49-57 (The Servant)
The 'Suffering Servant' becomes an even greater theme in this section, though it is unclear in Isaiah who exactly is in mind. Is the servant Israel? Isaiah? A future Messiah? All three interpretations would fit well with some of the texts and none of them seem to perfectly account for all of the texts. For the most part, though, it seems that the future Messiah, Jesus Christ, is in (distant) view here.
The theme of Gentile mission is in view in chapter 49. A vision of God's mission which includes only Jews is simply too small (49:6). God will both restore the fullness of the Jews (49:19) and reveal Himself to all of humanity (49:22, 26).
The Jews must realize that their predicaments were caused by their sins (50:1). Though righteousness was hard to find in Israel (50:2), God would identify a willing vessel (50:4). This vessel would pay a price for serving God (50:6). And just as God had turned Abraham (one man) into a great nation (many), so God would turn this servant (one man) into a great nation (51:2). This would take place through the putting of the law into the hearts of people (51:7). This would be done through a new exodus (51:9-11). God would reverse the injustices of this world (52:1-2).
The 'Suffering Servant' theme appears most directly (and most easily linked to Jesus) in 52:13-53:12. 52:13 may either refer to the exaltation of Jesus' ascension or, ironically, to the exaltation that came through his being raised up in crucifixion. That Jesus would attract many nations (52:15) has been a consistent theme of this section. What Israel had been told to be (a light to the nations), God would do through 1 true Israelite (Jesus Christ).
Chapter 53 describes the servant (Jesus) as not having any worldly beauty to attract us. Rather, he was to be a man of sorrows. He would heal the sick and yet be rejected (53:4). But by his death, sin(s) would be dealt with (53:5). This atoning death was the will of God (53:10). But death was not to be the end! God would prolong his days (a rare glimpse of resurrection in the Old Testament).
Chapter 54
Verses 7-9 refer to a brief moment of judgment followed by an long/eternal period of kindness. What do you think these verses refer to?
Chapter 55
Verses 1-3 & 6 speak of an urgent invitation. Verse 11 describes the necessary vehicle for response. How do you understand verse 11?
Chapter 56
Last week we talked about how the Old Testament speaks more often than we may have realized about Gentile inclusion. See verses 3 & 6-8.
Chapter 57
This chapter offers, in my opinion, the 3 main features of a strong solution to the problem of pain. First, we may be underestimating the value of suffering/death (1-2). Second, we may be underestimating the value God places on free-will (10). Third, we may be discounting the future restoration (16)
The theme of Gentile mission is in view in chapter 49. A vision of God's mission which includes only Jews is simply too small (49:6). God will both restore the fullness of the Jews (49:19) and reveal Himself to all of humanity (49:22, 26).
The Jews must realize that their predicaments were caused by their sins (50:1). Though righteousness was hard to find in Israel (50:2), God would identify a willing vessel (50:4). This vessel would pay a price for serving God (50:6). And just as God had turned Abraham (one man) into a great nation (many), so God would turn this servant (one man) into a great nation (51:2). This would take place through the putting of the law into the hearts of people (51:7). This would be done through a new exodus (51:9-11). God would reverse the injustices of this world (52:1-2).
The 'Suffering Servant' theme appears most directly (and most easily linked to Jesus) in 52:13-53:12. 52:13 may either refer to the exaltation of Jesus' ascension or, ironically, to the exaltation that came through his being raised up in crucifixion. That Jesus would attract many nations (52:15) has been a consistent theme of this section. What Israel had been told to be (a light to the nations), God would do through 1 true Israelite (Jesus Christ).
Chapter 53 describes the servant (Jesus) as not having any worldly beauty to attract us. Rather, he was to be a man of sorrows. He would heal the sick and yet be rejected (53:4). But by his death, sin(s) would be dealt with (53:5). This atoning death was the will of God (53:10). But death was not to be the end! God would prolong his days (a rare glimpse of resurrection in the Old Testament).
Chapter 54
Verses 7-9 refer to a brief moment of judgment followed by an long/eternal period of kindness. What do you think these verses refer to?
Chapter 55
Verses 1-3 & 6 speak of an urgent invitation. Verse 11 describes the necessary vehicle for response. How do you understand verse 11?
Chapter 56
Last week we talked about how the Old Testament speaks more often than we may have realized about Gentile inclusion. See verses 3 & 6-8.
Chapter 57
This chapter offers, in my opinion, the 3 main features of a strong solution to the problem of pain. First, we may be underestimating the value of suffering/death (1-2). Second, we may be underestimating the value God places on free-will (10). Third, we may be discounting the future restoration (16)
posted by matthew at 3:09 PM
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