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Isaiah 50

World English Bible

WEB

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 of thirst. 3I clothe the heavens with blackness. 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 awakens morning by morning, he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. 5The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear. 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 won’t 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, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Isaiah Chapter 50 presents a profound message of hope and resilience amidst suffering. The chapter begins with a rhetorical question from God, asking why Israel feels abandoned. God reminds His people that it is not He who has forsaken them, but rather their own iniquities that have separated them from Him (#Isaiah 50:1). This sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for repentance and return to Him. The imagery of a bill of divorce highlights the seriousness of Israel's disobedience, yet it also points to God's desire for reconciliation and restoration.

The chapter then introduces the Servant of the Lord, who speaks of His own suffering and obedience. The Servant, often interpreted as a foreshadowing of #JesusChrist, declares that He has been given the tongue of the learned to speak words of comfort and encouragement to the weary (#Isaiah 50:4). Despite facing opposition and persecution, the Servant remains steadfast, trusting in the Lord's help and vindication. This theme of unwavering faith in the face of adversity is a powerful reminder for believers today.

The chapter concludes with a call to trust in the Lord amidst darkness and despair. The Servant challenges those who rely on their own strength or seek refuge in falsehoods, urging them to look to God for light and salvation (#Isaiah 50:10-11). This chapter encapsulates the essence of faith, highlighting the importance of reliance on God’s promises and the hope found in His ultimate deliverance.

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Referenced by

  1. Numbers 11:23v2God questions Moses' doubt about His power, similar to His rhetorical question in Isaiah 50:2, affirming His omnipotence and ability to fulfill His promises.
  2. Psalms 129:3v6Psalm 129:3 describes the plowers plowing upon the back, which can be seen as a metaphor for suffering and humiliation, similar to the suffering servant in Isaiah 50:6 who gave his back to those who struck him.
  3. Luke 9:51v7Luke 9:51 describes Jesus resolutely setting out for Jerusalem, echoing the determination of the Servant in Isaiah 50:7 who sets his face like flint.

Topics in this chapter

Related chapters

  • Philippians 2ServantLight
  • Isaiah 53Armor of the LordSuffering ServantVindication
  • Isaiah 42Servant SongsServant of the LordRebuke
  • Isaiah 49Servant SongsServant of the LordServant
  • Isaiah 52Armor of the LordSuffering ServantServant
  • Luke 9DeterminationDivine Revelation
  • Isaiah 1Hearing (Spiritual Hearing)IsaiahDivine Revelation
  • 1 Peter 2Suffering ServantChosen PeopleLight
  • Isaiah 41ServantAssyrian EmpireChosen People
  • Proverbs 3ConfidenceDivine Wisdom
  • Matthew 27Suffering ServantProphecy FulfillmentDarkness
  • Micah 1Prophetic CallHearing (Spiritual Hearing)Assyrian Empire

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