Isaiah 50 Study Notes

50:1 Zion continues to be described as the mother of God’s people. God is the Father of his people. He put away Zion but did not divorce her (there is no divorce certificate; Dt 24:1-4). God sold his children, but not to settle a debt (so there are no creditors). Why did he do it? Because of their sins.

50:2 God expressed wonder, though, that the children, God’s people, did not expect redemption. He did not divorce Zion and he did not sell his people to a creditor, so he could get them back. Further, God is certainly powerful enough to save them. The act of drying up the waters (sea . . . rivers) reflects an ancient Near Eastern understanding that the waters stood for the forces of chaos. God controlled them and could decimate them at will. His control of the waters and the reference to his redeeming arm recall the exodus.

50:3 Sackcloth was a rough material, irritating to the skin, worn as part of mourning rites. The heavens mourned because of God’s acts of judgment.

50:4-5 The first-person speaker (me) is the servant (v. 10). The servant ultimately is identified with Christ, though the original audience probably identified the servant as purified Israel (see note at 42:1-9). Alternatively, a number of scholars identify the servant in this poem as Isaiah. The speaker is a student of God, trained to provide encouragement to those who are weary. Each morning God awakens him with new insight.

50:6-7 Anticipating a fuller development in 52:13-53:12, the servant is one who suffers, though God will keep him from shame. Allusions to this verse are found in Mt 26:67; 27:30.

50:8-9 Ultimately these verses speak of the sinless servant.

50:10 A human fears the Lord when he understands that God is far superior and that man is a mere creature. Such fear does not lead to flight but to a trust that can depend on God for protection. The person who fears the Lord listens to what the servant of the Lord says.

50:11 Opposite of the one who fears the Lord and leans on him is the self-reliant person who tries to create light by his own hand. He kindles his own fire to produce light. Such people will experience torment from God.