The Lord GOD has opened My ears
This phrase indicates a divine revelation or understanding granted by God. In the context of Isaiah, the "opened ears" suggest a readiness to hear and obey God's commands. This is reminiscent of the servant songs in Isaiah, where the servant is depicted as obedient and attentive to God's will. The opening of ears can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual awakening or enlightenment, similar to how Jesus often spoke of those who have ears to hear (Matthew 11:15). In the ancient Near Eastern context, having one's ears opened by a deity was a sign of being chosen or commissioned for a special task.

and I have not been rebellious
This part of the verse highlights the servant's obedience and submission to God's will. In the broader narrative of Isaiah, Israel is often depicted as rebellious, contrasting with the faithful servant who remains obedient. This obedience is a key characteristic of the servant, who is often seen as a type of Christ. Jesus exemplified perfect obedience to the Father, as seen in Philippians 2:8, where He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. The servant's lack of rebellion underscores the ideal response to God's call, contrasting with the disobedience of the people of Israel.

nor have I turned back
This phrase emphasizes perseverance and steadfastness in following God's path. The servant remains committed to the mission, despite challenges or opposition. This steadfastness is a hallmark of the faithful servant and is mirrored in the life of Jesus, who set His face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) and did not turn back from His mission, even in the face of suffering and death. The imagery of not turning back is also found in the call to discipleship, where Jesus instructs His followers to take up their cross and follow Him without looking back (Luke 9:62). This commitment is essential for fulfilling God's purposes and is a model for believers to emulate.

1. The Lord GOD (Yahweh)
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who communicates His will and guidance to His people.

2. The Servant
Often interpreted as the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of the obedient servant in Isaiah's prophecies.

3. Isaiah
The prophet through whom God delivers His messages to the people of Israel, including the Servant Songs, which point to the coming Messiah.

4. Israel
The nation to whom Isaiah prophesied, often depicted as rebellious and in need of redemption.

5. The Exile
The historical context of Isaiah's prophecies, where Israel faced judgment and exile due to their disobedience, yet with promises of future restoration.Obedience to God's Voice
Just as the Servant's ears were opened by God, we must be attentive to God's voice in our lives, seeking His guidance through prayer and Scripture.

The Model of Christ's Obedience
Jesus, as the ultimate Servant, exemplifies perfect obedience. We are called to follow His example, even when it leads to personal sacrifice.

Avoiding Rebellion
The Servant's refusal to turn back challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith, resisting the temptation to rebel against God's commands.

The Role of Suffering in Obedience
Like the Servant, we may face trials as part of our obedience. Understanding that suffering can refine and strengthen our faith is crucial.

Listening and Responding to God
Our spiritual growth depends on our willingness to listen to God and respond with action, aligning our lives with His will.(5, 6) The Lord God.--Jehovah Adonai, as before. The Servant continues his soliloquy. What has come to him in the morning communings with God is, as in the next verse, that he too is to bear reproach and shame, as other disciples had done before him. The writer of Psalm 22:7, the much-enduring Job (Job 30:10), the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:7), were but foreshadowings of the sufferings that should fall on him. And all this the true Servant-Scholar accepts willingly. because it is his Father's will. Here again we cannot fail to trace the influence of Isaiah's words in all our Lord's utterances as to His passion. (Comp. Matthew 16:21; Mark 10:34; Luke 18:32.) . . . Verse 5. - The Lord hath opened mine ear. Some understand this of the boring of the ear for perpetual service (Psalm 40:6; Exodus 21:6); but it is perhaps better to regard it as intended to mark a contrast between the true Servant and the professed servants, or children of Israel. They "did not hear; their ear was not opened; they were treacherous and rebellious from the womb" (Isaiah 48:8). His ear was opened to receive God's word perpetually; he was not rebellious, did not turn away back. Even when most tried, his final word was, "Not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42).

Parallel Commentaries ...


The Lord
אֲדֹנָ֤י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD
יְהוִה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has opened
פָּתַֽח־ (pā·ṯaḥ-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

My ears,
אֹ֔זֶן (’ō·zen)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear

and I
וְאָנֹכִ֖י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

have not been
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

rebellious,
מָרִ֑יתִי (mā·rî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 4784: To be contentious or rebellious

nor have I
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

turned
נְסוּגֹֽתִי׃ (nə·sū·ḡō·ṯî)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5472: To move away, backslide

back.
אָח֖וֹר (’ā·ḥō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 268: The hinder part, behind, backward, the West


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 50:5 The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear (Isa Isi Is)