Isaiah 50

1Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

2Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.

3I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.

4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

5The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

6I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

7For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

8He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.footnote a

9Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.

10Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

11Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Israel’s Sin

1This is what the LORD says:“Where is your mother’s certificate of divorcewith which I sent her away?Or to which of My creditorsdid 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 waterand die of thirst. 3I clothe the heavens in blackand make sackcloth their covering.”

The Servant’s Obedience

4The Lord GOD has given Methe 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 LORDand obeys the voice of His Servant?Who among you walks in darknessand 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 fireand of the firebrands you have lit!This is what you will receive from My hand:You will lie down in a place of torment.