2 Peter 2:17

2 Peter 2:17 ‘These are springs without water, and mists driven by. storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved.'

‘springs without water' -1. ‘describes the unsatisfactory nature of the false teaching. You come to it as to an exciting new spring-and find it has no water to offer' (Green p. 114) ‘Wells without water are. most tragic disappointment to the Eastern traveler' (Lucas/Green p. 116) Often false teachers promise that they are offering something new and refreshing, in contrast to what they consider to be the stale and enslaving teachings found in the Bible. But all their promises and claims turn out to be empty. They have nothing to offer to the thirsty soul. They are like the broken cisterns of Jeremiah's time (Jeremiah 2:13).

‘mists driven by. storm' -‘Clouds which bring no rain, clouds that hold much promise, expectation, that in the hot summer time excites the hopes of the farmer, only to deliver none of what was promised, and to pass by, without. drop.' This figure also suggests their instability. They only preach the latest fad. Their teachings are constantly changing, always claiming that they have discovered something new.

‘black darkness' -the densest darkness (Thayer p. 272). Thick darkness, darkness that can be felt (Vine p. 268). See 2 Peter 1:4 and Judges 1:6; Judges 1:13.

‘has been reserved' -Men may argue that God will change His mind, or that God doesn't or will not punish. But none of these arguments will change reality. ‘lit., “the” darkness, denoting well-understood doom.' (Vincent p. 701). Jesus spoke of the same condition (Matthew 8:12 ‘outer darkness'; see also Judges 1:13). Seriously consider the word “reserved”. If. am not serving God right now-then eternal doom is presently reserved for me. Heaven and hell are both “reserved” (1 Peter 1:4). If you love life outside of Christ, if you love the darkness (John 3:19); then eternal darkness is your reward.