1 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.
2 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.
3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
4 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.
5 The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
6 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.
7 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.
8 [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.
9 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.
10 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.
11 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.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 50
Isaiah 50 is a significant chapter in the Book of Isaiah, which addresses themes of suffering, obedience, and divine vindication. The chapter presents a dialogue between God and His people, emphasizing the consequences of their disobedience and the hope of redemption through a servant figure.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into three main sections:
- Verses 1-3: God’s Complaint and the People’s Rebellion
- Verses 4-9: The Servant’s Mission and Assurance
- Verses 10-11: A Call to Trust in God
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-3: God’s Complaint and the People’s Rebellion
This section opens with a rhetorical question from God, highlighting the estrangement between Him and His people:
- Divorce Imagery: God uses the metaphor of a divorce to illustrate His rejection of Israel due to their unfaithfulness.
- Accusation of Rebellion: The people are accused of abandoning their covenant with God, leading to their suffering.
- God’s Sovereignty: Despite their disobedience, God asserts His power and ability to deliver, emphasizing that their plight is not due to His inability to save.
Verses 4-9: The Servant’s Mission and Assurance
In this section, the focus shifts to the figure of the servant, who embodies obedience and faithfulness:
- Divine Instruction: The servant receives daily instruction from God, symbolizing a close relationship and dependence on divine guidance.
- Endurance in Suffering: The servant expresses a determination to endure suffering and humiliation, reflecting the theme of vicarious suffering for others.
- Confidence in God: The servant demonstrates unwavering trust in God’s justice and vindication, portraying a model of faith amidst adversity.
- Assurance of Vindication: The servant declares that God will help him, reinforcing the belief that ultimate justice will prevail against adversaries.
Verses 10-11: A Call to Trust in God
The chapter concludes with an exhortation to the people:
- Trust in God: The faithful are encouraged to trust in the Lord, especially during times of darkness and uncertainty.
- Warning to the Wicked: Those who rely on their own strength or walk in darkness are warned of the consequences of their choices.
- Contrast of Outcomes: The chapter presents a dichotomy between the fate of the faithful who trust in God and the fate of those who do not, emphasizing the importance of faith and reliance on divine guidance.
Theological Themes
- Divine Justice: The chapter underscores God’s commitment to justice and the consequences of rebellion against Him.
- Servanthood: The servant’s role serves as a precursor to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the suffering servant.
- Faith and Trust: A central theme is the call to trust in God, especially in times of trial and suffering.
Conclusion
Isaiah 50 encapsulates the tension between divine justice and human rebellion, while also offering hope through the figure of the servant. The chapter challenges readers to reflect on their relationship with God, the importance of obedience, and the assurance of divine support in times of distress.
