Isaiah-Chapter-50
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Please
Note: Some alterations or (additions)
have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim,
having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the
following truth from our beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE
WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may
keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem,
which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2.
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With
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
In Isaiah 50, the tone shifts to a “Trial of Love”. אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God) challenges the notion that He has “divorced” or abandoned Israel. He demonstrates that while the people were sold into captivity for their own sins, His power to redeem remains absolute. The chapter introduces the obedient servant who remains steadfast despite persecution, serving as a model of faith for the exiles.
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Let us now read Yeshayahu
- Isaiah Chapter 50: (JPS-1917 version of the Tanakh).
1. Thus saith יְהוָה - the LORD: Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, wherewith I have put her away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities were ye sold, and for your transgressions was your mother put away.
2. Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; their fish become foul, because there is no water, and die for thirst.
3. I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
4. אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim hath given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I should know how to sustain with words him that is weary; He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as they that are taught.
5. אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward.
6. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
7. For אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim will help me; therefore have I not been confounded; therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
8. He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand up together; who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.
9. Behold, אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? Behold, they all shall wax old as a garment, the moth shall eat them up.
10. Who is among you that feareth יְהוָה - the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of His servant? though he walketh in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the name of יְהוָה - the LORD, and stay upon his אֱלֹהִים.
11. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that gird yourselves with firebrands, begone in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of My hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
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Let us now view Isaiah Chapter 50, ‘verse by verse’ with explanations:
Verse 1: Thus saith יְהוָה - the LORD: Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, wherewith I have put her away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities were ye sold, and for your transgressions was your mother put away.
Explanation: אֱלֹהִים uses a legal metaphor. He hasn’t permanently cut ties with Israel (the mother); their exile was a temporary consequence of their own actions, not a lack of love or power on His part.
Verse 2: Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? When I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; their fish stinking, because there is no water, and die for thirst.
Explanation: אֱלֹהִים - Elohim asks why no one responded to His call. He reminds them of His mastery over nature (Exodus imagery) to prove that His “hand” is still strong enough to save them.
Verse 3: I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
Explanation: A further display of Divine sovereignty, showing that the very atmosphere obeys His command of mourning or judgment.
Verse 4: אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim hath given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I should know how to sustain with words him that is weary; He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as they that are taught.
Explanation: The prophet (or the Servant) speaks of a daily, intimate connection with אֱלֹהִים - Elohim. His mission is to provide comfort and “sustenance” to those exhausted by exile.
Verse 5: אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward.
Explanation: Unlike the nation which often rebelled, this Servant is perfectly submissive and attentive to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s will, regardless of the cost.
Verse 6: I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Explanation: A vivid description of physical suffering and public humiliation. The Servant chooses to endure this abuse rather than abandon his divine calling.
Verse 7: For אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim will help me; therefore have I not been confounded; therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Explanation: “Face like a flint” signifies unshakable resolve. Because the Servant trusts in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s ultimate vindication, human mockery cannot break his spirit.
Verse 8: He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand up together; who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.
Explanation: A courtroom challenge. The Servant is so confident in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s approval that he invites his accusers to try and present a case against him.
Verse 9: Behold, אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? Behold, they all shall wax old as a garment, the moth shall eat them up.
Explanation: Just as in Chapter 51, the message is that human enemies are temporary and fragile (like moth-eaten cloth), while אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s help is constant.
Verse 10: Who is among you that feareth יְהוָה - the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of His servant? though he walketh in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the name of יְהוָה - the LORD, and stay upon his אֱלֹהִים.
Explanation: An instruction for the faithful: even when you cannot see the path forward (“walking in darkness”), trust in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s character and the message of His Servant.
Verse 11: Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that gird yourselves with firebrands, begone in the flame of your fire, and among the firebrands that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of My hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
Explanation: A warning to those who try to create their own “light”
(false security or rebellion) instead of trusting אֱלֹהִים. Their own man-made
fires will eventually lead to their downfall.
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My Closing Message:
Isaiah 50 is a testament to endurance. It contrasts the power of the Creator with the frailty of the oppressor. For a reader in a difficult season, the message is clear: אֱלֹהִים has not “sold”
you or forgotten you. By setting your "face like a
flint" and trusting in His strength, you can withstand any trial until the
morning light breaks.
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This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be
He, said the following via several of our prophets...
“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”.
Mal’a’chi -
Malachi 3:7. (JPS).
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He
is the one who gave us our Life!”
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom
Aleichem - Peace be with you!
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
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