In short
The third of four “servant songs” in the book of Isaiah. The servant is meek and lowly and knows that God will vindicate him and put his enemies to shame.
Why the third song is important
This is the most obscure of the four songs to me. The word “servant” is only mentioned in verse 10, AFTER the song is done, so I guess that’s how it is classified as a servant song? There are allusions (hints) to Jesus Christ (“I gave my back to those who strike,” verse 6), but I don’t think anything from this poem is directly quoted in the New Testament.
What is in this poem
It really does echo Jesus’ life.
First, Jesus is the word of God (John 1), which is the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17). And the first verse of the poem shows the servant using his words to help people.
Second, Jesus famously did not fight back when it was his time to die, or even when he was mocked. This comes out in verses 5 and 6.
And third, Jesus trusted in God to save (Matt 26:39), as the servant does in the last three verses of this poem.
Theology and doctrine
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2Co 10:4-5).
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