Knowing The Word: The Servant's Obedience, Isaiah 50:4-11

This is the third Servant Song. The distinctive aspect of this song is suffering and the Servant’s obedience that provokes it. With verse 6 it is now hard to say that the Servant is Israel only. It becomes apparent that there is one man who receives this abuse. The suffering pictured is not of punishment for wrongdoing but for obedience. Jesus suffered because of his obedience to God. He who knew no sin became sin for us on the cross.

4 The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. 5 The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. 6 I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.

7 But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. 9 Behold, the Lord God helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

10 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. 11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment.

Spend some time thinking about the cross and what Jesus did for you there out of obedience to the Father.