Read Isa. 49:1-13, Chapter by Chapter, Isaiah 48-51 (3)

·       48:1-12: But Israel, on the other hand, needed to understand what the LORD had declared from the beginning about her “end”.  She would be chastened for her hypocrisy (v1-5; Dt. 32).  But then came the “new thing” (v6-8).  I will withdraw My anger and will not give My glory to another (v9-12).

·       48:13-22: The LORD would do this through the Messiah (Trinity, v16).  “If you had heeded Me this (the Babylonian captivity, still 100 years in the future, but first prophesied by Isaiah, 39:5-7) would not have happened (v17-19).  You will return from Babylon.”  But note: the ruling principle is that, “there is no peace for the wicked” (this was applied to Israel and to Babylon).

·       49:1-13: Servant Song #2.  This song about Messiah is addressed to the coastlands (the Gentiles).  Messiah will be a light for you, at an acceptable time, in the day of salvation (v6,8). (This was quoted by Paul in 2 Cor. 6:2 and applied to the Corinthians, who were Gentiles and one of those cities in the coastlands that surrounded the Mediterranean Sea.)

·       49:14-26: The prophet Isaiah again raises Israel’s complaint (v14, cf. 40:27) against the LORD.  It is bogus (v15).  Not only will God not forget His people; He will also contend with the one who contends with Israel.  All flesh will know that the LORD is Israel’s Savior, Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”  These are encouraging only for those who “wait” upon the LORD (v23; cf. 40:31).

·       50:1-3: The problem is not with God, that He has forgotten.  The problem is with Israel’s sin.  God “divorced” Israel because of sin, not because His hand is too short (v2; cf. Rom. 9:6).

·       50:4-9: Servant Song #3.  The Servant Savior will be capable to do what He is given to do.  He knows God’s will.  His ears are open; He is not rebellious.  He will give His back to those who strike Him (Mt. 27:26).  Thus, He sets His face like a flint to do the work of God (Lk. 9:51).

·       50:10-11: If you fear the LORD you will obey the Servant.

·       51:1-16: Those who “wait” on Him (v5) are the righteous ones (those who follow righteousness” (v1,7).  This will not be ashamed.  There will be joy (v11) and no fear (v12).  The God who says this is the One who divided the sea for Israel (v15-16).

·       51:17-23: The “fury” (v13ab,17,20,22; the strongest form of God’s wrath) will be over for you and will be on your enemy instead.

What Israel is “waiting” for is what the Messiah will bring: atonement, the salvation of the nation.  With that will also come Messiah’s Kingdom where there will be peace and righteousness.

Ideas for Memorization: 48:9-10,18,22; 50:5-6; 51:8.