He was oppressed and afflicted,
    yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
    so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
    Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
    for the transgression of my people he was punished.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
    and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
    nor was any deceit in his mouth.

He ”does nothing and says nothing but lets everything happen to him” (David Clines).

The voluntary nature of Jesus’ death distinguishes it from all Israel’s animal sacrifices offered up to this point. In the Old Testament sacrificial system the victims chosen for slaughter had no choice in the matter.

We are again reminded that Jesus died for the sins of others (8c), whereas (8a) points to a miscarriage of justice, and (8b) refers to a violent death.

David Pawson, preaching on this chapter in 1975, entitled this particular stanza: ‘The great restraint’. He made the point that it is hard to keep quiet in the teeth of unfair treatment, as Jesus did before Pilate. His silence also impressed Herod. It was common for crucified victims to curse and shout, as the thieves who died alongside Jesus did. But the Lord did not defend Himself. Rather, He sought divine vindication. When you think what Jesus could do with His voice, argued Pawson, for example commanding a storm to cease and driving out demons, just think how great His restraint was.

”Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:18-23.

Barry Webb notes that the presence of Jesus is all pervasive in this fourth ‘Servant Song’, but He doesn’t speak a word.