Isaiah 50:4-11

4 The Lord GOD has given 1me the tongue of those who are taught, that 2I may know how to sustain with a word 3him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
5 4The Lord GOD has opened my ear, 5and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.
6 6I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.
7 But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; 7therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
8 8He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.
9 9Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.
10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys 10the voice of his servant? 11Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! 12This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment.

Isaiah 50:4-11 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 12

  • 1. [Exodus 4:11]
  • 2. [Isaiah 40:1, 2]
  • 3. [Matthew 11:28]
  • 4. Psalms 40:6
  • 5. [John 14:31; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 5:8; Hebrews 10:7]
  • 6. [Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 26:67; Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:19; Luke 22:63]
  • 7. Ezekiel 3:8, 9
  • 8. Romans 8:33, 34
  • 9. Isaiah 41:10
  • 10. ver. 4; Isaiah 49:2, 3
  • 11. Isaiah 42:16; [Micah 7:8]
  • 12. [John 9:39]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.