This poem gives us glimpses into the intimate relationship between God and His Servant, Messiah, focussing particularly on His submission to the will of God, with aspects of His suffering which comes to a head in chapters 52 and 53.

ISAIAH 50:4-9

The Lord, Jehovah God has drawn me near

And whispers words of wisdom in my ear

That I may comfort every weary soul;

‘Tis his compassionate heart to make them whole.

Each morning, ere the rosy dawn-light breaks,

He tiptoes up to me and wakes

Me from my slumber, ‘tis His eager heart

The knowledge of His purpose to impart.

Attentively I listen as He speaks:

I give my back to whipping and my cheeks

To those who pluck my beard; ‘tis no disgrace

That they should spit and slap me in the face.

Because my God upholds me, I shall stand:

I’ll not shrink back from His controlling hand.

Submissively I bend to do His will,

For in my heart I know I’ll triumph still.

My vindication from my God is near —

Where are my enemies?  Let them appear.

My God is on my side and I shall stand;

He holds me up with His almighty hand.

Who shall declare my guilt before the Lord?

My enemies shall fall without a word

As silently as garments turn to dust —

Destroyed by clothing moth, mildew and rust.

Are there among you those who fear the Lord?

Who honour Him and tremble at His word?

When darkness comes to swallow up your light

Just trust the Lord, He understands your plight.

Rely upon the Lord, He’ll bring you through:

He’ll lead you in the dark, He’ll succour you.

Don’t be like those who know not of God’s grace,

Who never take the time to seek His face.

The fire they try to light will only lead

To utter darkness and to ruin indeed.

He calls you now to put your trust in Him;

The light upon your way will not grow dim.