Isaiah 50:1-11
Q.1. How had Israel treated God? What searching questions did He ask the nation? To what conclusion did He want them to come? – (Isa.50:1-3)
God reminded Israel of their birth as a nation, and how there was no other one to deliver them. He had entered into a Covenant relationship of marriage with Israel. However, they insulted God by acting as if He had divorced them. He asked the searching question – … Where is the certificate of divorce by which I have sent your mother away? Or to whom of My creditors did I sell you? Behold, you were sold for your own iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away (Isa.50:1). Yet, He still reminded His erring people – … Is My hand so short that it cannot ransom? Or have I no power to deliver? … (Isa.50:2). He was still reasoning with the nation, in the hope that they would respond (c.f. Isa.1:18-20).
Q.2. How was the Servant of the Lord treated? To whom did He make His appeal for justification? What lesson does His suffering teach us? – (Isa.50:4-11)
Isaiah now unfolded the third Servant prophecy in the remainder of this chapter. His relationship with God was transparent, and His character and calling unique – 4 The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning. He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. 5 The Lord God has opened My ear; And I was not disobedient, nor did I turn back (Isa.50:4-5). Isaiah revealed that the Servant would submit to suffering. He alluded to the passion of Christ – 6 I gave My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting (Isa.50:6 c.f. Mk.14:65). With determination, Jesus went on to suffer and die for sinners in Jerusalem because – the Lord God helps Me; therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed (Isa.50:7 c.f. Mk.10:32-34). He was confident that His mission for us would be vindicated – 8 He who vindicates Me is near; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand up to each other; Who has a case against Me? Let him draw near to Me. 9 Behold, the Lord God helps Me; Who is he who condemns Me? … (Isa.50:8-9 c.f. Rom.8:31-34). Because those who reject Jesus will wear out and perish, He calls to the one – … that fears the Lord, and who obeys the voice of His servant, and who walks in darkness and has no light. Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God (Isa.50:10 c.f. Isa.50:9 & 11).