The Suffering Servant

The Suffering Servant

Isaiah 52:13–53:12

Redeemed Israel spoke in retrospect and explained why they rejected the Messiah, Jesus (Isa 53:1–3). The Messiah bore the consequences of Israel’s sin although they did not realize it at the time. Sin is pictured here in terms of its results or consequences in people’s lives—sickness and pain. Matthew used this text with reference to Jesus’ healing ministry (see note on Matt. 8:17). The emphasis in Isa 53:5 is on substitution. What Christ suffered, he suffered for believers (“our sins,” “peace,” and “healed”). The figure of straying sheep was used to describe the spiritual apostasy of Israel and all people (Isa 53:6; cf. Rom. 3:23). The Messiah Servant suffered willingly and silently (cf. Matt. 26:63; Matt. 27:11–14; Luke 23:9). The unjust judicial proceedings Christ was subjected to were reflected in Isa 53:8. The Jewish Sanhedrin violated their own laws by (1) convening at the house of Caiaphas rather than the regular meeting place, (2) meeting at night rather than during the day, (3) convening on the eve of a Sabbath and a festival, (4) pronouncing the judgment the same day as the trial, and (5) ignoring the formalities allowing for the possibility of acquittal in cases involving a capital sentence. Although condemned with wicked criminals (the two thieves), Christ was buried in the tomb of a rich man (cf. Matt. 27:57–60).

The Servant Song concluded with God’s promise to exalt his Servant because he did the Father’s will in dying as a guilt offering (Isa 53:10–12; cf. Phil. 2:9–11). The “heirs” was a reference to Christ’s spiritual progeny who would trust in his redemptive work. Because of Christ’s suffering, many would be justified (cf. Rom. 5:1, 18).

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001. Print. The Tyndale Reference Library.