Isaiah 50

50 ¹ This is what our Father says: Where is your mother's certificate of divorce, with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your sins, and your mother was sent away for your offenses. ² Why, when I came, was there no one? When I called, was there no one to answer? Is my hand too short to redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Look, by my rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn the rivers into a desert; their fish stink for lack of water and die of thirst. ³ I clothe the heavens with blackness and cover them with black cloth.

⁴ My Sovereign Father has given me a disciple's tongue, that I may know how to speak a sustaining word to the weary. Morning by morning he awakens, he awakens my ear to hear as a disciple. ^a a v4 Isaiah's third Servant Song — Jesus speaks as the obedient Son who learns from his Father morning by morning. The passion narratives echo this scene at the cross. ⁵ My Sovereign Father has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn away. ⁶ I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I did not hide my face from disgrace and spitting. ⁷ But my Sovereign Father helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame. ⁸ My vindicator is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. ⁹ See, my Sovereign Father helps me; who will declare me guilty? Look, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

¹⁰ Who among you fears our Father and obeys the voice of his servant? Let the one who walks in darkness and has no light trust in his name and lean on his Father. ¹¹ Look, all you who kindle a fire, who arm yourselves with torches: walk in the light of your fire and among the torches you have lit! This is what you will receive from my hand: you will lie down in torment.