Isaiah 50:1-2

Israel’s Sin and the Servant’s Obedience

1 This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Because of your sins you were sold; because of your transgressions your mother was sent away.
2 When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to deliver you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert; their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst.

Isaiah 50:1-2 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 50

This chapter is a prophecy of the rejection of the Jews, for their neglect and contempt of the Messiah; and of his discharge of his office as Mediator, and fitness for it. The rejection of the Jews is signified by the divorce of a woman from her husband, and by persons selling their children to their creditors; which is not to be charged upon the Lord, but was owing to their own iniquities, Isa 50:1, particularly their disregard of the Messiah, and inattention to him, as if he was an insufficient Saviour; whereas his power to redeem is evident, from his drying up the sea and rivers below, and clothing the heavens above with black clouds, and eclipsing the luminaries thereof, Isa 50:2,3, his fitness for his prophetic office is expressed in Isa 50:4. His obedience to his Father, and his patience in sufferings, while performing his priestly office, Isa 50:5,6, and his faith and confidence in the Lord, as man and Mediator, that he should be helped, carried through his work, and acquitted; and not be confounded, overcome, and condemned, Isa 50:7-9, and the chapter is closed with an exhortation to the saints to trust in the Lord in the darkest times; and a threatening to such who trust in themselves, and in their own doings, Isa 50:10,11.

Cross References 10

  • 1. S Deuteronomy 24:1; Jeremiah 3:8; Hosea 2:2; Matthew 19:7; Mark 10:4
  • 2. S Nehemiah 5:5; S Matthew 18:25
  • 3. S Isaiah 1:28
  • 4. S Deuteronomy 32:30; S Judges 3:8; Isaiah 52:3
  • 5. S 1 Samuel 8:19; S Isaiah 41:28
  • 6. Numbers 11:23; Isaiah 59:1
  • 7. S Genesis 18:14; S Psalms 68:35; Jeremiah 14:9
  • 8. S Psalms 18:15
  • 9. S Exodus 14:22; Joshua 3:16
  • 10. S Psalms 107:33
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