The Prophecy of Isaiah - Lesson 40: “Israel’s Sin and the Servant’s Obedience” (Isaiah 50:1-11)

The Prophecy of Isaiah: A Bible Study
Lesson 40: “Israel’s Sin and the Servant’s Obedience” (Isaiah 50:1-11)

1. The Redeeming Lord and His Wayward People (Isaiah 50:1-3)*

a. The Unresponsive Family (Isaiah 50:1-2b)

 ¹ This 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? Because of your sins you were sold; because of your transgressions your mother was sent away. ² When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? ... (Isaiah 50:1–2b, NIV)

b. The Competent Lord (Isaiah 50:2c-3)

 ² ...Was my arm too short to deliver you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert; their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. ³ I clothe the heavens with darkness and make sackcloth its covering.” (Isaiah 50:2–3, NIV)

2. The Sovereign Lord and the Testimony of His Servant (Isaiah 50:4-11)

a. The Responsive Servant (Isaiah 50:4-6)

⁴ The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. ⁵ The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. ⁶ I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. (Isaiah 50:4–6, NIV)

b. The Competent Lord (Isaiah 50:7-9)

⁷ Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. ⁸ He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! ⁹ It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up. (Isaiah 50:7–9, NIV)

c. The Servant and the Remnant (Isaiah 50:10-11)

 ¹⁰ Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. ¹¹ But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment. (Isaiah 50:10–11, NIV)

* The outline is adapted from J. A. Motyer, The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996).