Isaiah 50:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 50:1
1 Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 50 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, wisdom, creation. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-11: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 50:1
1 Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.
Analysis
God's rhetorical question 'Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away?' asserts that He never broke covenant despite Israel's exile. The 'bill of divorcement' (Deuteronomy 24:1) was required for legal separation, but God produced none - the relationship suspension was discipline, not abandonment. The accusation 'for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves' shifts blame to Israel's sin, not God's unfaithfulness.
Historical Context
Exilic despair questioned whether God divorced Israel permanently. Isaiah clarifies that exile was temporary discipline for sin, not covenant dissolution. This grounds hope for restoration and anticipates Hosea's remarriage imagery (Hosea 2:19-20).
Reflection
- How does knowing God never 'divorced' His people despite their sin assure you of eternal security in Christ?
- In what ways have you 'sold yourself' to sin while blaming God for consequences?
Word Studies
- Transgression: פֶּשַׁע (Pesha) H6588 - Transgression, rebellion
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 52:3, Deuteronomy 32:30, 2 Kings 4:1, 17:17, Jeremiah 3:1, Matthew 18:25
- Parallel theme: Nehemiah 5:5, Psalms 44:12, Jeremiah 3:8, 4:18