The third of the Servant Songs (Isaiah 50:4-9) is the Servant's description of the gifts he has for his work (4-5a), the resistance to what he is doing (5b-6) and his confidence in Yahweh and his guiltlessness in the face of those who have become his oppressors (7-9).
The gifts received from Yahweh, the tongue and ears of a disciple, correspond to his work as a teacher already described in Isaiah 49:2
He has put into my mouth a sharpened sword
in the shadow of His hand he has concealed me
He has turned me into a polished arrow
in His quiver He has hidden me.
The "arrow" imagery is a play on the root consonants of the word torah. hry yarah is "to shoot with an arrow or dart". The image of the Servant used in this verse is that of an arrow with the arrowhead sticking out of the mouth like a sharpened sword.
This violent image contrasts with the Serant's description of his work in 4b: to give a soothing word to the wearied. It is a description that harmonizes with the one found in the first Song:
He will not shout or cry out
or raise his voice in the streets
A bruised reed he will not break
a smouldering wick he will not snuff out (Isaiah 42:2-3)
The quiet work of not shouting nor crying out corresponds to the hiddenness of one "concealed in the shadow of His hand" (Isaiah 49:2). The "bruised reed" and the "smouldering wick" are images of weakness, those to whom the Servant is sent. His mission has made him take sides. In a situation where people are divided to the point of hostility, he who takes one side will be attacked by the other.
The resistance to the work of the Servant is violent
And I resisted not
neither did I turn away
I offered my back to those who struck me
my cheeks to those who tore at my beard
I did not cover my face against insult and spittle.
Violence and revilement. He has the tongue and ears of one who was trained to heed the words of a Teacher. He is one therefore who says only what he has heard. His mission involved teaching the Lord's torah. So what was his crime? We do not know the identity of those who struck and insulted this Servant. But we know that they can bring someone to court; they are that powerful
Will anyone start proceedings against me?
Then let us go to court together!
Who thinks he has a case against me?
Let him approach me!
The Servant does not have his own mob. He does not have the luxury of one with bodyguards who can answer violence for violence in his behalf. He knows that he is guiltless and is confident that innocense can stand in any court. he has been doing his job, the task for which he was sent.
His confidence rests not only in personal merits, however, for he knows that God is with him. And so he also knows he will be vindicated
They shall go to pieces like a garment
devoured by moths.
The vindication will come slowly and quietly, like an army of moths eating away at a piece of garment. And when that garment is brought out into the light, it will be shown how badly disintegrated it has become.
My vindicator is near...
the Lord is coming to my help.
The same confidence echoes the one found in Isaiah 49 where in the midst of a depression, he realizes how much God values him
I am honored (dbka 'ekkabed) in the eyes of YHWH
My God is my strength
At his death, this Servant who faithfully finishes his course will be honored by Yahweh: "My servant will be exalted and will be greatly lifted up". And his vindication will be an astonishment for all.
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