What is the meaning of Isaiah 51:7? Listen to Me “Listen to Me” (Isaiah 51:7a) is an urgent, loving summons from the LORD Himself. • God’s voice carries ultimate authority—compare Isaiah 45:22–23 and the Father’s command at the Transfiguration, “This is My beloved Son…Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). • Faith comes by hearing His word (Romans 10:17). We tune out competing voices and give undivided attention to the One who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). • The appeal is personal: God is not merely imparting information; He is inviting relationship, just as Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice” (John 10:27). you who know what is right The LORD addresses those already acquainted with His standard of righteousness. • “Right” is not relative; it reflects God’s own character (Psalm 11:7). • Believers are expected to discern and love what is right—see Psalm 1:1-2; Philippians 1:9-10. • Knowing what is right carries responsibility: “Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin” (James 4:17). you people with My law in your hearts God identifies His people by the internal placement of His instruction. • This anticipates the new-covenant promise, “I will put My law within them and write it on their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33; echoed in Hebrews 8:10). • An internalized law produces steadfast obedience (Psalm 37:31) and authentic worship (John 4:24). • It distinguishes true followers from mere professors—compare Romans 2:15 and 2 Corinthians 3:3. Do not fear the scorn of men Opposition is certain, but fear is forbidden. • “The fear of man is a snare” (Proverbs 29:25); trusting the LORD breaks that snare (Psalm 118:6). • Jesus prepared His disciples: “Blessed are you when people revile you…for in the same way they persecuted the prophets” (Matthew 5:11-12). • Because God is eternal and His verdict final, human ridicule cannot alter our standing (Romans 8:31). do not be broken by their insults Insults may sting, yet they must not shatter the believer’s confidence. • Paul modeled resilience: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). • The Spirit supplies power, love, and self-control, not timidity (2 Timothy 1:7). • The Servant-Redeemer Himself “endured such hostility from sinners” (Hebrews 12:3; cf. Isaiah 50:6). Sharing His sufferings leads to sharing His glory (1 Peter 4:14). summary Isaiah 51:7 calls God’s people—those who already know righteousness and cherish His law within—to listen attentively to the LORD, reject the paralyzing fear of human scorn, and stand unbroken under insult. Confidence flows from the unchanging Word written on the heart and from the God who vindicates His servants. |
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