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God Helps His Servant

50 [a]The Lord declares this;

“Where is the certificate of divorce
By which I have sent your mother away, [O Israel]?
Or to which one of My creditors did I sell you [as slaves]?
In fact, You were sold for your wickedness [your sin, your injustice, your wrongdoing],
And for your transgressions your mother was sent away.

“Why, when I came, was there no man [to greet Me]?
When I called, why was there no one to answer?
Is My hand really so short that it cannot redeem [My servants]?
Or have I no power to rescue?
Listen carefully, with My rebuke I dry up the sea,
I make the rivers into a desert;
Their fish stink because there is no water
And die of thirst.

“I clothe the heavens with the blackness [of storm clouds]
And make sackcloth [of mourning] their clothing.”


The Lord God has given Me [His [b]Servant] the tongue of disciples [as One who is taught],
That I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple [as One who is taught].

The Lord God has opened My ear,
And I have not been rebellious
Nor have I turned back.

I turned My back to those who strike Me,
And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;
I did not hide My face from insults and spitting.(A)

For the Lord God helps Me,
Therefore, I have not been ashamed or humiliated.
Therefore, I have made My face like flint,
And I know that I shall not be put to shame.(B)

He who declares Me in the right is near;
Who will [dare to] contend with Me?
Let us stand up to each other;
Who is My adversary?
Let him approach Me.(C)

In fact, the Lord God helps Me;
Who is he who condemns Me [as guilty]?
Indeed, they will all wear out like a garment;
The moth will eat them.(D)
10 
Who is among you who fears the Lord,
Who obeys the voice of His Servant,
Yet who walks in darkness and has no light?
Let him trust and be confident in the name of the Lord and let him rely on his God.
11 
Listen carefully, all you who kindle your own fire [devising your own man-made plan of salvation],
Who surround yourselves with torches,
Walk by the light of your [self-made] fire
And among the torches that you have set ablaze.
But this you will have from My hand:
You will lie down in [a place of] torment.(E)

Israel Exhorted

51 “Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness (right standing with God),
Who seek and inquire of the Lord:
Look to the rock from which you were cut
And to the excavation of the quarry from which you were dug.

“Look to Abraham your father
And to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain;
For I called him when he was but one,
Then I blessed him and made him many.”

For the Lord will comfort Zion [in her captivity];
He will comfort all her ruins.
And He will make her wilderness like Eden,
And her desert like the garden of the Lord;
Joy and gladness will be found in her,
Thanksgiving and the voice of a melody.


“Listen carefully to Me [says the Lord], O My people,
And hear Me, O My nation;
For a [divine] law will go forth from Me,
And I will quickly establish My justice as a light to the peoples.

“My righteousness (justice) is near, My salvation has gone forth,
And My arms will judge the peoples;
The islands and coastlands will wait for Me,
And they will wait with hope and confident expectation for My arm.

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
Then look to the earth beneath;
For the heavens will be torn to pieces and vanish like smoke,
And the earth will wear out like a garment
And its inhabitants will die in like manner.
But My salvation will be forever,
And My righteousness (justice) [and faithfully fulfilled promise] will not be broken.(F)

“Listen to Me, you who know righteousness (right standing with God),
The people in whose heart is My law and instruction;
Do not fear the reproach and taunting of man,
Nor be distressed at their reviling.

“For the moth will eat them like a garment,
And the worm will eat them like wool.
But My righteousness and justice [faithfully promised] will exist forever,
And My salvation to all generations.”


Awake, awake, put on strength and might, O arm of the Lord;
Awake as in the ancient days, as in the generations of long ago.
Was it not You who cut Rahab (Egypt) in pieces,
Who pierced the dragon [of Egypt]?(G)
10 
Was it not You who dried up the [Red] Sea,
The waters of the great deep,
Who made the depths of the sea a pathway
For the redeemed to cross over?
11 
So the redeemed of the Lord will return
And come with joyful shouting to Zion;
Everlasting joy will be on their heads.
They will obtain gladness and joy,
And sorrow and sighing will flee away.(H)

12 
“I, even I, am He who comforts you.
Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies
And of a son of man who is made [as destructible] as grass,
13 
That you have forgotten the Lord your Maker,
Who stretched out the heavens
And laid the foundations of the earth,
That you continually tremble with fear all day long because of the rage of the oppressor,
As he takes aim to destroy?
And where is the rage of the oppressor?

14 The [captive] exile will soon be set free, and will not die in the dungeon, nor will his food be lacking. 15 For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the Lord of hosts is His name. 16 I have put My words in your mouth and have covered you with the shadow of My hand, to [c]establish the [renewed] heavens and lay the foundations of the [renewed] earth, and to say to Zion (Jerusalem), ‘You are My people.’”(I)

17 
Wake yourself up! Wake yourself up! Stand up, O Jerusalem,
You who have drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of His wrath,
You who have drunk the cup of staggering and intoxication to the dregs [leaving only sediment].
18 
There is no one to guide her among all the sons she has borne,
Nor is there anyone to take her by the hand among all the sons she has reared.
19 
These two tragedies have befallen you;
Who will show sympathy for you and mourn with you?
The desolation and destruction [on the land and city], famine and sword [on the inhabitants];
How shall I comfort you?
20 
Your sons have fainted;
They lie helpless at the head of every street,
Like an antelope in a net,
Full [from drinking] of the wrath of the Lord,
The rebuke of your God.

21 
Therefore, now hear this, you who are afflicted,
Who are drunk, but not with wine [but overwhelmed by the wrath of God].
22 
So says your Lord, the Lord, who is also your God
Who pleads the cause of His people,
“Listen carefully, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering and intoxication,
The cup of My wrath;
You shall never drink it again.
23 
“I will put it into the hands of your tormentors,
Who have said to you, ‘Lie down so that we may walk over you.’
You have even made your back like the ground
And like the street for those who walk over it.”

Cheer for Downtrodden Zion

52 Awake, awake,
Put on your strength, O Zion;
Put on your beautiful garments,
O Jerusalem, the holy city;
For the uncircumcised and the unclean
Will no longer come into you.(J)

Shake yourself from the dust, arise,
O captive Jerusalem;
Rid yourself of the chains around your neck,
O captive Daughter of Zion.

For the Lord says this, “You were sold for nothing and you will be redeemed, but not with money.” For the Lord God says this, “My people went down at the first into Egypt to live there; and [many years later Sennacherib] the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. But now, what do I have here,” declares the Lord, “seeing that My people have been taken away without reason? Those who rule over them howl [with taunting and mockery of salvation],” declares the Lord, “and My name is continually blasphemed all day long.(K) Therefore My people shall know My Name and what it means. Therefore in that day I am the One who is speaking, ‘Here I am.’”(L)


How beautiful and delightful on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace,
Who brings good news of good [things],
Who announces salvation,
Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”(M)

Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices,
Together they shout for joy;
For they will see face to face
The return of the Lord to Zion.

Break forth, shout joyfully together,
You ruins of Jerusalem;
For the Lord has comforted His people,
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 
The Lord has bared His holy arm (His infinite power)
Before the eyes of all the nations [revealing Himself as the One by Whom Israel is redeemed from captivity],
That all the ends of the earth may see
The salvation of our God.(N)

11 
Depart, depart, go out from there (the lands of exile),
Touch no unclean thing;
Go out of the midst of her (Babylon), purify yourselves,
You who carry the articles of the Lord [on your journey from there].(O)
12 
For you will not go out in a hurry [as when you left Egypt],
Nor will you go in flight [fleeing, as you did from the Egyptians];
For the Lord will go before you,
And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

The Exalted Servant

13 
Indeed, My Servant (the Messiah) will act wisely and prosper;
He will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted.
14 
Just as many were astonished and appalled at you, My people,
So His appearance was marred more than any man
And His form [marred] more than the sons of men.
15 
So He will sprinkle many nations [with His blood, providing salvation],
Kings will shut their mouths because of Him;
For what they had not been told they will see,
And what they had not heard they will understand.(P)

Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 50:1 An ancient rabbi suggested this as an answer that God gave to Isaiah in response to Jews who came to him, but refused to repent. They compared themselves to a wife divorced by her husband and to a slave sold by his master (referring to God as husband and master), claiming that they had no further obligations to God.
  2. Isaiah 50:4 I.e. the Messiah.
  3. Isaiah 51:16 Lit plant.

Israel’s Sin and the Servant’s Obedience

50 This is what the Lord says:

“Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce(A)
    with which I sent her away?
Or to which of my creditors
    did I sell(B) you?
Because of your sins(C) you were sold;(D)
    because of your transgressions your mother was sent away.
When I came, why was there no one?
    When I called, why was there no one to answer?(E)
Was my arm too short(F) to deliver you?
    Do I lack the strength(G) to rescue you?
By a mere rebuke(H) I dry up the sea,(I)
    I turn rivers into a desert;(J)
their fish rot for lack of water
    and die of thirst.
I clothe the heavens with darkness(K)
    and make sackcloth(L) its covering.”

The Sovereign Lord(M) has given me a well-instructed tongue,(N)
    to know the word that sustains the weary.(O)
He wakens me morning by morning,(P)
    wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.(Q)
The Sovereign Lord(R) has opened my ears;(S)
    I have not been rebellious,(T)
    I have not turned away.
I offered my back to those who beat(U) me,
    my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;(V)
I did not hide my face
    from mocking and spitting.(W)
Because the Sovereign Lord(X) helps(Y) me,
    I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,(Z)
    and I know I will not be put to shame.(AA)
He who vindicates(AB) me is near.(AC)
    Who then will bring charges against me?(AD)
    Let us face each other!(AE)
Who is my accuser?
    Let him confront me!
It is the Sovereign Lord(AF) who helps(AG) me.
    Who will condemn(AH) me?
They will all wear out like a garment;
    the moths(AI) will eat them up.

10 Who among you fears(AJ) the Lord
    and obeys(AK) the word of his servant?(AL)
Let the one who walks in the dark,
    who has no light,(AM)
trust(AN) in the name of the Lord
    and rely on their God.
11 But now, all you who light fires
    and provide yourselves with flaming torches,(AO)
go, walk in the light of your fires(AP)
    and of the torches you have set ablaze.
This is what you shall receive from my hand:(AQ)
    You will lie down in torment.(AR)

Everlasting Salvation for Zion

51 “Listen(AS) to me, you who pursue righteousness(AT)
    and who seek(AU) the Lord:
Look to the rock(AV) from which you were cut
    and to the quarry from which you were hewn;
look to Abraham,(AW) your father,
    and to Sarah, who gave you birth.
When I called him he was only one man,
    and I blessed him and made him many.(AX)
The Lord will surely comfort(AY) Zion(AZ)
    and will look with compassion on all her ruins;(BA)
he will make her deserts like Eden,(BB)
    her wastelands(BC) like the garden of the Lord.
Joy and gladness(BD) will be found in her,
    thanksgiving(BE) and the sound of singing.

“Listen to me, my people;(BF)
    hear me,(BG) my nation:
Instruction(BH) will go out from me;
    my justice(BI) will become a light to the nations.(BJ)
My righteousness draws near speedily,
    my salvation(BK) is on the way,(BL)
    and my arm(BM) will bring justice to the nations.
The islands(BN) will look to me
    and wait in hope(BO) for my arm.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
    look at the earth beneath;
the heavens will vanish like smoke,(BP)
    the earth will wear out like a garment(BQ)
    and its inhabitants die like flies.
But my salvation(BR) will last forever,(BS)
    my righteousness will never fail.(BT)

“Hear me, you who know what is right,(BU)
    you people who have taken my instruction to heart:(BV)
Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals
    or be terrified by their insults.(BW)
For the moth will eat them up like a garment;(BX)
    the worm(BY) will devour them like wool.
But my righteousness will last forever,(BZ)
    my salvation through all generations.”

Awake, awake,(CA) arm(CB) of the Lord,
    clothe yourself with strength!(CC)
Awake, as in days gone by,
    as in generations of old.(CD)
Was it not you who cut Rahab(CE) to pieces,
    who pierced that monster(CF) through?
10 Was it not you who dried up the sea,(CG)
    the waters of the great deep,(CH)
who made a road in the depths of the sea(CI)
    so that the redeemed(CJ) might cross over?
11 Those the Lord has rescued(CK) will return.
    They will enter Zion with singing;(CL)
    everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy(CM) will overtake them,
    and sorrow and sighing will flee away.(CN)

12 “I, even I, am he who comforts(CO) you.
    Who are you that you fear(CP) mere mortals,(CQ)
    human beings who are but grass,(CR)
13 that you forget(CS) the Lord your Maker,(CT)
    who stretches out the heavens(CU)
    and who lays the foundations of the earth,
that you live in constant terror(CV) every day
    because of the wrath of the oppressor,
    who is bent on destruction?
For where is the wrath of the oppressor?(CW)
14     The cowering prisoners will soon be set free;(CX)
they will not die in their dungeon,
    nor will they lack bread.(CY)
15 For I am the Lord your God,
    who stirs up the sea(CZ) so that its waves roar(DA)
    the Lord Almighty(DB) is his name.
16 I have put my words in your mouth(DC)
    and covered you with the shadow of my hand(DD)
I who set the heavens in place,
    who laid the foundations of the earth,(DE)
    and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.(DF)’”

The Cup of the Lord’s Wrath

17 Awake, awake!(DG)
    Rise up, Jerusalem,
you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord
    the cup(DH) of his wrath,(DI)
you who have drained to its dregs(DJ)
    the goblet that makes people stagger.(DK)
18 Among all the children(DL) she bore
    there was none to guide her;(DM)
among all the children she reared
    there was none to take her by the hand.(DN)
19 These double calamities(DO) have come upon you—
    who can comfort you?(DP)
ruin and destruction,(DQ) famine(DR) and sword(DS)
    who can[a] console you?
20 Your children have fainted;
    they lie at every street corner,(DT)
    like antelope caught in a net.(DU)
They are filled with the wrath(DV) of the Lord,
    with the rebuke(DW) of your God.

21 Therefore hear this, you afflicted(DX) one,
    made drunk,(DY) but not with wine.
22 This is what your Sovereign Lord says,
    your God, who defends(DZ) his people:
“See, I have taken out of your hand
    the cup(EA) that made you stagger;
from that cup, the goblet of my wrath,
    you will never drink again.
23 I will put it into the hands of your tormentors,(EB)
    who said to you,
    ‘Fall prostrate(EC) that we may walk(ED) on you.’
And you made your back like the ground,
    like a street to be walked on.”(EE)

52 Awake, awake,(EF) Zion,
    clothe yourself with strength!(EG)
Put on your garments of splendor,(EH)
    Jerusalem, the holy city.(EI)
The uncircumcised(EJ) and defiled(EK)
    will not enter you again.(EL)
Shake off your dust;(EM)
    rise up,(EN) sit enthroned, Jerusalem.
Free yourself from the chains on your neck,(EO)
    Daughter Zion,(EP) now a captive.

For this is what the Lord says:

“You were sold for nothing,(EQ)
    and without money(ER) you will be redeemed.(ES)

For this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“At first my people went down to Egypt(ET) to live;
    lately, Assyria(EU) has oppressed them.

“And now what do I have here?” declares the Lord.

“For my people have been taken away for nothing,
    and those who rule them mock,[b]
declares the Lord.
“And all day long
    my name is constantly blasphemed.(EV)
Therefore my people will know(EW) my name;(EX)
    therefore in that day(EY) they will know
that it is I who foretold(EZ) it.
    Yes, it is I.”

How beautiful on the mountains(FA)
    are the feet of those who bring good news,(FB)
who proclaim peace,(FC)
    who bring good tidings,
    who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
    “Your God reigns!”(FD)
Listen! Your watchmen(FE) lift up their voices;(FF)
    together they shout for joy.(FG)
When the Lord returns(FH) to Zion,(FI)
    they will see it with their own eyes.
Burst into songs of joy(FJ) together,
    you ruins(FK) of Jerusalem,
for the Lord has comforted(FL) his people,
    he has redeemed Jerusalem.(FM)
10 The Lord will lay bare his holy arm(FN)
    in the sight of all the nations,(FO)
and all the ends of the earth(FP) will see
    the salvation(FQ) of our God.

11 Depart,(FR) depart, go out from there!
    Touch no unclean thing!(FS)
Come out from it and be pure,(FT)
    you who carry the articles(FU) of the Lord’s house.
12 But you will not leave in haste(FV)
    or go in flight;
for the Lord will go before you,(FW)
    the God of Israel will be your rear guard.(FX)

The Suffering and Glory of the Servant

13 See, my servant(FY) will act wisely[c];
    he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.(FZ)
14 Just as there were many who were appalled(GA) at him[d]
    his appearance was so disfigured(GB) beyond that of any human being
    and his form marred beyond human likeness(GC)
15 so he will sprinkle(GD) many nations,[e]
    and kings(GE) will shut their mouths(GF) because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
    and what they have not heard, they will understand.(GG)

Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 51:19 Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; Masoretic Text / how can I
  2. Isaiah 52:5 Dead Sea Scrolls and Vulgate; Masoretic Text wail
  3. Isaiah 52:13 Or will prosper
  4. Isaiah 52:14 Hebrew you
  5. Isaiah 52:15 Or so will many nations be amazed at him (see also Septuagint)

The Day of the Lord

Now as to the [a]times and dates, [b]brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord is coming just as a thief [comes unexpectedly and suddenly] in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety [all is well and secure!]” then [in a moment unforeseen] destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape [for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord]. But you, [c]believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God’s Son] are not in spiritual darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We do not belong to the night nor to darkness. So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise]. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation. For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life]. 11 Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.

Christian Conduct

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction, 13 and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another. 14 We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly], encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper].(A) 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. 20 Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test [d]all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.

26 Greet all the believers with a holy [e]kiss [as brothers and sisters in God’s family]. 27 I solemnly charge you by the Lord to have this letter read before all the [f]congregation.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Thessalonians 5:1 The Greek word here for times refers to the length of time (indicating how long one must wait for something), while the word for dates refers to the particular time that a significant event will happen.
  2. 1 Thessalonians 5:1 Lit brethren.
  3. 1 Thessalonians 5:4 Lit brethren.
  4. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Or everyone, that is, anyone claiming to be a prophet.
  5. 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greeting other believers with a kiss on the cheek would be the equivalent of today’s handshake, pat on the back, or casual hug.
  6. 1 Thessalonians 5:27 Lit brethren.

The Day of the Lord

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates(A) we do not need to write to you,(B) for you know very well that the day of the Lord(C) will come like a thief in the night.(D) While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”(E) destruction will come on them suddenly,(F) as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.(G)

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness(H) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.(I) You are all children of the light(J) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,(K) but let us be awake(L) and sober.(M) For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.(N) But since we belong to the day,(O) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,(P) and the hope of salvation(Q) as a helmet.(R) For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath(S) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.(T) 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.(U) 11 Therefore encourage one another(V) and build each other up,(W) just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard(X) among you, who care for you in the Lord(Y) and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.(Z) 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle(AA) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,(AB) be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,(AC) but always strive to do what is good for each other(AD) and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always,(AE) 17 pray continually,(AF) 18 give thanks in all circumstances;(AG) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.(AH) 20 Do not treat prophecies(AI) with contempt 21 but test them all;(AJ) hold on to what is good,(AK) 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace,(AL) sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul(AM) and body be kept blameless(AN) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.(AO) 24 The one who calls(AP) you is faithful,(AQ) and he will do it.(AR)

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.(AS) 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.(AT) 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.(AU)

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.(AV)