Isaiah 50:4

Commentary on Isaiah 50:4 (KJV)

Isaiah 50:4 is a profound verse within the "Suffering Servant" songs of Isaiah, offering a glimpse into the character and mission of one uniquely prepared by God. It speaks of divine wisdom and compassionate ministry, often understood as a prophetic portrait of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse is part of the third "Servant Song" found in Isaiah (chapters 42, 49, 50, 52:13-53:12). These passages describe a figure chosen by God, empowered by the Spirit, who will bring justice and salvation, yet also endure suffering. In Isaiah 50, the Servant expresses His unwavering obedience to God despite opposition, setting the stage for the ultimate sacrifice depicted in Isaiah 53:5. This particular verse highlights the Servant's preparation for His ministry of teaching and comforting, emphasizing divine instruction and a life of deep communion with the Lord GOD.

Key Themes

• Divine Empowerment and Instruction: The phrase "The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned" signifies that the Servant's ability to speak wisely and effectively is not inherent but divinely bestowed. It is a gift from God, enabling Him to communicate profound truths with authority.
• Compassionate Ministry to the Weary: The primary purpose of this gifted tongue is "that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary." This reveals the Servant's deep empathy and mission to bring comfort, encouragement, and timely truth to those who are burdened, disheartened, or exhausted by life's struggles. This resonates strongly with Jesus' invitation to the weary and heavy laden in Matthew 11:28.
• Daily Communion and Obedience: "He wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned" illustrates a continuous, intimate relationship with God. The Servant is depicted as a diligent student, daily attentive to God's voice and instruction. This emphasizes a life of constant listening and unwavering obedience to the Father's will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "learned" is limmudim (לִמּוּדִים), which literally means "taught ones" or "disciples." Thus, "the tongue of the learned" can be understood as "the tongue of a disciple" or "the tongue of one who has been taught," underscoring that the Servant's wisdom comes from being a diligent learner at God's feet. The phrase "a word in season" (dabar la'ut) implies a word that is perfectly timed, appropriate, and effective for the specific need of the weary individual, bringing true refreshment and hope.

Prophetic Significance and Application

Christians traditionally interpret Isaiah 50:4 as a powerful messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus consistently demonstrated a "tongue of the learned," speaking with unparalleled authority and wisdom, often astounding His listeners (Matthew 7:29). His ministry was profoundly characterized by compassion for the weary, the sick, and the outcast, offering rest for their souls. His life exemplified daily communion with the Father, often rising early to pray and hear God's will, just as the Servant's ear was awakened "morning by morning."

For believers today, this verse serves as a model for spiritual life and ministry. It encourages us to:

• Seek Divine Instruction: Like the Servant, we should cultivate a daily habit of listening to God's Word and seeking His wisdom through prayer and study, allowing Him to awaken our ears.
• Speak Words of Life: We are called to use our words to uplift, comfort, and encourage others, especially those who are struggling or discouraged. This requires discernment to speak "a word in season."
• Live in Constant Communion: A life of daily attentiveness to God's voice prepares us to fulfill His purposes and minister effectively to a weary world, reflecting the very heart of the Lord.