Isaiah 50 – The
“marriage” of Yahweh to Israel, while taxed by her unfaithfulness, is not
formally ended. Then comes the Third Song of the “servant of Yahweh”: The Lord has given the prophet an open ear
and a willing spirit. “I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to
those who tore at my beard”(50:5). The Lord helps him endure. Those who fear
the Lord should listen to the voice of his servant.
Isaiah 51 – Those
who “pursue integrity” (51:1) and who seek the Lord listen to the servant. They
remember the “quarry from which [they] were cut” (51:1). Abraham and Sarah were
alone when they were called. The Lord will turn the desolation of Zion into an
Eden (51:3). The nations should pay
attention, “for from me comes the Law and my justice shall be the light of the
peoples” (51:4). “The heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth wear out like a
garment, and its inhabitants die like vermin, but my salvation shall last
forever and my justice have no end” (51:6).
With Yahweh as our consoler, we cannot be afraid of mortal
man. Jerusalem must arise after having experience God’s wrath. “See, I take out
of your hand the cup of stupor, the chalice of my wrath; you shall drink it no
longer” (51:22).
Isaiah 52 – Awake
and “clothe yourself in strength. . .put on your richest clothes, Jerusalem,
holy city (52:1). “How beautiful on the mountains, are the feet of one who
brings good news, who heralds peace, brings happiness, proclaims salvation”
(52:7).
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