Isaiah 53:4-9
53:4 a The callous world would assume that the servant somehow brought his suffering on himself, never realizing that he was suffering for them.• troubles ... punishment: These descriptions of the servant’s humiliation contrast with the descriptions of his exaltation.
53:5 b he was pierced: See also Zech 12:10 c.
• crushed ... beaten ... whipped: These were typically punishments for crimes. Sin is a crime against God.
• be whole: Hebrew shalom, usually translated “peace.” Shalom means to experience wholeness in body, in mind, and in relationships with others. The servant would be injured so that humanity can be whole and healthy in all aspects of life (see also Isa 57:18 d). We do not need to suffer divine condemnation for our sins because the servant has already done so (see Gal 1:4 e).
53:6 f strayed away ... left God’s paths: These are metaphors for sin (see also Rom 3:10-18 g).
Summary for Isa 53:7-8: 53:7-8 h The Ethiopian eunuch was reading this passage when Philip met him (Acts 8:32-33 i). 53:7 j See 1 Pet 2:21-25 k for the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ.
53:8 l Unjustly condemned: The servant will be given no legal protection or proper defense.
• cut short in midstream: To die in midlife was understood to be God’s judgment.
53:9 m no wrong ... never deceived anyone: See 1 Pet 2:21-25 n.
• in a rich man’s grave: Literally he was with the rich in his death (see Matt 27:57-61 o). Although the Bible often considers riches as a blessing from God, it regularly condemns the rich as crooked and oppressive. The point here might be ironic: This good man would be buried with oppressors.
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