Isaiah 50:7
For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
כֵּ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִכְלָ֑מְתִּי
me therefore shall I not be confounded
H3637
נִכְלָ֑מְתִּי
me therefore shall I not be confounded
Strong's:
H3637
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֞ן
H3651
כֵּ֞ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
שַׂ֤מְתִּי
therefore have I set
H7760
שַׂ֤מְתִּי
therefore have I set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
11 of 17
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
פָנַי֙
my face
H6440
פָנַי֙
my face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
12 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וָאֵדַ֖ע
and I know
H3045
וָאֵדַ֖ע
and I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
14 of 17
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.Luke 9:51And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,1 Peter 4:16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.Isaiah 49:8Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;1 Peter 4:1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;Isaiah 50:9Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.Jeremiah 1:18For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.
Historical Context
Setting one's face 'like a flint' echoes Ezekiel 3:8-9 where God hardens the prophet against opposition. Jesus' flint-face toward Jerusalem demonstrates that knowing God's will sometimes requires walking into suffering, not avoiding it.
Questions for Reflection
- What opposition tempts you to abandon God's clear call, and how can you 'set your face like a flint'?
- How does confidence in ultimate vindication ('I shall not be ashamed') sustain faithfulness through present shame?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The confidence 'the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded' grounds perseverance in divine assistance despite human opposition. The metaphor 'I have set my face like a flint' depicts immovable determination, which Luke 9:51 directly applies to Jesus resolutely going to Jerusalem for crucifixion. The assurance 'I know that I shall not be ashamed' anticipates vindication - temporary suffering yields eternal glory.