Thus saith the Lord, Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.
Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.
I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.
Behold, the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.
Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
Isaiah 50, a powerful chapter within the book of Isaiah, contrasts the unfaithfulness of Israel with the perfect obedience of God’s Servant-Messiah. This chapter speaks both to the historical situation of Israel and prophetically points toward the suffering and vindication of Jesus Christ. It's a call to faithfulness, urging those who fear the LORD to trust in Him even in the midst of suffering.
The Unfaithful Nation and the Faithful Servant (Isaiah 50:1-4)
The chapter opens with a stark image of divorce (Isaiah 50:1). God questions whether He has divorced Israel or sold them into slavery. The answer is a resounding no. Israel's predicament is a consequence of their own iniquities and transgressions. They have abandoned their covenant with God, making themselves liable to judgment. God is more than capable of rescuing them, as demonstrated by His power over creation (Isaiah 50:2). The problem isn't God's ability, but Israel's unwillingness to turn back to Him.
In sharp contrast to Israel's disobedience, the passage introduces the obedient Servant, understood to be the Messiah. This Servant willingly submits to God's instruction. Isaiah 50:4 highlights the Servant’s attentiveness: “He awakens me morning by morning, awakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” This depicts a relationship of intimate communication and willing obedience. The Servant is equipped to "sustain the weary with a word," (Isaiah 50:4) suggesting His role as a comforter and source of strength.
Suffering and Vindication (Isaiah 50:5-9)
Isaiah then describes the suffering that the Servant-Messiah would endure. This section echoes themes found in Isaiah 53, detailing the humiliation and abuse He would face. He would be beaten, His beard plucked, and His face spat upon (Isaiah 50:6). The Gospel writers confirm that these prophecies were fulfilled in the suffering of Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:67, Matthew 27:30, John 19:1).
However, even amidst this brutal treatment, the Servant maintains unwavering confidence in God (Isaiah 50:7-9). He declares, "The LORD God will help me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame" (Isaiah 50:7). His determination and trust are rooted in the assurance of God's vindication. He knows that the One who justifies Him is near, and He will not be condemned. This unwavering trust in the face of immense suffering is a powerful testament to the Servant's faithfulness and reliance on God's power. Those who accuse and condemn God’s Suffering Servant will ultimately be judged (Isaiah 50:9).
A Call to Faithfulness (Isaiah 50:10-11)
Given the Servant's perfect obedience and ultimate vindication, Isaiah issues an exhortation to those who fear the LORD (Isaiah 50:10). He calls them to trust in God's provision and guidance, even when they walk in darkness and have no light. This call resonates deeply with believers today. Christians are called to share in Christ's sufferings, knowing that they will also share in His glory (1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 4:13-14).
The chapter concludes with a warning to those who rely on their own devices and schemes, represented by kindling their own fires (Isaiah 50:11). While they may find temporary warmth and comfort, their self-reliance will ultimately lead to torment. Only those who trust in the LORD will find true and lasting security.
Isaiah 50 presents a powerful contrast between unfaithfulness and obedience, suffering and vindication. It highlights the perfect obedience of the Servant-Messiah, Jesus Christ, and calls all who fear the LORD to trust in Him, even in the midst of darkness and suffering. It reminds us that true security and lasting joy are found not in our own efforts, but in unwavering faith in God. This message remains relevant and vital for believers today, urging us to embrace faithfulness and trust in God's promises, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
Thus saith the Lord, Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.
Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.
I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.
Behold, the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.
Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
Isaiah 50, a powerful chapter within the book of Isaiah, contrasts the unfaithfulness of Israel with the perfect obedience of God’s Servant-Messiah. This chapter speaks both to the historical situation of Israel and prophetically points toward the suffering and vindication of Jesus Christ. It's a call to faithfulness, urging those who fear the LORD to trust in Him even in the midst of suffering.
The Unfaithful Nation and the Faithful Servant (Isaiah 50:1-4)
The chapter opens with a stark image of divorce (Isaiah 50:1). God questions whether He has divorced Israel or sold them into slavery. The answer is a resounding no. Israel's predicament is a consequence of their own iniquities and transgressions. They have abandoned their covenant with God, making themselves liable to judgment. God is more than capable of rescuing them, as demonstrated by His power over creation (Isaiah 50:2). The problem isn't God's ability, but Israel's unwillingness to turn back to Him.
In sharp contrast to Israel's disobedience, the passage introduces the obedient Servant, understood to be the Messiah. This Servant willingly submits to God's instruction. Isaiah 50:4 highlights the Servant’s attentiveness: “He awakens me morning by morning, awakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” This depicts a relationship of intimate communication and willing obedience. The Servant is equipped to "sustain the weary with a word," (Isaiah 50:4) suggesting His role as a comforter and source of strength.
Suffering and Vindication (Isaiah 50:5-9)
Isaiah then describes the suffering that the Servant-Messiah would endure. This section echoes themes found in Isaiah 53, detailing the humiliation and abuse He would face. He would be beaten, His beard plucked, and His face spat upon (Isaiah 50:6). The Gospel writers confirm that these prophecies were fulfilled in the suffering of Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:67, Matthew 27:30, John 19:1).
However, even amidst this brutal treatment, the Servant maintains unwavering confidence in God (Isaiah 50:7-9). He declares, "The LORD God will help me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame" (Isaiah 50:7). His determination and trust are rooted in the assurance of God's vindication. He knows that the One who justifies Him is near, and He will not be condemned. This unwavering trust in the face of immense suffering is a powerful testament to the Servant's faithfulness and reliance on God's power. Those who accuse and condemn God’s Suffering Servant will ultimately be judged (Isaiah 50:9).
A Call to Faithfulness (Isaiah 50:10-11)
Given the Servant's perfect obedience and ultimate vindication, Isaiah issues an exhortation to those who fear the LORD (Isaiah 50:10). He calls them to trust in God's provision and guidance, even when they walk in darkness and have no light. This call resonates deeply with believers today. Christians are called to share in Christ's sufferings, knowing that they will also share in His glory (1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 4:13-14).
The chapter concludes with a warning to those who rely on their own devices and schemes, represented by kindling their own fires (Isaiah 50:11). While they may find temporary warmth and comfort, their self-reliance will ultimately lead to torment. Only those who trust in the LORD will find true and lasting security.
Isaiah 50 presents a powerful contrast between unfaithfulness and obedience, suffering and vindication. It highlights the perfect obedience of the Servant-Messiah, Jesus Christ, and calls all who fear the LORD to trust in Him, even in the midst of darkness and suffering. It reminds us that true security and lasting joy are found not in our own efforts, but in unwavering faith in God. This message remains relevant and vital for believers today, urging us to embrace faithfulness and trust in God's promises, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.