Isaiah 50

Notes

Ver. 1. In reply to the objection that the casting off of the Israelites was a proof of want of faithfulness or caprice on the part of Jehovah, the true cause of it is here alleged. The Israelites were rejected and punished because of gross sin and open rebellion. God had dealt with them in mercy, he had spared them long, he had saved them by wondrous interpositions of supernatural power; but they had manifested the greatest ingratitude. P.—Where is the bill, &c. God's covenant with his church is often represented as a marriage-contract, see particularly Ho. 2. 2, 19, 20; and the progress of grace, together with the final glory of the church, as a marriage, Mat. 22. 1-14; Re. 21. 9.—Sold. The persons and liberties of their children were, according to the divine law, answerable for the debts of their fathers, 2 Ki. 4. 1; Mat. 19. 7. C.

Ver. 2. When I came. The Lord here speaks in continuation of the former verse—even the Word that was with God, and was God. And he speaks of that time when, being 'made flesh, he dwelt among us;' when he 'came unto his own, and his own received him not,' Jn. 1. 11. C.

Ver. 4. The Lord God hath given me, &c. 'The LORD GOD' (Adonai Jehovah), The Father, hath given me (his co-eternal Word, his Son, 'God manifest in the flesh'), 'the tongue of the learned,' the 'learned' in the 'deep things of God,' his nature, his eternal purpose of grace, according to 'the counsel of his own will,' his work of redemption by substitution and sacrifice, and his victory over death by resurrection to glory. C.

Ver. 7. Set my face like a flint. As the flint endures the stroke of the steel, and yields its best service (fire) to him that smites it—even so did Messiah endure, unshrinking, the strokes of those that hated him, and yielded but tears of compassion and intercessory prayers in return for the ingratitude that cried 'Away with him!' the injustice that condemned him, and the cruelty that crucified him. C.

Ver. 10. That walketh in darkness. The only real darkness lies in ignorance of one point, 'What must I do to be saved?' Within the name of Jesus lies the only answer; from it emanates the only light, Jn. 1. 12; Ac. 16. 31. C.

Ver. 11. Walk in the light of your fire. This is neither an advice nor a permission, but a judicial sentence, and with this warning, instead of joy, 'ye shall lie down in sorrow.' C.

Reflections.—How common is it, but as absurd, for self-ruined, and even obstinate sinners, to lay the blame of their misery on God, who is infinitely able and ready to save!—Yea, infinite is the fitness of Jesus Christ to instruct, quicken, and comfort our souls. Great was the cheerfulness and boldness with which he endured the suffering, and performed the obedience, necessary in the work of our redemption. Wonderful was the pleasure of Jehovah in assisting, supporting, and honouring him in it: and infinite is his tenderness towards distressed and disconsolate souls, and his indignation against presumptuous sinners. Never let me pretend to teach others till God has taught myself. And embracing every opportunity of fellowship with him, let me always act in his service under the influence of a gracious good-will to it. Never let me shrink at doing or suffering for Jesus Christ, who has done and suffered so much for me. In every difficulty of work or warfare, let me firmly believe that he will do great things for me. In deeps, in nights of desertion, temptation, trouble, and grief, let me never fear, but only believe that, while I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light unto me, and will bring me to the light. And let me stand in awe, lest confidence in my own wisdom and righteousness should entail upon me everlasting damnation.