Isaiah 50-52

Isaiah 50

Third Servant Song 

God’s rhetorical questions

• “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce?”
• “To which of my creditors have I sold you?”

Point:

• God did not abandon Israel.
• Their exile was caused by their sin.

God’s power 

• Dries up the sea
• Darkens the heavens

Meaning: God is fully able to save, but Israel chose to rebel

The Servant’s calling

• The Servant is given “the tongue of those who are taught”
  • To speak wisely 
• “The Lord GOD has opened my ear” “I was not rebellious”
• Endures:
  • Beating (Mark 15) 
  • Plucking of beard (Luke 22) 
  • Spitting (Mark 15)

Vindication

• “I have set my face like a flint”
• God will vindicate. Enemies will fade like a garment

Two Responses

Those who fear the LORD

• Trust in the name of the LORD
• Rely on God in darkness

Those who rely on their own

• “Kindle your own fire”
• Walk by your own sparks

Isaiah 51

Gods (Past) Faithfulness

• Sarah and Abraham God multiplied one couple into a nation.
• If God began with one, He can restore many.
• Zion will be restored
  • Wilderness → Eden
  • Joy and gladness return

God’s righteousness near

• Salvation “to the coastlands”
• Creation fades
  • Heavens vanish
  • Earth wears out
• God’s salvation lasts forever

Fear God not man 

• People who know righteousness encouraged
• Human opposition fades like moth-eaten fabric

Appeal to past deliverance

• “Awake, awake”
• Reference to:
  • Rahab (symbol of Egypt)
  • Sea-crossing

The people cry for a new Exodus.

Promise of return

• Redeemed return with singing
• Everlasting joy

God Comforts the Fearful

• “I, I am he who comforts you”
• Why fear mortal man?
• Temporary humans vs eternal creator

God places His words in His servant’s mouth.

“Cup of wrath” for Jerusalem

• No one to guide her

Reversal

• Cup transferred to enemies
• Oppressors now judged

Isaiah 52

Call to arise Zion

• Shake off dust
• Remove chains
• No more oppression

God’s name vindicated

• Nations mocked Israel
• God acts to restore His reputation

Messenger announces good news

• “Your God reigns”
• Salvation proclaimed
• All ends of earth see salvation

Depart Babylon

• Leave unclean things
• Purify yourselves
• God goes before and behind

(Technically beginning of the fourth Servant Song)

“My servant shall act wisely”

• High and lifted up
• Appearance marred beyond human semblance
  • Luke 22:63-64

Impact of Servant

• Nations astonished
• Kings silenced

Application

Isaiah 50 shows us the great power of God. We can choose to rely on ourselves or on God. In chapter 51 we see a God who guarantees restoration and salvation, no matter how fall we have fallen. In chapter 52 Zion is called to awaken. We have been redeemed by the Servant.