Bible passage: Isaiah 50:6
Written: Between 701-681 BC
The prophet Isaiah received many prophecies from God about the Messiah, about 700 years before the Messiah (Jesus) was born. In Isaiah's prophecies, he often referred to the Messiah as a servant. In Isaiah 50:6, Isaiah wrote about the abuse that the Messiah would endure at the hands of sinful people, that he would offer his back to those who beat him, his face to those who rip out his beard, and himself to those who mock and taunt him.
Christians historically have acknowledged this Old Testament prophecy as being fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Jesus, as explained in the New Testament, was beaten, mocked and taunted shortly before his crucifixion by the Romans. In Matthew 26:67 (NIV translation), for example, it says: Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"
- Research and commentary is based on the book 100 Prophecies. © Ray Konig and AboutBibleProphecy.com.
Here is Isaiah 50:6:
I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.
(New International Version translation)