Isaiah
Chapter 50
Dispute With the People
Thus says the Lord: Where is the writ of divorce with which I dismissed your mother? Or to which of my creditors have I sold you? It was for your sins that you were sold, for your crimes that your mother was dismissed.
Why was there no one when I came? Why did no one answer when I called? Is my hand too short to reach out and save? Have I not the power to deliver? See how, at my threat, the sea dries up, the rivers turn into desert, their fish dying, for lack of water.
I clothe the heavens in mourning: I make sackcloth their covering.
The Third Song of the Servant: Suffering and Trust
The Lord God has taught me so I speak as his disciple and I know how to sustain the weary. Morning after morning he wakes me up to hear, to listen like a disciple.
The Lord God has opened my ear. I have not rebelled, nor have I withdrawn.
I offered my back to those who strike me, my cheeks to those who pulled my beard; neither did I shield my face from blows, spittle, and disgrace.
I have not despaired, for the Lord God comes to my help. So, like a flint I set my face, knowing that I will not be disgraced.
He who avenges me is near. Who then will accuse me? Let us confront each other. Who is now my accuser? Let him approach.
If the Lord God is my help, who will condemn me? All of them will wear out like cloth; The moth will devour them.
Let anyone among you who fears the Lord listen to the voice of his servant. Whoever walks in darkness and has no light to shine for him, let him trust in the name of the Lord; let him rely upon his God.
Yet all of you who kindle flames and carry about burning torches go into the flames of your own fire, into the sparks you have kindled. This will befall you from my hand, you will lie down in torment.
Commentaries
Dispute With the People.
Once again, the Lord answers the people’s complaints. In truth, God has not abandoned them; exile was the result of their sins. However, Israel must not lose hope because the Lord has not issued a divorce. The covenant bond remains, and God has the power to set his people free.
The Third Song of the Servant: Suffering and Trust.
Unlike the other songs, here the Servant introduces himself (4-9). As a disciple and prophet, he is deeply connected to the Word of God: he listens carefully and boldly proclaims it; he is not afraid of insults and blows, nor the most significant offense at that time: “They have broken my beard” (6). He trusts that the Lord will defend him (8-9). The challenges the servant faced while fulfilling his mission in the second song become more specific in this one, which acts as a bridge to the fourth, the song of the suffering servant. Respecting the Lord means obeying his servant (10). Those who sow discord and violence (stoke the fire) against the prophetic word will destroy themselves and be punished by the Lord: “Thus shall my hand deal with you” (11).