Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 50

Verses 1-11

The Servant of Jehovah

Isaiah 49:1-13. The Servant of Jehovah tells of His call and mission. Jehovah confirms the confidence of His servant.

14-26. Objections arising from little faith answered: (a) it cannot be that Zion is forgotten by Jehovah, as she thought (Isaiah 49:14-23); (b) the grasp of the captors is not too strong for Jehovah to release His people (Isaiah 49:24-26).

Isaiah 50:1-11. The people’s banishment is not by Jehovah’s will, and He is able to deliver them. The Servant of Jehovah declares the conditions of his work. The prophet’s comment on the Servant’s words.

Verses 1-11

1. The children of Zion (Isaiah 49:20-21) are addressed. Their servitude is not irrevocable; Jehovah has not formally repudiated Zion (Deuteronomy 24:1); nor, though they had to learn by discipline, can any creditors claim His people as slaves (2 Kings 4:1): cp. Jeremiah 24:4-6; Ezekiel 37.

2, 3. The imagery is from the exodus from Egypt.

2. Wherefore.. answer] These clauses emphasise the hopelessness of Israel’s case from a human point of view. Only the divine power could effect the deliverance of the exiles.

4. The Servant of Jehovah is here the speaker (as in Isaiah 49:1). He is taught by Jehovah, receiving the divine message each morning.

To speak, etc.] RV ’to sustain with words him that is weary.’

5, 6. The Servant does not shrink from his mission in spite of the suffering and humiliation involved.

7, 9. Being sustained by the strength of Jehovah, and therefore confident of victory, he is unflinching and challenges his adversaries.

10, 11. Words addressed by the prophet to the Israelites; let the faithful ones amongst the exiles trust in Jehovah (Isaiah 50:10); as for those who resist Him and arm themselves against His prophets, their weapons shall recoil upon themselves (Isaiah 50:11).

10. Read, ’.. servant? he that walketh in darkness and hath no light, let him trust,’ etc. (RV).

11. Sparks] RV ’firebrands.’