Israel Self-Ruined
Isaiah 50:1-3
Thus said the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorce, whom I have put away?…


Those who have professed to be the people of God, and yet seem to be severely dealt with, are apt to complain of God, and to lay the fault upon Him, as if He had severely dealt with them. But in answer to their murmurings, we have here —

I. A CHALLENGE TO PRODUCE ANY EVIDENCE THAT THE QUARREL BEGAN ON GOD'S SIDE (ver. 1).

II. A CHARGE THAT THEY WERE THEMSELVES THE AUTHOR OF THEIR RUIN. "Behold, for your iniquities," etc.

III. A CONFIRMATION OF THIS CHALLENGE AND THIS CHARGE (vers. 2, 3).

1. It Was plain that it was their own fault that they were cast off, for God came and offered them His helping hand, either to prevent their trouble or to deliver them out of it, but they slighted Him and all the tenders of His grace.

2. It was plain that it was not owing to any lack of power in God that they were led into the misery of captivity, and remained in it, for He is almighty. They lacked faith in Him, and so that power was not exerted on their behalf. So it is with sinners still.

( M. Henry.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

WEB: Thus says Yahweh, "Where is the bill of your mother's divorce, with which I have put her away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities were you sold, and for your transgressions was your mother put away.




Explanation of Exile
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