What is the meaning of Isaiah 53:12? Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great “Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great”. • “Therefore” links every promise here to the Servant’s obedience described in the earlier verses. God Himself grants the reward. • The “portion” points to honor and inheritance. Philippians 2:9–11 shows the Father exalting Jesus, giving Him “the name above every name.” Hebrews 1:4 speaks of Him becoming “as superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent.” • “With the great” does not suggest Christ is merely one of many heroes; rather, He is enthroned above every ruler and authority (Ephesians 1:20–23; Revelation 5:12). The language pictures a victor receiving the spoils of triumph, yet it is the Father who determines and bestows the share. and He will divide the spoils with the strong “He will divide the spoils with the strong”. • Isaiah paints the Servant as a conqueror who shares victory with His people. Colossians 2:15 declares that Christ “disarmed the powers and authorities, and He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” • Believers share in what He has won: forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), authority to overcome (Romans 8:37), and a promised throne with Him (Revelation 3:21). • The “strong” are not self-made heroes; strength comes from union with Christ (2 Timothy 2:1). The risen Lord delights to distribute His triumph’s benefits to those who rely on His strength. because He has poured out His life unto death “Because He has poured out His life unto death”. • The Servant’s glory flows directly from His self-giving sacrifice. John 10:11 shows Him as the Good Shepherd who “lays down His life for the sheep.” • “Poured out” suggests deliberate, total surrender. Philippians 2:8 describes Him “obedient to death—even death on a cross.” • His death was not a tragic accident; it was the sovereign plan of God (Acts 2:23). By embracing death, He destroyed the one who held the power of death (Hebrews 2:14). and He was numbered with the transgressors “And He was numbered with the transgressors”. • Fulfilled literally when Jesus was crucified between two criminals (Mark 15:27; Luke 23:32–33). • Isaiah had foretold this seven centuries earlier, underlining that Messiah fully identified with sinners while remaining sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Luke 22:37 records Jesus quoting this very phrase on the night He was betrayed, affirming it must be accomplished in Him. Yet He bore the sin of many “Yet He bore the sin of many”. • “Yet” contrasts human verdict with divine purpose. The crowd saw a condemned man; God saw the Sin-bearer. • He carried our sins in His body on the tree (1 Peter 2:24). Hebrews 9:28 states, “so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” • The substitution is personal and effectual: John 1:29 calls Him “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” All who trust Him are cleansed (1 John 1:7). and made intercession for the transgressors “and made intercession for the transgressors”. • Even while hanging on the cross He prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34), embodying priestly intercession. • His intercession continues: Romans 8:34 says He “is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.” Hebrews 7:25 promises He “always lives to intercede” for those who come to God through Him. • Because the Servant pleads our case as the righteous Advocate (1 John 2:1), no accusation can stand against those justified by His blood (Romans 8:33). summary Isaiah 53:12 crowns the Servant Song with a stunning paradox: supreme exaltation flows from willing humiliation. The Father honors the Son with matchless glory; the Son shares that victory with all who depend on Him. His poured-out life, sin-bearing death, identification with rebels, and ongoing intercession perfectly satisfy God’s justice and secure eternal blessing for believers. The verse calls us to rest in His finished work and rejoice in our share of His triumph. |
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