Isaiah 50
About IsaiahWritten by AI
Isaiah is the first of the major prophets and one of the books the New Testament quotes most often. Isaiah son of Amoz preached in Jerusalem from about 740 to 700 BC, during the reigns of four kings of Judah, while the Assyrian empire threatened the land. Many scholars think chapters 40 to 66 come from later writers in the time of the exile and return. Many Christians hold that Isaiah wrote the whole book, noting that the New Testament quotes both halves under his name.
The book moves from judgment to comfort. Chapters 1 to 39 confront Judah's sin and the proud nations, with the history of King Hezekiah at the center. From chapter 40 the tone changes: “Comfort, comfort My people.” God promises to bring His people home, and the book ends with new heavens and a new earth.
Watch for God's title, the Holy One of Israel, and for the promised King from David's line and the Servant of the LORD who suffers for others. Christians see both fulfilled in Jesus, though some prophecies are read differently among believers.
Before you read Isaiah 50Written by AI
God asks where Israel's certificate of divorce is: they were sent away for their sins, not because He was unable to save. Then the third Servant Song. The Servant listens to God each morning and does not turn back, giving his back to those who strike him. The chapter ends calling the one who walks in darkness to trust the LORD.
Israel’s Sin
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?
Look, you were sold for your iniquities,
and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
Why was no one there when I arrived?
Why did no one answer when I called?
Is My hand too short to redeem you?
Or do I lack the strength to deliver you?
Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea;
I turn the rivers into a desert;
the fish rot for lack of water
and die of thirst.
I clothe the heavens in black
and make sackcloth their covering.”
The Servant’s Obedience
The Lord GOD has given Me
the tongue of discipleship,
to sustain the weary with a word.
He awakens Me morning by morning;
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
The Lord GOD has opened My ears,
and I have not been rebellious,
nor have I turned back.
I offered My back to those who struck Me,
and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard.
I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.
Because the Lord GOD helps Me,
I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set My face like flint,
and I know that I will not be put to shame.
The One who vindicates Me is near.
Who will dare to contend with Me?
Let us confront each other!
Who has a case against Me?
Let him approach Me!
Surely the Lord GOD helps Me.
Who is there to condemn Me?
See, they will all wear out like a garment;
the moths will devour them.
Who among you fears the LORD
and obeys the voice of His Servant?
Who among you walks in darkness
and has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the LORD;
let him lean on his God.
Behold, all you who kindle a fire,
who array yourselves with firebrands,
walk in the light of your fire
and of the firebrands you have lit!
This is what you will receive from My hand:
You will lie down in a place of torment.