NOTES for Isa 50:1-51:23

After the many trials that befell the people because of their wickedness, the Lord still does not reject them. Moreover, through all the stern words of rebuke, we hear once again that the flame into which sinners will go will be kindled by themselves, by their own sins. This is more than a statement about the condition of the prophet’s listeners and contemporaries; these words contain a warning for all ages.

Beyond this, the Lord reveals to us the irrevocability of the salvation that comes from Him and will remain forever. At first it may seem strange to speak of eternal salvation when it is immediately said that the earth will wear out and people will die off. But there is no contradiction here: what is stricken by corruption and has not used the opportunity to be saved will come to an end. Yet what is firmly united with the Lord, who abides above the created world, will endure.