Isaiah 50:4-7
Chapter 50
4
The Third Song of the Servant: Suffering and Trust
The Lord God has taught me so I speak as his disciple and I know how to sustain the weary. Morning after morning he wakes me up to hear, to listen like a disciple.5
The Lord God has opened my ear. I have not rebelled, nor have I withdrawn.
6
I offered my back to those who strike me, my cheeks to those who pulled my beard; neither did I shield my face from blows, spittle, and disgrace.
7
I have not despaired, for the Lord God comes to my help. So, like a flint I set my face, knowing that I will not be disgraced.
Commentaries
The Third Song of the Servant: Suffering and Trust.
Unlike the other songs, here the Servant introduces himself (4-9). As a disciple and prophet, he is deeply connected to the Word of God: he listens carefully and boldly proclaims it; he is not afraid of insults and blows, nor the most significant offense at that time: “They have broken my beard” (6). He trusts that the Lord will defend him (8-9). The challenges the servant faced while fulfilling his mission in the second song become more specific in this one, which acts as a bridge to the fourth, the song of the suffering servant. Respecting the Lord means obeying his servant (10). Those who sow discord and violence (stoke the fire) against the prophetic word will destroy themselves and be punished by the Lord: “Thus shall my hand deal with you” (11).