Isaiah 50

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Israel Punished Because of Their Sin

50 <1> The Lord says,

"People of Israel, you say that I divorced your mother, Jerusalem.

But where is the legal paper

that proves I divorced her?

My children, did I owe money to someone?

Did I sell you to pay a debt?

No, you were sold

because of the bad things you did.

Your mother was only sent away

because of the bad things you did.

<2> I came home and found no one there.

I called and called, but no one answered.

Do you think I cannot get you back?

Do you think I cannot save you?

Look, if I gave the command,

the ocean would dry up!

I can turn rivers into a desert.

The fish would die without water, and their bodies would rot.

<3> I can make the skies dark.

I can cover the skies in darkness as black as the clothes of sadness."

God's Servant Depends on God

<4> The Lord my Master gave me the ability to teach, so now I teach these sad people. Every morning he wakes me and teaches me like a student. <5> The Lord my Master helps me learn, and I have not turned against him. I will not stop following him. <6> I will let those people beat me. I will let them pull the hair from my beard. I will not hide my face when they say bad things to me and spit at me. <7> The Lord my Master will help me. So the bad things they say will not hurt me. I will be strong. I know I will not be disappointed.

<8> The Lord is with me. He shows I am innocent. So no one will be able to show I am guilty. If someone wants to try to prove I am wrong, that person should come to me, and we will have a trial. <9> But look, the Lord my Master helps me, so no one can prove me guilty. As for them, they will all be like worthless old clothes, eaten by moths.

<10> People who respect the Lord also listen to his servant. That servant lives completely trusting in God without knowing what will happen. He really trusts in the Lord's name and depends on his God.

<11> The Lord says, "Look, you people want to do whatever you want. So light your own fires and torches, but you will be punished. You will fall into your fires and torches, and you will be burned. I will make that happen."