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.
Isaiah Chapter 50 is a poignant section of the book of Isaiah, a prophetic book in the Old Testament portion of the King James Version (KJV) Bible. This chapter, like others in the book, is believed to have been written by the prophet Isaiah and is part of the section often known as the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-55). The chapter is a profound discourse on the themes of divine rejection and redemption, the suffering servant, obedience and trust in God, and the consequences of disobedience.
Isaiah 50 begins with the Lord questioning the children of Israel about the nature of their relationship with Him. He asks, "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" (Isaiah 50:1, KJV). This opening verse sets the tone for the chapter, as it speaks of divine rejection. However, the rejection is not due to God's unfaithfulness, but rather, due to the Israelites' sins and transgressions.
God's rhetorical questions suggest that the divine rejection experienced by the Israelites is not a result of Him divorcing them or selling them into slavery, but rather, their own actions leading to their self-sale into sin. This is a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. However, even in this divine rejection, there's a promise of redemption. The rejection is not permanent, and the possibility of reconciliation with God is always open.
Verses 4-9 of Isaiah 50 introduce the theme of the suffering servant, which is echoed later in Isaiah 53. The servant is portrayed as obedient and willing to endure suffering. He says, "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" (Isaiah 50:6, KJV). This image of the suffering servant is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who would later endure similar sufferings.
The servant's obedience and willingness to suffer are not presented as a form of masochism, but rather, as an act of trust in God. The servant declares, "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" (Isaiah 50:7, KJV). This verse shows the servant's unwavering faith in God's help and deliverance, even in the midst of suffering.
A significant theme in Isaiah 50 is the call to obedience and trust in God. The suffering servant models this through his willingness to endure suffering and his unwavering faith in God's deliverance. This obedience and trust are not based on blind faith, but on a personal experience of God's faithfulness.
The servant declares, "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?" (Isaiah 50:8-9, KJV). This confident declaration illustrates the servant's deep trust in God's justice and help. It also serves as an invitation for the readers to trust in God, regardless of their circumstances.
The final verses of the chapter (10-11) present a stark contrast between those who trust in God and those who rely on their own resources. The former are encouraged to continue in their faith, while the latter are warned of the consequences of their actions.
The chapter concludes with a warning: "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 50:11, KJV). This warning serves as a reminder that self-reliance and disobedience lead to sorrow, while trust and obedience to God lead to deliverance and joy.
In conclusion, Isaiah 50 is a profound chapter that explores several key themes such as divine rejection and redemption, the suffering servant, obedience and trust in God, and the consequences of disobedience. It invites readers to reflect on their relationship with God, encourages them to trust in God in the midst of suffering, and warns them of the consequences of disobedience. The chapter serves as a timeless reminder of God's faithfulness, justice, and deliverance, and calls readers to a life of obedience and trust in Him.
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