Isaiah 50
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1Yahweh says, “Where is the bill of your mother’s divorce, with which I have put her away? or to which of my creditors have I sold you? Behold, you were sold for your iniquities, and your mother was put away for your transgressions. 2Why, when I came, was there no one? when I called, why was there no one to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can’t 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 stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst. 3I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.” 4The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary. He wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. 5The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious. I have not turned back. 6I gave my back to those who beat me, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair. I didn’t hide my face from shame and spitting. 7For the Lord Yahweh will help me. Therefore I have not been confounded. Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be disappointed. 8He who justifies me is near. Who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. 9Behold, the Lord Yahweh will help me! Who is he who will condemn me? Behold, they will all grow old like a garment. The moths will eat them up. 10Who among you fears Yahweh, and obeys the voice of his servant? He who walks in darkness, and has no light, let him trust in Yahweh’s name, and rely on his God. 11Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who adorn yourselves with torches around yourselves; walk in the flame of your fire, and among the torches that you have kindled. You will have this from my hand: You will lie down in sorrow.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God."”
Isaiah 50:10
Summary
Isaiah 50 presents a discourse from God in which He addresses the perceived separation between Him and Israel. The chapter opens with God questioning Israel about the supposed certificate of divorce, asserting that their separation was due to their own iniquities, not because God had abandoned them. God emphasizes His power and willingness to redeem and save. The chapter shifts focus to the Servant of the Lord, who has been given the tongue of those who teach, to sustain the weary. This Servant demonstrates obedience and faithfulness amidst suffering and persecution, representing the ideal response to God's call. The chapter concludes with a contrast between those who trust in the Lord and those who rely on their own devices. Theological themes include God's steadfastness and readiness to redeem, the role of the Servant as a model of discipleship and faithfulness, and the consequences of either trusting in God's guidance or following one's own path.
Key Themes
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