult, ought probably to be rendered: surely they shall speak according to this word when there is no dawn (i.e. no hope) for them (lit. him). The meaning is that the people will seek direction from the "sure word of prophecy," but only when it is too late. But the original is so obscure that no great confidence can be placed in any translation.