Isaiah 50

Israel Questioned

1 This is what the Lord says: “Where is the divorce paper that says I sent your mother away? Which creditor did I sell you to? No, you were sold because of your sins. Your mother was sent away because of your rebellion.”

2 “Why was no one there when I came, Why did no one answer when I called? Is My arm too short to save, Do I lack the power to rescue? I dry up the sea with a command and turn rivers into deserts; fish rot because there is no water.”

3 “I cover the skies in darkness and dress them in mourning clothes.”

The Obedient Servant

4 The Lord God gave Me a wise tongue to know how to encourage the weary. He wakes Me morning by morning, He opens My ears to listen.

5 The Lord God opened My ear, and I did not rebel, I did not turn back.

6 I gave My back to those who beat Me, My cheeks to those who ripped out My beard. I did not hide My face from disgrace and spitting.

7 The Lord God helps Me, that is why I am not ashamed. I set My face like stone, and I know I will not be put to shame.

8 The One who justifies Me is close. Who dares bring charges against Me, Let us face off. Where is My accuser, Let him come near.

9 The Lord God helps Me, who can condemn Me, they will all wear out like clothes, moths will eat them up.

Warning to the Self-reliant

10 Who among you fears the Lord and listens to His Servant, let the one walking in darkness, with no light, trust in the name of the Lord and lean on God.

11 But if you light your own fires and walk by your own sparks, this is your reward: you will lie down in torment.