The Lord God Helps “The Servant” (50:1-11)
Neal Pollard
The first three verses of this chapter seem to better belong with chapter 49, making this an unfortunate chapter break. Isaiah 49:14 says, “But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me.'” So, these three verses is His response. There is a set of questions about God’s relationship to Israel followed by a set of questions about Israel’s relationship to God (1-2). His answer to the first set of questions is that their suffering was the result of their unfaithfulness, not His (1). His answer to the second set of questions is that He was able to save them, but they had refused to turn to Him for such (2). His power is limitless and rejecting that power is ludicrous!
From Isaiah 50:4-11, we hear the voice of The Servant again. In contrast to the faithlessness of the people, The Servant is faithful to the mind and mission of the Lord. He puts His trust in Him in at least three ways.
He credits the Lord God for His gifts (4-5). These center around His tongue (4) and His ears (5). With His words, He would sustain and encourage. With His ears, He would listen and follow the Lord God’s instructions. With open ears, He obediently followed and persevered (5).
He credits the Lord God for His mission (6). Here, we have the first of many allusions to the suffering servant. This persecuted Servant would be struck, violated, spat upon, and humiliated. One cannot read these words without thinking about what happened to Jesus on the day He was crucified.
He credits the Lord God for His help (7-9). Twice, He says, “The Lord God helps Me” (7,9). In the light of this assistance, He is confident (7), determined (7-8), convicted (9), and optimistic (9).
This chapter ends with The Servant calling on men to join Him in trusting the Lord God. They should fear Him, obey Him, trust Him, and rely on Him (10). Walking by the light of their own fire would simply lead to torment (11). It is foolish to reject the Lord God who showed His loving care to His Servant, who wishes to aid all who follow Him.
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