But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "set my face like a flint" isn't just about being stubborn; it reveals an active, resolute posture of divine trust. It signifies not merely resisting opposition, but a determined forward movement, knowing that God's help guarantees vindication, making shame impossible.
But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The speaker, presented as a suffering servant, declares their unwavering resolve in the face of immense opposition and hardship. Having recounted the rejection and mistreatment they've endured in previous verses, this passage emphasizes their trust in divine aid. This confidence allows them to face their trials with unyielding determination, knowing that ultimately, they will not be put to shame by their adversaries.
When facing immense opposition and suffering, where does true strength come from? This verse points to an unwavering source.
The passage begins with a powerful declaration: 'But the Lord GOD helps me.' This isn't just a casual statement of hope; it's the foundational reason for the Servant's incredible resolve. The commentators highlight that this divine help is the wellspring of courage, enabling the Servant to face scorn, opposition, and even suffering without being 'confounded' or put to shame.
This help means God is actively sustaining and strengthening the Servant, especially in the human nature that experiences weakness. It’s the assurance of God’s presence and active participation that fuels the Servant's determination, making it clear that the strength to persevere doesn’t originate from within, but from the Lord Himself.
What does it mean to have a 'face like flint'? It’s a powerful image of unyielding resolve in the face of intense pressure.
The verse states, 'therefore I have set my face like a flint.' This isn't about being stubborn or impudent, but about an unmovable, hardened determination. Commentators explain that 'flint' signifies extreme hardness and unbreakability, much like adamant.
This imagery conveys a resolute, unwavering purpose. The Servant is not easily deterred, intimidated, or swayed from the path set before Him. Despite anticipated shame, insults, and suffering (as hinted at in the surrounding verses), the Servant’s resolve is fixed. This steadfastness is directly linked to the divine help received, showing that such inner fortitude is a divinely-enabled response to God's support.
Ask a follow-up
In a world where outcomes are often uncertain, this verse speaks with unshakeable confidence about the future. What is the basis for this certainty?
The verse concludes with a profound declaration: 'and I know that I shall not be put to shame.' This isn't wishful thinking; it's a deep-seated knowledge and assurance. The confidence stems directly from the certainty of God’s help and the resolute purpose it fosters.
Even though the Servant faces disgrace and suffering, there’s an underlying conviction that the ultimate outcome will be vindication and triumph. This knowledge transcends present circumstances. It’s the understanding that God’s plan is purposeful and that His justice will prevail, ensuring that the Servant’s mission and sacrifice will not ultimately result in humiliation but in vindication and fulfillment.
Understand the original words
Adonai Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The Hebrew name 'Adonai Yahweh' (Lord GOD) emphasizes God's sovereign authority as Master and His covenant-keeping nature as the self-existent One. It signifies His absolute power and His personal relationship with His people.
challamish · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for unwavering resolve, stability, and unyielding steadfastness in the face of suffering or opposition. Flint is a hard stone that does not break or change easily.
This passage speaks to enduring immense pressure and potential shame, drawing strength from God's promised help, much like Judah experienced during periods of foreign invasion and exile, particularly the Assyrian threat in 701 BC, and later the Babylonian exiles.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, capturing many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event brought immense pressure and fear upon the Judean people and their leadership.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Jerusalem Saved from Siege
The Assyrian siege of Jerusalem is miraculously lifted, often attributed to a divine intervention described as a plague that decimated the Assyrian army. This event solidified the belief in God's protection for some, while others remained fearful.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon begins deporting Judean elites to Babylon. This marks the start of a period of exile and national distress for Judah.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population. This is a catastrophic event, leaving many questioning God's promises and power.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This ushers in a period of restoration but also ongoing challenges.
This passage uses the very same imagery of a 'forehead strong as adamant' to describe the prophet's resolve in the face of a rebellious people, directly paralleling the 'face like flint' in Isaiah.
Romans 8:33-34Paul echoes the confidence of the suffering Servant, asking 'Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?' and affirming 'It is God who justifies! Who is to condemn?' which mirrors Isaiah's assurance of vindication.
Philippians 2:8This verse describes Jesus as humbling himself and becoming obedient 'to the point of death, even death on a cross,' which is the ultimate expression of setting one's face like flint and not being put to shame by suffering.
Psalm 27:13-14The psalmist expresses a similar unwavering trust in the Lord's help, stating 'I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!' and encouraging himself and others to 'Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!'
barnesIsaiah 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."
For the Lord God will help me - That is, he will sustain me amidst all these expressions of contempt and scorn. Shall I not be confounded - Hebrew, 'I shall not be ashamed;' that is, I will bear all this with the assurance of his favor and protection, and I will not blush to be thus treated in a cause so glorious, and which must fi…
bensonIsaiah 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."
Isaiah 50:7-9 . For, or rather, but, the Lord God will help me — Though as man I am weak, yet God will strengthen me to go through my great and hard work. Therefore shall I not be confounded — Therefore I assure myself of success in my undertaking, and of victory over all my enemies. I have set my face like a flint — I have hardene…
The phrase "set my face like a flint" isn't just about being stubborn; it reveals an active, resolute posture of divine trust. It signifies not merely resisting opposition, but a determined forward movement, knowing that God's help guarantees vindication, making shame impossible.
The speaker, presented as a suffering servant, declares their unwavering resolve in the face of immense opposition and hardship. Having recounted the rejection and mistreatment they've endured in previous verses, this passage emphasizes their trust in divine aid. This confidence allows them to face their trials with unyielding determination, knowing that ultimately, they will not be put to shame by their adversaries.
The speaker, presented as a suffering servant, declares their unwavering resolve in the face of immense opposition and hardship. Having recounted the rejection and mistreatment they've endured in previous verses, this passage emphasizes their trust in divine aid. This confidence allows them to face their trials with unyielding determination, knowing that ultimately, they will not be put to shame by their adversaries.
"But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." — The phrase "set my face like a flint" isn't just about being stubborn; it reveals an active, resolute posture of divine trust. It signifies not merely resisting opposition, but a determined forward m…
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Last reviewed October 2026