On the issue as to whether Isaiah 50:2–3 alludes to the exodus from Egypt, the general consensus is that such is unmistakable, even if only general.1,2,3 The references to the striking of the sea (Exodus 15:8, Exodus 15:10), the stinking of the fish (Exodus 7:17–18, Exodus 7:21), and the darkening of the sky (Exodus 10:21–22) all appear to reflect upon that experience. That said, there is nothing stopping us from interpreting this also in a broader sense, such that the prophet could also be pointing more generally to the extent of God’s power wherein nothing can withstand him. No matter how filled the ocean is with water, or how bright the heavens shine at midday, the Lord can dry up the one and darken the other. And so his people should not doubt that he is able to lighten their darkness and water their deserts.
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2 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.