In the opening of our chapter the Lord lays blame for man’s separation from God squarely on the shoulders of the sinner. The reference to divorce and children sold into servitude reveal this. Had the Lord put away the Jews a bill of divorcement would have existed. Had the Lord sold His children a creditor’s statement of debt could be produced. That neither can be brought forward shows where the blame lies. The Jews abandoned God by their disobedience and sin.  Christ rejected The Lord speaks of coming and calling but no man answering. If this is a reference to the coming of the Messiah, as it appears to be, it reflects the widespread rejection of the Lord Jesus by the Jews during His earthly…

If the Holy Spirit enables us to read this chapter as a conversation between the Father and His Son, and Christ and His people, we shall discover a deep well of spiritual truth and wisdom. We have seen previously how references to islands, or isles, in the prophecy of Isaiah are suggestive of gospel expansion and the enlargement of Christ’s kingdom amongst the nations. Here the whole world is called to listen as the Lord Jesus reveals His own personal undertaking of covenant duty as the Substitute and Surety of His people. The Lord declares the terms of His Messianic role and His offices of Prophet, Priest, King, Redeemer and Saviour.