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Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/50-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/23_Isa_50_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 50:2 - Israel's Sin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/50-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/50-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/50.htm">Chapter 50</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/50-1.htm" title="Isaiah 50:1">◄</a> Isaiah 50:2 <a href="/isaiah/50-3.htm" title="Isaiah 50:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/isaiah/50.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/isaiah/50.htm">New International Version</a> When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to deliver you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert; their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. <a href="/nlt/isaiah/50.htm">New Living Translation</a> Why was no one there when I came? Why didn’t anyone answer when I called? Is it because I have no power to rescue? No, that is not the reason! For I can speak to the sea and make it dry up! I can turn rivers into deserts covered with dying fish. <a href="/esv/isaiah/50.htm">English Standard Version</a> Why, when I came, was there no man; why, when I called, was there no one to answer? Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, by my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a desert; their fish stink for lack of water and die of thirst. <a href="/bsb/isaiah/50.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. <a href="/kjv/isaiah/50.htm">King James Bible</a> Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. <a href="/nkjv/isaiah/50.htm">New King James Version</a> Why, when I came, was there no man? Why, when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink because there is no water, And die of thirst. <a href="/nasb_/isaiah/50.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Why was there no one when I came? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Is My hand so short that it cannot redeem? Or do I have no power to rescue? Behold, I dry up the sea with My rebuke, I turn rivers into a wilderness; Their fish stink for lack of water, And die of thirst. <a href="/nasb/isaiah/50.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Why was there no man when I came? When I called, why was there none to answer? Is My hand so short that it cannot ransom? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, I dry up the sea with My rebuke, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink for lack of water And die of thirst. <a href="/nasb77/isaiah/50.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Why was there no man when I came? When I called, why was there none to answer? Is My hand so short that it cannot ransom? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, I dry up the sea with My rebuke, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink for lack of water, And die of thirst. <a href="/lsb/isaiah/50.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Why was there no man when I came? When I called, why was there none to answer? Is My hand so short that it cannot ransom? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, I dry up the sea with My rebuke; I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink for lack of water And die of thirst. <a href="/amp/isaiah/50.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “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. <a href="/csb/isaiah/50.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Why was no one there when I came? Why was there no one to answer when I called? Is my arm too weak to redeem? Or do I have no power to rescue? Look, I dry up the sea by my rebuke; I turn the rivers into a wilderness; their fish rot because of lack of water and die of thirst. <a href="/hcsb/isaiah/50.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Why was no one there when I came? Why was there no one to answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem? Or do I have no power to deliver? Look, I dry up the sea by My rebuke; I turn the rivers into a wilderness; their fish rot because of lack of water and die of thirst. <a href="/asv/isaiah/50.htm">American Standard Version</a> Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst. <a href="/cev/isaiah/50.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I came and called out, but you didn't answer. Have I lost my power to rescue and save? At my command oceans and rivers turn into deserts; fish rot and stink for lack of water. <a href="/erv/isaiah/50.htm">English Revised Version</a> Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. <a href="/gwt/isaiah/50.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Why was no one here when I came? Why was no one here to answer when I called? Am I too weak to reclaim you? Don't I have the power to rescue you? I dry up the sea with my command, and I turn rivers into deserts. Their fish stink because there is no water, and people die of thirst. <a href="/gnt/isaiah/50.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Why did my people fail to respond when I went to them to save them? Why did they not answer when I called? Am I too weak to save them? I can dry up the sea with a command and turn rivers into a desert, so that the fish in them die for lack of water. <a href="/isv/isaiah/50.htm">International Standard Version</a> Why is it that when I came, no one was there? Why was there no answer when I called? Was my arm too short to redeem you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? Look! By my mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert. Their fish stink for lack of water and die of thirst. <a href="/msb/isaiah/50.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. <a href="/net/isaiah/50.htm">NET Bible</a> Why does no one challenge me when I come? Why does no one respond when I call? Is my hand too weak to deliver you? Do I lack the power to rescue you? Look, with a mere shout I can dry up the sea; I can turn streams into a desert, so the fish rot away and die from lack of water. <a href="/nheb/isaiah/50.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Why, when I came, was there no man? When I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can't redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Look, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst. <a href="/wbt/isaiah/50.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Why, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish becometh putrid, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. <a href="/web/isaiah/50.htm">World English Bible</a> Why, when I came, was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can’t redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea. I make the rivers a wilderness. Their fish stink because there is no water, and die of thirst. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/isaiah/50.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Why have I come, and there is no one? I called, and there is none answering, "" Has My hand been at all short of redemption? And is there not power in Me to deliver? Behold, by My rebuke I dry up a sea, "" I make rivers a wilderness, "" Their fish stink, for there is no water, "" And die with thirst. <a href="/ylt/isaiah/50.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Wherefore have I come, and there is no one? I called, and there is none answering, Hath My hand been at all short of redemption? And is there not in me power to deliver? Lo, by My rebuke I dry up a sea, I make rivers a wilderness, Their fish stinketh, for there is no water, And dieth with thirst. <a href="/slt/isaiah/50.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wherefore, I came, and no man? I called and none answered. Being short, was my hand shortened from redeeming? and if not power in me to deliver behold, in my rebuke I will dry up the sea; I will set the rivers a desert: their fish shall stink from no water, and they shall die with thirst.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/isaiah/50.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Because I came, and there was not a man: I called, and there was none that would hear. Is my hand shortened and become little, that I cannot redeem? or is there no strength in me to deliver? Behold at my rebuke I will make the sea a desert, I will turn the rivers into dry land: the fishes shall rot for want of water, and shall die for thirst. <a href="/cpdv/isaiah/50.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For I arrived, and there was no man. I called out, and there was no one who would hear. Has my hand been shortened and become small, so that I am unable to redeem? Or is there no power in me to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke, I will make the sea into a desert. I will turn rivers into dry land. The fish will rot for lack of water and will die of thirst. <a href="/nabre/isaiah/50.htm">New American Bible</a> Why was no one there when I came? Why did no one answer when I called? Is my hand too short to ransom? Have I not the strength to deliver? See, with my rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into wilderness; Their fish rot for lack of water, and die of thirst. <a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/50.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Why was no one there when I came? Why did no one answer when I called? Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? By my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a desert; their fish stink for lack of water, and die of thirst.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/50.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Why, when I came, was there no man? When I called was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot save? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; their fish stink because there is no water, and they die of thirst. <a href="/hpbt/isaiah/50.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Why have I come and there is no man, and I called and there is no one who answers? My hands have harvested the harvest and it failed, or is there no power in me to save? Behold, with my rebuke I dry up the sea and I make rivers as the wilderness, and their fish stink from lack of water and they die<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/isaiah/50.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? When I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish become foul, because there is no water, And die for thirst. <a href="/sep/isaiah/50.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Why did I come, and there was no man? why did I call, and there was none to hearken? Is not my hand strong to redeem? or can I not deliver? behold, by my rebuke I will dry up the sea, and make rivers a wilderness; and their fish shall be dried up because there is no water, and shall die for thirst. <a href="/parallel/isaiah/50-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=11253" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/isaiah/50.htm">Israel's Sin</a> 1This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away. 2<a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: mad·dū·a‘ (Interrog) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">was no</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">one there</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">when I arrived?</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">Why did no one</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ō·w·neh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To answer, respond.">answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: qā·rā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">when I called?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">Is My hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/7114.htm" title="7114: hă·qā·ṣō·wr (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To dock off, curtail, to harvest. A primitive root; to dock off, i.e. Curtail; especially to harvest.">too short</a> <a href="/hebrew/7114.htm" title="7114: qā·ṣə·rāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To dock off, curtail, to harvest. A primitive root; to dock off, i.e. Curtail; especially to harvest."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6304.htm" title="6304: mip·pə·ḏūṯ (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- Ransom. Or pduth; from Qedmah; distinction; also deliverance.">to redeem you?</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">Or</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên- (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">do I lack</a> <a href="/hebrew/bî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: ḵō·aḥ (N-ms) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">the strength</a> <a href="/hebrew/5337.htm" title="5337: lə·haṣ·ṣîl (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver. ">to deliver you?</a> <a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hên (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1606.htm" title="1606: bə·ḡa·‘ă·rā·ṯî (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- A rebuke. From ga'ar; a chiding.">My rebuke</a> <a href="/hebrew/2717.htm" title="2717: ’a·ḥă·rîḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To parch, to desolate, destroy, kill. Or chareb; a primitive root; to parch i.e. to desolate, destroy, kill.">dries up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: yām (N-ms) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">the sea;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5104.htm" title="5104: nə·hā·rō·wṯ (N-mp) -- A stream, river. From nahar; a stream; figuratively, prosperity.">I turn the rivers</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: ’ā·śîm (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: miḏ·bār (N-ms) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">a desert;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1710.htm" title="1710: də·ḡā·ṯām (N-fsc:: 3mp) -- A fish. Feminine of dag, and meaning the same.">the fish</a> <a href="/hebrew/887.htm" title="887: tiḇ·’aš (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To have a bad smell, to stink. A primitive root; to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally.">rot</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: mê·’ên (Prep-m:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">for lack</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ma·yim (N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">of water</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: wə·ṯā·mōṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Jus-3fs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">and die</a> <a href="/hebrew/6772.htm" title="6772: baṣ·ṣā·mā (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Thirst. From tsame'; thirst.">of thirst.</a> 3I clothe the heavens in black and make sackcloth their covering.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21</a> Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, <a href="/psalms/106-9.htm">Psalm 106:9</a> He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; He led them through the depths as through a desert. <a href="/psalms/107-33.htm">Psalm 107:33-34</a> He turns rivers into deserts, springs of water into thirsty ground, / and fruitful land into fields of salt, because of the wickedness of its dwellers. <a href="/jeremiah/5-22.htm">Jeremiah 5:22</a> Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it. <a href="/ezekiel/37-3.htm">Ezekiel 37:3-5</a> Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.” / And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! / This is what the Lord GOD says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life. <a href="/amos/4-7.htm">Amos 4:7</a> “I also withheld the rain from you when the harvest was three months away. I sent rain on one city but withheld it from another. One field received rain; another without rain withered. <a href="/matthew/8-26.htm">Matthew 8:26-27</a> “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. / The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” <a href="/mark/4-39.htm">Mark 4:39-41</a> Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. / “Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?” / Overwhelmed with fear, they asked one another, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” <a href="/luke/8-24.htm">Luke 8:24-25</a> The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. / “Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!” <a href="/john/11-43.htm">John 11:43-44</a> After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” / The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. “Unwrap him and let him go,” Jesus told them. <a href="/john/12-37.htm">John 12:37-38</a> Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. / This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” <a href="/romans/10-16.htm">Romans 10:16</a> But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” <a href="/romans/11-32.htm">Romans 11:32</a> For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22-24</a> Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, / but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">2 Corinthians 4:3-4</a> And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Why, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinks, because there is no water, and dies for thirst.when I came<a href="/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16</a> And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.<a href="/isaiah/65-12.htm">Isaiah 65:12</a> Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.<a href="/isaiah/66-4.htm">Isaiah 66:4</a> I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.is my<a href="/isaiah/59-1.htm">Isaiah 59:1</a> Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:<a href="/genesis/18-14.htm">Genesis 18:14</a> Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.<a href="/numbers/11-23.htm">Numbers 11:23</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.have I<a href="/isaiah/36-20.htm">Isaiah 36:20</a> Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?<a href="/2_chronicles/32-15.htm">2 Chronicles 32:15</a> Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?<a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16,29</a> Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter… at my<a href="/psalms/106-9.htm">Psalm 106:9</a> He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.<a href="/nahum/1-4.htm">Nahum 1:4</a> He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.<a href="/mark/4-39.htm">Mark 4:39</a> And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.I dry<a href="/isaiah/42-15.htm">Isaiah 42:15</a> I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.<a href="/isaiah/43-16.htm">Isaiah 43:16</a> Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;<a href="/isaiah/51-10.htm">Isaiah 51:10</a> Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/47-14.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-1.htm">Die</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-14.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-10.htm">Fish</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-22.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/job/6-22.htm">Make</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-14.htm">Power</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-4.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/psalms/130-8.htm">Redeem</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-2.htm">Rivers</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-12.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Shortened</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-3.htm">Stink</a> <a href="/exodus/16-20.htm">Stinketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-10.htm">Thirst</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-10.htm">Water</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-10.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-20.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/57-13.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-6.htm">Die</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-12.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-10.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-16.htm">Fish</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-4.htm">Make</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-2.htm">Power</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-20.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-21.htm">Redeem</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-9.htm">Rivers</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-10.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-1.htm">Shortened</a> <a href="/joel/2-20.htm">Stink</a> <a href="/john/11-39.htm">Stinketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-13.htm">Thirst</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Water</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-2.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-3.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 50</div>1. <a href="/isaiah/50-1.htm">Christ shows Israel's Sin is not to be imputed to him, </a> 2. <a href="/isaiah/50-2.htm">by his ability to save</a> 5. <a href="/isaiah/50-5.htm">By his obedience in that work</a> 7. <a href="/isaiah/50-7.htm">And by his confidence in that assistance</a> 10. <a href="/isaiah/50-10.htm">An exhortation to trust in God, and not in ourselves</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/50.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/50.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Why was no one there when I arrived? This phrase reflects God's disappointment with Israel's lack of response to His presence and call. Historically, Israel often turned to idolatry and ignored God's prophets. This rhetorical question emphasizes God's initiative in seeking His people, reminiscent of His pursuit of Adam and Eve in <a href="/genesis/3-9.htm">Genesis 3:9</a>. It underscores the theme of divine patience and the expectation of a faithful response from His chosen people.Why did no one answer when I called? God's call to Israel is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, where He seeks a covenant relationship with His people. This phrase highlights Israel's spiritual deafness and rebellion, as seen in passages like <a href="/jeremiah/7-13.htm">Jeremiah 7:13</a>. It serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding God's voice, which is echoed in the New Testament in <a href="/hebrews/3-15.htm">Hebrews 3:15</a>, urging believers not to harden their hearts.Is My hand too short to redeem you? This rhetorical question challenges the doubts about God's power and willingness to save. The imagery of God's "hand" is often used in Scripture to denote His power and ability to act (<a href="/exodus/6-6.htm">Exodus 6:6</a>). It reassures the audience of God's omnipotence and His capability to redeem, a theme fulfilled in the New Testament through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Here, God questions the perceived limitations of His power. Historically, Israel witnessed God's deliverance from Egypt, yet they often doubted His ability to save them from subsequent troubles. This phrase reinforces God's sovereignty and strength, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/89-13.htm">Psalm 89:13</a>, and foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Christ.Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; This statement recalls God's control over nature, as demonstrated in the parting of the Red Sea (<a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21</a>). It signifies His authority to alter creation as a form of judgment or deliverance. The imagery of drying up the sea also points to God's power over chaos, a common ancient Near Eastern motif, affirming His supremacy over all creation.I turn the rivers into a desert; This phrase illustrates God's ability to transform life-giving water into barren land, symbolizing judgment and desolation. It echoes the plagues of Egypt (<a href="/exodus/7-20.htm">Exodus 7:20-21</a>) and serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience. The transformation of rivers into deserts also metaphorically represents spiritual barrenness resulting from turning away from God.The fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. The death of fish due to dried-up waters signifies the totality of God's judgment, affecting all levels of creation. This imagery parallels the ecological devastation seen in the plagues of Egypt and serves as a vivid reminder of the consequences of sin. It underscores the theme of divine retribution and the necessity of repentance to restore life and blessing.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The speaker in this verse, expressing disappointment and questioning the lack of response from His people. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The implied audience, representing the people of God who have not responded to His call. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sea_and_rivers.htm">The Sea and Rivers</a> Natural elements used metaphorically to demonstrate God's power and authority over creation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_persistent_call.htm">God's Persistent Call</a> God continually reaches out to His people, seeking a response. We must be attentive and responsive to His call in our lives. <a href="/topical/d/divine_power_and_authority.htm">Divine Power and Authority</a> The imagery of drying up seas and rivers underscores God's omnipotence. We should trust in His ability to intervene in our circumstances. <a href="/topical/h/human_responsibility.htm">Human Responsibility</a> The lack of response from Israel serves as a warning. We are responsible for responding to God's initiatives and invitations. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_deliverance.htm">Faith in God's Deliverance</a> God's rhetorical questions challenge us to trust in His power to redeem and deliver, even when situations seem dire. <a href="/topical/r/reflection_on_spiritual_deafness.htm">Reflection on Spiritual Deafness</a> The verse invites us to examine areas in our lives where we might be ignoring God's voice or call.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_50.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 50</a> <a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_50_2_fit_natural_laws.htm">How do we reconcile Isaiah 50:2 with natural laws when it describes drying up seas and turning rivers into deserts by mere rebuke? </a> <a href="/q/does_isaiah_50_suggest_historical_errors.htm">Could the poetic language of Isaiah 50 imply historical or archaeological contradictions, especially where miracles appear unsubstantiated?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_god_do_on_day_seven.htm">What are the key themes in 'Streams in the Desert'?</a> <a href="/q/proof_of_divine_judgment_turning_lands_barren.htm">Psalm 107:33–34 – Is there archaeological or geological proof that fertile lands were turned into deserts or rivers dried up purely as an act of divine judgment? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/50.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Wherefore, when I came . . .?--The "coming" of Jehovah must be taken in all its width of meaning. He came in the deliverance from Babylon, in a promise of still greater blessings, in the fullest sense, in and through His Servant, and yet none came to help in the work, or even to receive the message. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/63-3.htm" title="I have trodden the wine press alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in my anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled on my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.">Isaiah 63:3</a>.) Not that He needed human helpers. In words that remind us, in their sequence, of the phenomena of the plagues of Egypt, the prophet piles up the mighty works of which He is capable. The words are echoed in <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm" title="And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, see, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;">Revelation 6:12</a>; <a href="/revelation/8-9.htm" title="And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.">Revelation 8:9</a>; <a href="/revelation/8-12.htm" title="And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.">Revelation 8:12</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/50.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? Such being the condition of things; Judah having rejected me, not I them - why, "when I came" and announced deliverance from Babylon, was there no response? Why did no champion appear? Is it that my power was doubted? that it was feared my hand was shortened, so that it could not redeem or deliver? But I am he who has power with his rebuke to dry up the sea (<a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21</a>), to make rivers a wilderness (<a href="/exodus/7-20.htm">Exodus 7:20</a>; <a href="/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16, 17</a>); in fact, to change the course of nature as seemeth him good, and accomplish his will against all obstacles. Is my hand shortened? i.e. "is my power less than it was?" Can any one suppose this? Surely what I have once done I can do again. If I delivered from Egypt, I can redeem from Babylon. Their fish stinketh (comp. <a href="/exodus/7-21.htm">Exodus 7:21</a>). But the object is rather to assert an absolute control over nature than to take the thoughts of the hearers back to any special occasions when control was exercised. <a href="/commentaries/isaiah/50-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Why מַדּ֨וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> Why? for what reason? was no וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle one there אִ֗ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person when I arrived? בָּ֜אתִי (bā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go Why did no one וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle answer עוֹנֶה֒ (‘ō·w·neh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> To answer, respond when I called? קָרָֽאתִי֮ (qā·rā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read Is My hand יָדִי֙ (yā·ḏî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand too short הֲקָצ֨וֹר (hă·qā·ṣō·wr) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7114.htm">Strong's 7114: </a> To dock off, curtail, to harvest to redeem you? מִפְּד֔וּת (mip·pə·ḏūṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6304.htm">Strong's 6304: </a> Distinction, deliverance Or וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not do I lack אֵֽין־ (’ên-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle the strength כֹ֖חַ (ḵō·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> A small reptile (of unknown species) to deliver you? לְהַצִּ֑יל (lə·haṣ·ṣîl) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5337.htm">Strong's 5337: </a> To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver Behold, הֵ֣ן (hên) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> Lo! behold! My rebuke בְּגַעֲרָתִ֞י (bə·ḡa·‘ă·rā·ṯî) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1606.htm">Strong's 1606: </a> A chiding dries up אַחֲרִ֣יב (’a·ḥă·rîḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2717.htm">Strong's 2717: </a> To parch, to desolate, destroy, kill the sea; יָ֗ם (yām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin I turn the rivers נְהָרוֹת֙ (nə·hā·rō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5104.htm">Strong's 5104: </a> A stream, prosperity into אָשִׂ֤ים (’ā·śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set a desert; מִדְבָּ֔ר (miḏ·bār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> A pasture, a desert, speech the fish דְּגָתָם֙ (də·ḡā·ṯām) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1710.htm">Strong's 1710: </a> A fish rot תִּבְאַ֤שׁ (tiḇ·’aš) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_887.htm">Strong's 887: </a> To smell bad, to be offensive for lack מֵאֵ֣ין (mê·’ên) Preposition-m | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle of water מַ֔יִם (ma·yim) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen and they die וְתָמֹ֖ת (wə·ṯā·mōṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill of thirst. בַּצָּמָֽא׃ (baṣ·ṣā·mā) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6772.htm">Strong's 6772: </a> Thirst <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-2.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 50:2 Why when I came was there no (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/50-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 50:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 50:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/50-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 50:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 50:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>