Isaiah 50:5-9 I gave my back to those who struck me. Copyrighted material that appears in this article is included under the provisions of the Fair Use Clause of the National Copyright Act, which allows limited reproduction of copyrighted materials for educational and religious use when no financial charge is made for viewing. Catholic Lectionary. (2009). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
1. I gave my back to those who struck me. Copyrighted material
that appears in this article is included under the provisions of
the Fair Use Clause of the National Copyright Act, which allows
limited reproduction of copyrighted materials for educational and
religious use when no financial charge is made for viewing.
Catholic Lectionary. (2009). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible
Software.
2. 5 And I have not rebelled, have not turned back. 6 I gave my
back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. 7 The Lord GOD
is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like
flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. 8 He is near who
upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear
together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. 9 See, the
Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong? Lo, they will all
wear out like cloth, the moth will eat them up.
3. This reading is often referred to as a Servant Song, a
servant who willingly accepts his afflictions because of his
confidence in God. In the Old Testament slaves could not be kept
for more than 6 years (Ex. 21:2). But the salve could become a bond
slave, a slave by choice if he chose to remain with his master.
After making the choice to be a bond slave an awl, a metal pointed
instrument, was driven through his earlobe and a gold ring would be
placed in the hole. In verses 5-6 the servant declares obedience
and faithfulness to God. In verses 7-9 the servant tells us that
his faith in God will save him. He is so confident he says, I have
set my face like flint.
4. The servants faith is as unbreakable as flint but his
adversaries are like old cloth infested with moths, the cloths time
is short but the servants time is eternal. The cloth will be eaten
up by the moths who represent sin but the righteous will be saved
from destruction by God who forgives and removes sin if asked. We
can apply this Old Testament reading to the New Testament life of
Jesus. Jesus didnt rebel against his Father. Mt 26:39 He advanced a
little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, My Father, if it is
possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you
will.
5. Jn. 8:29 The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me
alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him. Jesus was
beaten, mocked and never lost confidence in God. Mt 26:67 Then they
spat in his face, and struck him; and some slapped him, Christs
enemies, the religious leaders, were like the old cloth. Mt 12:14
But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him to put him
to death. They, like the cloth, were consumed by their own
sin.