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Overview

The people of Zion (continuing from Isaiah 49) are claiming that YHWH abandoned them. Now they are claiming that YHWH divorced them from being His chosen people. The Lord responds by asking them to provide the certificate of divorce, if there is one. But obviously there isn’t one. YHWH never abandoned them. If anything, Israel is being unfaithful to their covenant before God. Nevertheless, Isaiah 50 reveals again the mission of the Messiah. God promised He would send someone to save them—even in their unfaithfulness. 

Isaiah 50:1

Thus says the Lord: “Where is your mother's certificate of divorce, with which I sent her away? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities you were sold, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.

Verse 1. YHWH gets right to it—calls out the people of Zion. Basically saying to them, “Show me the certificate of divorce! Show me the evidence that I abandoned you!” And of course, there is no certificate. There is no evidence. Then YHWH sets the recond straight. It was because of your iniquities, your sin, your transgressions. That is why you feel abandoned. 

It is no different for the people of God today. Sometimes, if we are honest, we do feel like God has left us. The problem is that is not true. He is faithful. It is because of our sin, we feel distant from Him. Fortunately, all we have to do is come back to Him. Own our sin, accept His forgiveness. 

Isaiah 50:7-9

But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord God helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

This picture of the Messiah is not as common. He will face all of His enemies. He will not waver. He will succeed where Israel has failed. All things pass away, but the word of the Lord lasts forever. 

This is a picture of true strength. We know that when Jesus came—He came to seek and save the lost. He trusted in the Father. He trusted that His plan is good. And no matter what—Jesus was going to do the Father’s will. Are we that steadfast? Do we have that amount of resolve? Do we cling to our Heavenly Father’s will like that? Our lives would look a lot different if we did. 

Isaiah 50:10-11

Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment.

It is interesting the different types of light. If you are in darkness, look for the light of YHWH. That light will guide you. But woe to those who equip themselves with burning torches! That type of fire will not work. That type of light will not guide you. Only the Light of the world will guide you. 

In truth, we often try to use our own light, our own wisdom to navigate life. It might work for a bit, but our souls are not touched. There is a reason why Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life”, it is because He is the only way back to the Father. He is the only way to shalom. So what do you do now? Go read the Bible. Go ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Bathe yourself in the Light of Christ. Not only will you live in shalom—others will want to join you.