55. I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit.
56. You heard my plea: "Do not close your ears to my cry for relief."
57. You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear."
58. O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life.
59. You have seen, O LORD, the wrong done to me. Uphold my cause!
60. You have seen the depth of their vengeance, all their plots against me.
61. O LORD, you have heard their insults, all their plots against me--
62. what my enemies whisper and mutter against me all day long.
63. Look at them! Sitting or standing, they mock me in their songs.
64. Pay them back what they deserve, O LORD, for what their hands have done.
65. Put a veil over their hearts, and may your curse be on them!
66. Pursue them in anger and destroy them from under the heavens of the LORD.
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Reflection |
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God Delivers from Death (3:55–58)
The suffering servant offers up a prayer on behalf of God’s people, empathizing and identifying with them: he is victimized, abused, abandoned, and in need of redemption. He cries out to God for help, and God hears his cry. He has been delivered from death and brought back into the presence of the LORD. In the same way, Jesus, the true Suffering Servant, empathized and identified with us (God’s people—the new Israel) by taking our sins, guilt, fear, and shame upon Himself on the cross. He cried out as well—not for God to save Him, but for God to save us, His enemies. Ultimately, He was delivered from death, resurrected, and brought back into the presence of God, bringing us with Him!
God’s Final Vengeance (3:59–66)
The suffering servant pleads and prays for God to bring judgment upon his enemies for all the shame and pain he has endured at their hands. This is ultimately a preview of what will happen when Jesus comes back for the second time. Jesus came as the Lamb of God the first time, taking upon Himself the vengeance that we were supposed to receive for our rebellion against God. But at His second coming, Jesus will administer and execute final vengeance as the Lion of Judah (Rev. 19–20). The cup of God’s wrath is slowly building up, and once it is filled to the brim, God will pour it out upon the world.
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Application |
- Whenever we pray, we are in the presence of the Lord—not because of our own righteousness, but because of the righteousness and worthiness of Jesus, the true Suffering Servant. Let us therefore humble ourselves.
- Have you ever wanted to take revenge against someone for what they did to you? Remember that vengeance is the Lord’s, and trust that He will take care of it.
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A Letter to
God |
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Jesus, may I always remember that it is because of Your righteousness and worthiness that my prayers are heard and answered. May my heart always overflow with humility and gratitude for who You are and what You have done. In Your wonderful name I pray. Amen.
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