Isaiah 50:4-11

The Obedient Servant

4 The Lord God has given Me the tongue of those who are instructed to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens [Me] each morning; He awakens My ear to listen like those being instructed.
5 The Lord God has opened My ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn back.
6 I gave My back to those who beat Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spitting.[a]
7 The Lord God will help Me; therefore I have not been humiliated; therefore I have set My face like flint,[b] and I know I will not be put to shame.
8 The One who justifies Me is near; who will contend with Me? Let us confront each other.[c] Who has a case against Me?[d] Let him come near Me![e]
9 In truth, the Lord God will help Me; who is he who will condemn Me?[f] Indeed, all of them will wear out like a garment;[g] a moth will devour them.
10 Who among you fears the Lord, listening to the voice of His servant? Who [among you] walks in darkness, and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord; let him lean on his God.
11 Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with[h] firebrands; walk in the light of your fire and in the firebrands you have lit! This is what you'll get from My hand: you will lie down in a place of torment.

Isaiah 50:4-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 50

This chapter is a prophecy of the rejection of the Jews, for their neglect and contempt of the Messiah; and of his discharge of his office as Mediator, and fitness for it. The rejection of the Jews is signified by the divorce of a woman from her husband, and by persons selling their children to their creditors; which is not to be charged upon the Lord, but was owing to their own iniquities, Isa 50:1, particularly their disregard of the Messiah, and inattention to him, as if he was an insufficient Saviour; whereas his power to redeem is evident, from his drying up the sea and rivers below, and clothing the heavens above with black clouds, and eclipsing the luminaries thereof, Isa 50:2,3, his fitness for his prophetic office is expressed in Isa 50:4. His obedience to his Father, and his patience in sufferings, while performing his priestly office, Isa 50:5,6, and his faith and confidence in the Lord, as man and Mediator, that he should be helped, carried through his work, and acquitted; and not be confounded, overcome, and condemned, Isa 50:7-9, and the chapter is closed with an exhortation to the saints to trust in the Lord in the darkest times; and a threatening to such who trust in themselves, and in their own doings, Isa 50:10,11.

Footnotes 8

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