Isaiah 50:7

For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

For the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} will help {H5826} me; therefore shall I not be confounded {H3637}: therefore have I set {H7760} my face {H6440} like a flint {H2496}, and I know {H3045} that I shall not be ashamed {H954}.

For Adonai ELOHIM will help. This is why no insult can wound me. This is why I have set my face like flint, knowing I will not be put to shame.

Because the Lord GOD helps Me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.

For the Lord Jehovah will help me; therefore have I not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.

Isaiah 50:7 is a powerful declaration of unwavering resolve and divine confidence, spoken by the Lord's Servant. This verse is part of the "Servant Songs" in the Book of Isaiah, widely understood by Christian theology as prophetic insights into the person and mission of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse comes from the third of Isaiah's four "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9, 49:1-13, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12). In this particular song, the Servant speaks directly, expressing His absolute reliance on God amidst opposition and suffering. It paints a picture of a figure who will face immense challenges but remains steadfast because of divine support. The historical context for Isaiah's prophecies often involved the Babylonian exile and the future restoration of Israel, but these Servant Songs transcend immediate historical events, pointing to a greater, redemptive work.

Key Themes

  • Divine Help and Reliance: The foundational assertion, "For the Lord GOD will help me," underscores complete trust in God's omnipotence and faithfulness. This confidence is the source of the Servant's strength and assurance.
  • Unwavering Resolve: The vivid metaphor, "therefore have I set my face like a flint," portrays an unyielding determination. Just as flint is a hard, unyielding stone, the Servant's resolve is firm and resolute, fixed on accomplishing His mission despite any pain or opposition. This imagery strongly resonates with Jesus' own journey toward Jerusalem and the cross, where He "steadfastly set His face to go."
  • Ultimate Vindication: The repeated phrase, "therefore shall I not be confounded... and I know that I shall not be ashamed," signifies absolute certainty of success and vindication. The Servant knows His mission will not fail, nor will He be disgraced or proven wrong, because God Himself is His helper and ultimate justifier. This speaks to the triumph over suffering, particularly evident in the prophecy of the Suffering Servant's ultimate victory.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "set my face like a flint" is a powerful idiom in Hebrew, conveying extreme determination and an unchangeable purpose. The Hebrew word for "flint" (challamiysh) refers to a hard, unyielding stone, often used for tools or to strike sparks. It emphasizes an unyielding resolve and a fixed gaze on a goal, no matter the obstacles or suffering encountered.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 50:7 offers profound lessons:

  • Confidence in God's Help: We can face life's challenges with courage, knowing that if our purpose aligns with God's will, He will indeed help us and prevent us from being utterly confounded.
  • Steadfastness in Purpose: This verse encourages us to cultivate a "flint-like" determination in pursuing God's call on our lives, especially when facing opposition or doubt. It means pressing on with unwavering commitment.
  • Assurance of Vindication: When we are persecuted or misunderstood for righteousness' sake, we can rest in the assurance that God will ultimately vindicate His faithful servants, and we will not be put to shame. This promise echoes throughout scripture, reminding us that hope in Christ does not lead to shame.

Isaiah 50:7 serves as a timeless reminder of divine support and the power of resolute faith in the face of adversity, exemplified supremely by the Lord's Servant, Jesus Christ.

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.

  • Hebrews 13:6

    So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

  • Ezekiel 3:8

    Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.

  • Ezekiel 3:9

    As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.

  • Isaiah 42:1

    ¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

  • John 16:33

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  • Romans 1:16

    ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

  • Psalms 89:21

    With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
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