Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 50

This argument shows that God was not forced to abandon Israel. Therefore, he could choose to accept the nation back as his people if he wished.

• God was not responsible for the people's problems; their sin caused their exile (see also Isaiah 59:1–15).

• Jerusalem, the main city of Judah (Psalm 87:5–6), was destroyed, and the people of Judah went into exile in 586 BC.

• Why did no one answer: The people did not respond to God's repeated call to trust him and repent of their sins. They were deaf and stubborn (see Isaiah 6:9–10; 29:18; 35:5; 42:18–19).

• The Lord came and called the people through the prophets (see also Isaiah 65:1–3).

• do I lack the strength to deliver you?: God could rescue Israel and Judah from the Assyrians and Babylonians, but he first had to address his people's sinfulness (see Isaiah 59:1).

• My rebuke dries up the sea: This refers to the parting of the Red Sea during the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14:21–22).

People connected events like darkness and wearing mourning clothes with the day of the Lord (Isaiah 13:10; see study note on Isaiah 2:5–22). The mention of darkness might refer to the plague of darkness in Egypt (Exodus 10:21).

This is the third of four servant songs (see study note on Isaiah 42:1–4). The loyal and suffering servant represents an ideal Israel. This image came true in Jesus Christ.

The Lord, who never gets tired (Isaiah 40:28), sends the servant with good news (see 40:28–31) to comfort those who are tired (see study note on Isaiah 40:1–31).

struck Me … tore out My beard … scorn and spittle: These connections with the experience of Jesus at his crucifixion are too close to not be intentional. Jesus is the true suffering servant (see Matthew 27:27–31).

• Externally, the servant would be disgraced and shamed by others. However, inside himself he would wait calmly for God to prove that he was right (see Isaiah 29:22; 54:4; 61:7). He trusted that God would defend him and clear his name.

• set My face like flint: The servant would be determined to follow God's will (see Luke 9:51).

• The One who vindicates Me is near: God defends those who suffer for following his will. Vindication is an act of God where he lifts up those wrongly shamed and punishes the wicked, proud, and arrogant (see also 2 Thessalonians 1:6–9).

• confront … a case against Me: Trust in God’s vindication removes fear and strengthens faith (see Romans 8:31–34).

Who is there to condemn Me?: This question expects the answer, “No one!” The servant is confident that no one can prove him guilty.

This statement points forward to the New Testament teaching about justification (God declaring a person to be right with him). Paul speaks about this in Romans 8:31–35).

This is a call for response to the servant’s ministry.

• To see if someone respects the Lord, observe how they treat God's righteous servant. This idea is similar to the statement Jesus made that no one can reach the Father except through him (John 14:6).

• Those who trust in the Lord have strong hope for the future (see Isaiah 12:2).

all you who kindle a fire: Spiritually complacent people do not respond to God. They may feel comfortable and secure now, but they will soon experience great suffering (see Isaiah 66:24).