Sunday, December 29 – Isaiah 50, 51

1. In the context of Isaiah 50, what is the significance of verses 4-9?

2. What is the meaning of Isaiah 51:1-6?

Commentary and Reflection:

Here, we find another “Servant Song.” Up to this point, Isaiah has been introducing these songs repeatedly (42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9). In this instance, the Servant speaks, giving us a glimpse into more personal aspects of His life: His communion with God, the physical and mental suffering that marks His path, and the certainty of final vindication that sustains Him.

The Servant has been given the tongue of the learned to console the weary. He is a skillful counselor because He has been instructed by the Lord (v. 4a). He is, first and foremost, a disciple! Morning by morning, God awakens Him and teaches Him, and He listens (v. 4b). This reminds us of Isaiah 48, highlighting what Israel failed to do. There is a sharp contrast with Israel, for unlike them, the Servant is not rebellious (v. 5). He intends to translate the instruction He receives into obedient action, no matter the cost. As a disciple, He does not shrink back from suffering. He does not turn away or hide His face but sets it like flint (vv. 5-7).

There is nothing He cannot endure if obedience requires it. However, His confidence does not rest in His strength to endure but in the Lord, who helps and vindicates Him in the end (vv. 8-9). As a fitting conclusion to the third Servant Song, those who hear His testimony are invited to follow His example. This song is directed at those who fear the Lord, obey His voice, and long for light amid their darkness (v. 10).

The Servant is our model for trusting in the Lord and depending on Him. His sovereign power and covenant love are available to guide us through suffering and sustain us when we are weary. We can become disciples to whom God gives “the tongue of the learned” so that we, too, may “know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.”

It is easy for modern readers to see the connection between the Servant and our Lord Jesus Christ. As Adventists, we understand that Isaiah was inspired to describe the perfect life of obedience and death of our Lord, who was the only One faithful and obedient unto death. He is our hope, our Savior, and our Vindicator. Trust in His perfect obedience, and let this Servant, who no longer suffers but reigns, minister to your life and intercede for you in the heavenly sanctuary.

The remnant of Israel is reminded of their origins. Figuratively speaking, the rock from which they were hewn is explained in verse 2 as Abraham and Sarah, their ancestors. God multiplied them by giving the patriarch many descendants, as He had promised (Gen. 12:2; 15:5; 17:6; 22:17). For many years, Abraham and Sarah were childless but believed God (Gen. 15:6). Just as their ancestors trusted in Him, they too must believe in God.

As I read the opening verses of chapter 51, Ellen White’s words come to mind:

“As I see what God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” (Christian Experience and Teachings 204)

Just as the people were encouraged by their history to trust in Him, I want to encourage you today to look back and reflect on how good God has been in your life. There may be reasons to feel sadness, but there are even more reasons to be joyful and grateful. God wants you to trust Him today. No matter your circumstances or how difficult your position may seem, trust in Him and do not fear the future because God has already proven His faithfulness in your past.