Isaiah 50:5

The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

The Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} hath opened {H6605} mine ear {H241}, and I was not rebellious {H4784}, neither turned away {H5472} back {H268}.

Adonai ELOHIM has opened my ear, and I neither rebelled nor turned away.

The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back.

The Lord Jehovah hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward.

This verse from Isaiah 50:5 is spoken by the Servant of the Lord, a figure central to several passages in Isaiah, often interpreted as a prophecy pointing towards Jesus Christ or representing faithful Israel. It highlights a profound relationship of perfect obedience and receptivity to God's will.

Context

Isaiah chapter 50 is part of the third "Servant Song" (Isaiah 50:4-9). Following descriptions of God's power and judgment, this section focuses on the Servant's willingness to hear and obey God, even when facing opposition and suffering. The Servant speaks of being taught by God and accepting the divine instruction without resistance, setting the stage for the suffering described later in the chapter and in Isaiah 53.

Key Themes

  • Divine Communication: God actively engages with the Servant, opening his ear to hear.
  • Perfect Obedience: The Servant demonstrates complete willingness to obey God's instruction ("I was not rebellious").
  • Steadfastness: Despite potential difficulties, the Servant did not turn back from the path God set before him.
  • Receptivity to God's Will: A key characteristic is the ability and desire to truly hear and respond to God's voice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "opened mine ear" uses the Hebrew idiom paqaḥ ozen, which signifies more than just physical hearing. It means to make one capable of understanding and receiving divine instruction or revelation. It implies a spiritual opening and enablement by God Himself, preparing the Servant for his task. This contrasts sharply with those who are called but have ears but do not hear or understand.

Reflection

Isaiah 50:5 provides a powerful model of discipleship. It teaches that true relationship with God begins with a willingness to hear His voice, enabled by His grace ("The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear"). This divine enabling is met with human resolve: "I was not rebellious, neither turned away back." For believers today, this verse calls us to cultivate a receptive spirit, actively listening for God's guidance through His Word and prayer, and committing to obey Him fully, without the rebellious spirit that often characterized ancient Israel. It reminds us that following God requires steadfastness, not turning back even when the path is challenging.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 14:31

    But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

  • Philippians 2:8

    And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Isaiah 35:5

    ¶ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

  • Hebrews 5:8

    Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

  • John 8:29

    And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

  • John 15:10

    If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

  • Isaiah 48:8

    Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time [that] thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

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