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Isaiah 50

11 verses

TL;DR

Isaiah 50 speaks of Israel’s distress and God’s promise of deliverance, portraying divine power and human suffering while urging faith.

Summary

The chapter opens with the Lord lamenting Israel’s broken covenant, likening them to a mother sold away and questioning why no one responds to His call. He describes His power to dry up seas, make rivers desolate, and cloak the heavens in darkness, yet He declares He has the tongue of the learned to speak timely words. The psalmist acknowledges personal suffering—giving his back to the smiters and facing shame—yet affirms that the Lord will help him, so he will not be ashamed. He invites the faithful to trust in God, contrasting their fearlessness with the certainty of divine justice. The text culminates in a call to live in the light of God’s faithfulness and to endure sorrow with hope.

Outline
  1. The Lord’s lament over Israel’s broken covenant and the lack of response.
  2. Reassurance of God’s power, wisdom, and imminent help amid human suffering.
  3. A call to trust God and live in the assurance of His deliverance.
Themes
Divine justice and deliveranceHuman suffering and faithThe power of prophetic speech
Keywords
GodLorddeliverjusticesufferfaithprophesyreassurance
People
The Lord
Places
SeaRiverHeavens
Things
Bill of mother's divorcementCreditorsSeaRiverBlacknessSackclothTongue of the learnedFlintFireSparks
Key Verses
  • Isaiah 50:1: The opening lament establishes the context of broken covenant and God’s concern.
  • Isaiah 50:2: Highlights God’s power over nature and his ability to control the elements.
  • Isaiah 50:4: Shows the divine gift of eloquence and the readiness to speak wisely.
  • Isaiah 50:9: Emphasizes God’s steadfast help and the futility of those who oppose Him.
Questions
  • Why does the Lord compare Israel to a mother who has been sold away?
  • What does the imagery of drying seas and making rivers desolate signify about divine power?
  • How does the psalmist reconcile personal suffering with the promise of divine help?
  • What role does prophetic speech play in guiding the faithful?
  • In what way does the chapter encourage believers to live in hope despite sorrow?
Sentiment

mixed
The text balances lamentation of human failure with assurance of divine help.