Paths in Biblical Studies

Book of Isaiah · Chapter 50 of 66

Isaiah 50: Verse-by-Verse Commentary (with Videos)

11 verses · 2 video commentaries from 2 courses · Berean Standard Bible

1This 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.

2Why 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.

3I clothe the heavens in black and make sackcloth their covering.”

4The 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.

5The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back.

6I 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.

7Because 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.

8The 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!

9Surely 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.

10Who 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.

11Behold, 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.

Isaiah 50 Section and Chapter Commentary

Isa 50:4-11

The Suffering Servant Songs

Second Isaiah contains four passages, known as the 'songs of the suffering servant,' found in chapters 42, 49, 50, and 52-53. These passages describe a servant who has suffered and will be vindicated by God, cohering with Second Isaiah's broader message of God restoring the exiles to Judah after their suffering.

Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Did the Prophet Isaiah Predict Jesus' Crucifixion? · watch the clip

Isa 50:4-9

The Suffering Servant as Israel

The 'suffering servant' passages in Second Isaiah, often interpreted in Christian tradition as referring to Jesus, are understood within their original context to represent Israel. The servant embodies the corporate nation, which suffered during the exile and bore the sins of its people, ultimately playing a role in its own redemption and restoration.

Summarized by AI · The Hebrew Bible: Exploring the Literature of Ancient Israel · Lecture 17: Isaiah | In Three Acts · watch the clip

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