Isaiah 51: Group Study Handout

Overview

Yahweh calls those who seek righteousness to look back to their origins in Abraham and Sarah (vv. 1-2). He promises comfort to Zion, turning desolation into joy and gladness (vv. 3-6). The people who know righteousness are told not to fear insults from others (vv. 7-8). Yahweh awakens his people to remember his past acts of power, such as parting the sea for the redeemed (vv. 9-11). He assures that he comforts his people and has a lasting salvation that will not be abolished (vv. 12-16). Jerusalem is urged to wake up, as she has faced great judgment and suffering (vv. 17-20). Yahweh declares a reversal of her suffering, taking away the cup of his wrath and placing it upon her oppressors (vv. 21-23).

Key verse

“Listen to me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek Yahweh: look to the rock you were cut from, and to the quarry you were dug from.”

Isaiah 51:1 (WEB)

Outline

1. Isaiah 51:1–2 Call to Remember Origins
2. Isaiah 51:3–6 Promise of Comfort and Joy
3. Isaiah 51:7–8 Encouragement Against Fear
4. Isaiah 51:9–11 Awakening to God's Power
5. Isaiah 51:12–16 God's Comfort and Promise
6. Isaiah 51:17–20 Judgment and Affliction
7. Isaiah 51:21–23 Reversal of Suffering

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what does God want the people to remember about Abraham and Sarah?
2. What transformation does God promise for Zion in v3?
3. In v12, why does God ask, 'Who are you, that you are afraid of man'?
4. In v22, what does God mean by taking the cup of staggering from Zion's hand?
5. When have you felt like you were 'drunken, but not with wine' (v21) in your struggles?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 51: Matthew 24, Isaiah 41, Isaiah 59.

Before next time: read Isaiah 52.