For the Lord God will help me; rather, but the Lord God will help me. I shall not be left always in the hands of my enemies. In this confidence the Servant rests, and is not confounded, even when the worst happens to him. He sets his face like a flint ; i.e. makes it hard, impassive, expressionless, and at the same time determined, fixed not to give way (comp. Ezekiel 3:8 , Ezekiel 3:9 ). read more
God's help in time of need. "For the Lord God will help me." This one assurance suffices, and gives the Servant of Jehovah an indomitable strength. "Against the crowd of mockers he places Adonai Jehovah." "Those whom God employs he will assist, and will take care they want not any help that they or their work call for. God, having laid help upon his Son for us, gave help to him, and his hand was all along with the Man of his right hand" (Matthew Henry). "Greater is he who is with us than all... read more
I gave my back to the smiters - I submitted willingly to be scourged, or whipped. This is one of the parts of this chapter which can be applied to no other one but the Messiah. There is not the slightest evidence, whatever may be supposed to have been the probability, that Isaiah was subjected to any such trial as this, or that he was scourged in a public manner. Yet it was literally fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:26; compare Luke 18:33).And my cheeks to them that plucked off... read more
For the Lord God will help me - That is, he will sustain me amidst all these expressions of contempt and scorn.Shall I not be confounded - Hebrew, ‘I shall not be ashamed;’ that is, I will bear all this with the assurance of his favor and protection, and I will not blush to be thus treated in a cause so glorious, and which must finally triumph and prevail.Therefore have I set my face like a flint - To harden the face, the brow, the forehead, might be used either in a bad or a good sense - in... read more
Isaiah 50:5-6. The Lord hath opened mine ear Hath given me a power and will to hear and receive his commands. And I was not rebellious I readily did and suffered what he required of me. Neither turned away back From hearing or obeying his will, how difficult or dangerous soever the work might be to which he called me. He seems to allude to some of the former prophets, who had shrunk back, and for a time refused such work as God called them to, as Moses, Exodus 3:11; Jonah, chap. 1:3, and... read more
Isaiah 50:7-9. For, or rather, but, the Lord God will help me Though as man I am weak, yet God will strengthen me to go through my great and hard work. Therefore shall I not be confounded Therefore I assure myself of success in my undertaking, and of victory over all my enemies. I have set my face like a flint I have hardened myself with resolution and courage against all opposition. See the like phrase, Ezekiel 3:8-9. which Bishop Lowth translates as follows: “Behold I have made thy... read more
The servant’s patient endurance (50:4-11)In this, the third Servant Song, the words again may have an application to the experiences of Israel among the nations. In particular they reflect the experiences of the few faithful Jews who tried to teach, warn and comfort their ungodly fellow exiles in Babylon. The song becomes even more meaningful when applied to the experiences of the Messiah himself.The servant is taught by God day by day, so that he can give teaching and encouragement to those... read more
I gave, &c. Fulfilled in Matthew 26:67 ; Matthew 27:26 . read more
set My face like a flint. Note the fulfilment. His death was not an event which happened. He "accomplished" it Himself (Luke 9:31 ), and, after saying this, "He steadfastly set His face", as above, "like a flint". He laid down His life Himself: but not till His hour (the right hour) had come (John 10:15-18 ). read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 50:6
Contumely endured in God's service. This is part of a soliloquy of Messiah, and in it he dwells upon the sufferings which would attend his effort to carry out obediently his Divine mission; and upon his confidence that God would uphold his Servant through all the suffering and shame. This passage should be compared with Psalms 22:1-31 and Psalms 53:1-6 . The point more especially presented in this verse is the insult offered to Christ in the closing scenes of his life. This insult... read more