3. The servant, one who perseveres (50:4-11)

The third servant song conveys the prophet’s frustration in trying to convince his people of Yahweh’s faithfulness and ability to deliver them. The servant has been persecuted because of his faithfulness to the task God has given (vv.5-6). He is not deterred but trusts the Lord (v.7), sure of his vindication (v.8). He concludes with an appeal to follow the true light of the word of God, and with a note of biting irony compares the true eternal light of God with small hand-held torches that light one’s way only a few feet and will surely lead to no good end.