It becomes quickly obvious that this Servant is distinct from the people of God. While his people did not answer or heed the Lord, this Servant listens (Isaiah 50:4), learns the will of the Lord (Isaiah 50:5a), does not rebel (Isaiah 50:5b), and rests confidently in the Lord (Isaiah 7:1–9:21). Whereas God’s people are not convinced of his love (Isaiah 49:14) and power (Isaiah 49:22), the Servant is fully confident that the Lord helps (Isaiah 50:7, Isaiah 50:9) and is near (Isaiah 50:8). God’s people suffer for their iniquity and rebellion (Isaiah 50:1), the Servant suffers for obedience (Isaiah 50:5). The distinction between the Servant and Zion has become a gulf.
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4 The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.