(Isa. 50:4–9; refer in this text to 1 Ne. 21:1–6)
These verses are known among biblical scholars as a “servant’s song.” This is a major poetic passage wherein a servant of the Lord is described, although not specifically identified… . There are differences of opinion among commentaries regarding the identity of this Servant. While there may be dual meaning to these verses, the author believes the song in Isaiah 50 refers primarily to the Messiah. He will be treated despicably, but the power of God will be manifest in Him. Those who oppose Him will be destroyed.
(Hoyt W. Brewster, Jr., Isaiah Plain and Simple [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], 209.)
As with the other servant songs, controversy surrounds the interpretation of these verses. The servant could be any number of people or peoples. Perhaps it is the prophet Isaiah himself telling how he has been insulted, or perhaps it is the nation of Israel that has suffered persecutions throughout the long centuries of their dispersal from the land of Palestine. However, as far as the Bible records, Isaiah was not persecuted during his ministry. Also, the verses do not seem to apply to Israel as a nation, since they suffered a just punishment for their disobedience, whereas the servant suffers undeservedly for others. The most acceptable identification is Christ, because these verses describe events in the life of Jesus. In reading this servant song, however, we should not limit these references to the life of Christ, but should try to apply them to many of God’s chosen servants.
(Victor L. Ludlow, Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], 422.)