Isaiah 50

1

The LORD says, “Where is the bill of your mother’s divorce, with which I have put her away? Or to which of my creditors have I sold you? Behold, you were sold for your iniquities, and your mother was put away for your transgressions.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 1. Away. Such a one could not be received again, if she had taken another husband. Deuteronomy 24:3. Some explain this of the captives. But God restored them to favour. It seems rather to relate to the reprobation ( Calmet.) of the synagogue, which will never again become the true Church, ( Bible.) though many of Israel will be converted. Romans 11:25.—Sold you, as a father might do. Exodus 21:1. Matthew 18:15. Saint Ambrose (Tob. viii.) inveighs against such cruel parents, as the Christian religion had not then entirely repressed this inhumanity. Calmet.—God rejected the synagogue, not out of hard-heartedness or want, but because of her sins. Worthington.

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2

Why, when I came, was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can’t 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 stink because there is no water, and die of thirst.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 2. Hear. My spouse had gone after other lovers. The people refused to hear the prophets; and the priests were become as corrupt as the rest, when the city was taken by the Chaldees and by the Romans. Calmet.—Sea. Babylon. Calmet. 21. Bible.—I could work the same miracles, as I did when Israel came out of Egypt.

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3

I clothe the heavens with blackness. I make sackcloth their covering.”

4

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary. He awakens morning by morning, he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 4. Weary. Isaias speaks in the name of Christ, whose words carried conviction and comfort along with them. John 6:69 and 7:46. Calmet.—Wakeneth. Lit. “lifteth up.” Cynthius âurem—Vellit. Ec. 6.—Hear, or obey. Bible.—Christ preached more powerfully than Isaias, and continues to do so by his pastors. Saint Jerome Worthington.

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5

The Lord GOD has opened my ear. I was not rebellious. I have not turned back.

6

I gave my back to those who beat me, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair. I didn’t hide my face from shame and spitting.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 6. Spit. The greatest indignity. Job 30:10. Deuteronomy 25:9. Yet this was the treatment of our Saviour. Lu. 18:31. Matthew 26:67. Calmet.—“The great Grotius, (I wish he were great in explaining the prophets)” applies this to Jeremias. Houbigant.

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7

For the Lord GOD will help me. Therefore I have not been confounded. Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I won’t be disappointed.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 7. Rock. Christ heard the accusations of his enemies unmoved, as the had not been afraid to blame the conduct of the Pharisees.

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8

He who justifies me is near. Who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.

9

Behold, the Lord GOD will help me! Who is he who will condemn me? Behold, they will all grow old like a garment. The moths will eat them up.

10

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? He who walks in darkness and has no light, let him trust in the LORD’s name, and rely on his God.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 10. Light. The faithful are exhorted to take courage, while the Romans will destroy the rebellious Jews, (verse 11. Calmet.) and the wicked shall dwell in hell fire. Menochius.

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11

Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who adorn yourselves with torches around yourselves, walk in the flame of your fire, and among the torches that you have kindled. You will have this from my hand: you will lie down in sorrow.