The Servant will be equipped with divine speech as he goes through the school of suffering.
Review
Isaiah is writing to the Jews from the northern kingdom who are already in exile and the Jews in the southern kingdom who are about to go into exile. But he is writing as if the exile has already happened. The exiles would be tempted to despair and start believing that either God is either unwilling or unable to keep His promises.
Their rebellion and discouragement is contrasted with the obedience and faithfulness of the Servant.
| People of Judah | Servant |
| doesn’t listen to God’s call (50:2) | a constant listener (40:4) |
| skeptical that God loves them (49:14) | confident of the Lord’s help (50:7-9) |
| doubts God’s power (49:22) | confident of the Lord’s nearness (50:7-9) |
| suffers for their sins and rebellion (50:1) | suffers because obedience (50:5ff) |
| charged with offenses (50:1) | no charge against him will stand (50:8-9) |
| is spoken of as many/plural | is spoken of in singular |
Note: I am using a metaphor of a school to outline this passage.
The Goal & Requirements of the “School” (50:4-6)
50:4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples,
That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
5The Lord GOD has opened My ear;
And I was not disobedient
Nor did I turn back.
6I gave My back to those who strike Me,
And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;
I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. – Isaiah 50:4-6 NASB
That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
5The Lord GOD has opened My ear;
And I was not disobedient
Nor did I turn back.
6I gave My back to those who strike Me,
And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;
I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. – Isaiah 50:4-6 NASB
- The goal of the school is to learn to speak effectively and graciously.
- The teacher of the school is the LORD.
- “Morning by morning” is a metaphor for the first thing you do each day, i.e. your first priority.
- “The tongue filled with appropriate word for ministry is the product of the ear filled with the word of God.” – Alec Motyer, page 399.
- The entrance requirement of the school is listening.
- The curriculum of the school is being willing to face rejection.
Graduating from the school (Isaiah 50:7-9)
7 For the Lord GOD helps Me,
Therefore, I am not disgraced;
Therefore, I have set My face like flint,
And I know that I will not be ashamed.
8He who vindicates Me is near;
Who will contend with Me? Let us stand up to each other;
Who has a case against Me? Let him draw near to Me.
9Behold, the Lord GOD helps Me;
Who is he who condemns Me?
Behold, they will all wear out like a garment;
The moth will eat them. – Isaiah 50:7-9 NASB
Therefore, I am not disgraced;
Therefore, I have set My face like flint,
And I know that I will not be ashamed.
8He who vindicates Me is near;
Who will contend with Me? Let us stand up to each other;
Who has a case against Me? Let him draw near to Me.
9Behold, the Lord GOD helps Me;
Who is he who condemns Me?
Behold, they will all wear out like a garment;
The moth will eat them. – Isaiah 50:7-9 NASB
- The Servant is confident the LORD is his help and he is the LORD’s servant. Thus he can face humiliation.
- The LORD vindicates and judges.
- Like a moth slowly destroys a garment in an almost invisible process, the LORD’s judgment is absolutely sure.
Exhortations to students (Isaiah 50:10-11)
10 Who is among you that fears the LORD,
That obeys the voice of His servant,
That walks in darkness and has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire,
Who encircle yourselves with firebrands,
Walk in the light of your fire
And among the brands you have set ablaze.
This you will have from My hand: You will lie down in torment. – Isaiah 50:10-11 NASB
That obeys the voice of His servant,
That walks in darkness and has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire,
Who encircle yourselves with firebrands,
Walk in the light of your fire
And among the brands you have set ablaze.
This you will have from My hand: You will lie down in torment. – Isaiah 50:10-11 NASB
- A disciple is one who fears the LORD AND obeys the Servant.
- Those “who walk in darkness and have no light” are those who recognize they are sinful. If they should trust in the name of the Lord, they will receive mercy.
- Those “who kindle a fire” are those who believe themselves to be righteous and self-sufficient. They will receive judgment.
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Series: Isaiah: Servant Songs
Study Resources: Isaiah Bible Study Resources
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