Who has believed our message?
This phrase reflects the prophet's lament over the widespread unbelief among the people regarding the prophetic message. Historically, the message of the prophets was often met with skepticism and rejection, as seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Jeremiah 6:10, Ezekiel 33:32). The "message" refers to the prophetic revelation concerning the suffering servant, a theme central to Isaiah 53. This disbelief is echoed in the New Testament, where the Apostle John cites this verse in John 12:38 to describe the rejection of Jesus by many of His contemporaries. The rhetorical question underscores the challenge of accepting divine truth, which often contradicts human expectations and understanding.

And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
The "arm of the LORD" symbolizes God's power and intervention in human history, often associated with deliverance and salvation (Exodus 6:6, Psalm 98:1). In the context of Isaiah, it points to the divine action in bringing about redemption through the suffering servant. The revelation of God's power is selective, often hidden from those who are spiritually blind or hardened in heart (Isaiah 6:9-10). In the New Testament, this concept is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose life and works reveal God's power and salvation (Luke 1:51, Acts 13:17). The phrase challenges readers to recognize and respond to God's revealed power, which may not align with worldly expectations of strength and victory.

He grew up before Him like a tender shoot
This phrase suggests the humble and unassuming beginnings of the Messiah. The imagery of a "tender shoot" indicates vulnerability and gentleness, reflecting the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth and upbringing. The phrase "before Him" signifies that this growth was under God's watchful eye, emphasizing divine approval and purpose. This imagery connects to the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1, where the Messiah is described as a "shoot from the stump of Jesse," indicating a new beginning from the line of David.

and like a root out of dry ground
The "dry ground" symbolizes a spiritually barren environment, reflecting the state of Israel at the time of Jesus' coming. Despite the lack of spiritual nourishment, the Messiah emerges, signifying hope and renewal. This imagery can be linked to the historical context of Israel under Roman occupation, where spiritual vitality seemed scarce. The root's emergence in such conditions highlights the miraculous nature of the Messiah's appearance and mission.

He had no stately form or majesty to attract us
This phrase emphasizes the ordinary and unremarkable appearance of the Messiah, contrasting with expectations of a regal and majestic king. It underscores the idea that the Messiah's significance is not found in outward appearances but in His divine mission and character. This aligns with 1 Samuel 16:7, where God reminds Samuel that He looks at the heart, not outward appearances. Jesus' life and ministry focused on inner transformation rather than external grandeur.

no beauty that we should desire Him
The lack of physical beauty or attractiveness suggests that the Messiah's appeal is not based on worldly standards. This challenges cultural norms that value physical appearance and status. Instead, the Messiah's true beauty lies in His sacrificial love and redemptive work. This connects to Philippians 2:7-8, where Jesus is described as taking the form of a servant and humbling Himself, highlighting the depth of His love and commitment to humanity.

He was despised and rejected by men
This phrase highlights the Messiah's experience of rejection and scorn. In the historical context, the Jewish people were expecting a triumphant king, not a suffering servant. This rejection is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus is often met with disbelief and hostility (John 1:11). The term "despised" indicates a deep contempt, reflecting how Jesus was treated by the religious leaders and many of His contemporaries. This rejection fulfills the prophecy of the suffering servant, showing that the Messiah would not be recognized or honored by His own people.

A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief
This description emphasizes the Messiah's deep empathy and identification with human suffering. The term "sorrows" can be understood as both physical and emotional pain, which Jesus experienced throughout His life and ministry. His acquaintance with grief is seen in His compassion for the sick, the mourning, and the oppressed (Matthew 9:36). This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate sorrow and grief He would bear on the cross, taking on the sins of humanity (1 Peter 2:24).

Like one from whom men hide their faces
This imagery suggests a reaction of shame or avoidance, indicating that people would turn away from the Messiah, unable or unwilling to face His suffering and the truth He represented. This can be seen in the Gospels, where many, including His own disciples, abandoned Jesus during His trial and crucifixion (Mark 14:50). The hiding of faces also symbolizes humanity's rejection of God's revelation through Christ.

He was despised, and we esteemed Him not
Reiterating the earlier sentiment, this phrase underscores the lack of recognition and honor given to the Messiah. Despite His divine nature and mission, Jesus was not valued or respected by those He came to save. This lack of esteem is a reflection of humanity's spiritual blindness and hardness of heart (Romans 3:11-12). The repetition of "despised" emphasizes the depth of rejection, while "we esteemed Him not" highlights the collective failure to acknowledge His true identity and purpose.

Surely He took up our infirmities
This phrase indicates the substitutionary role of the Servant, who bears the weaknesses and illnesses of humanity. In the context of Isaiah, this is a prophetic reference to the Messiah, who would take upon Himself the physical and spiritual ailments of the people. The Hebrew word for "infirmities" can also mean sicknesses, suggesting a comprehensive bearing of human frailty. This is fulfilled in the New Testament, where Jesus is seen healing the sick and casting out demons, as in Matthew 8:17, which directly quotes this passage to describe Jesus' healing ministry.

and carried our sorrows;
The Servant not only takes on physical ailments but also the emotional and spiritual burdens of humanity. The term "sorrows" encompasses grief and pain, indicating a deep empathy and identification with human suffering. This reflects the compassionate nature of the Messiah, who is intimately acquainted with the human condition. In the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as one who weeps with those who mourn (John 11:35) and offers rest to the weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28-30).

yet we considered Him stricken,
Despite His role as a bearer of burdens, the Servant is misunderstood and misjudged by those He came to save. The term "stricken" implies being struck down or afflicted, often associated with divine punishment. This reflects the cultural and religious misunderstanding of the time, where suffering was often seen as a result of personal sin or divine displeasure. This misjudgment is evident in the crucifixion of Jesus, where He was mocked and scorned as one cursed by God (Matthew 27:39-43).

struck down by God,
This phrase suggests that the Servant's suffering was perceived as a direct act of divine judgment. In the historical context, being "struck down by God" would imply that the individual was under God's curse or wrath. However, the prophetic insight here is that the Servant's suffering was part of God's redemptive plan, not a result of His own sin. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus' crucifixion is understood as a necessary part of God's plan for salvation (Acts 2:23).

and afflicted.
The term "afflicted" denotes a state of being oppressed or humiliated. This highlights the depth of the Servant's suffering and the extent of His identification with human pain. The affliction of the Servant is a key theme in the passion narratives of the Gospels, where Jesus endures mockery, torture, and ultimately death. This affliction is not without purpose, as it leads to the ultimate victory over sin and death, fulfilling the redemptive mission foretold by Isaiah.

But He was pierced for our transgressions
This phrase highlights the concept of substitutionary atonement, where the suffering servant takes on the punishment meant for others. The term "pierced" prophetically points to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as seen in the New Testament (John 19:34, Zechariah 12:10). The word "transgressions" refers to deliberate sins or violations of God's law, emphasizing humanity's need for redemption. This act of being pierced is a fulfillment of prophecy, showing the Messiah's role in bearing the sins of the world.

He was crushed for our iniquities
"Crushed" signifies intense suffering and affliction, indicating the severity of the servant's sacrifice. "Iniquities" refers to moral corruption and wickedness, underscoring the depth of human sinfulness. This phrase connects to the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, where animals were offered to atone for the people's sins (Leviticus 16). The crushing of the servant symbolizes the complete and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus, who bore the weight of humanity's sins.

The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him
This part of the verse speaks to the concept of peace, or "shalom," which encompasses wholeness, well-being, and reconciliation with God. The "punishment" indicates the justice required for sin, which the servant endures on behalf of others. This substitutionary act results in peace between God and humanity, fulfilling the promise of reconciliation found in passages like Romans 5:1. The servant's suffering is the means by which believers are restored to a right relationship with God.

And by His stripes we are healed
"Stripes" refers to the wounds inflicted by scourging, a form of punishment that Jesus endured before His crucifixion (Matthew 27:26). The healing mentioned is both spiritual and physical, pointing to the comprehensive salvation offered through Christ's sacrifice. This healing is echoed in 1 Peter 2:24, where the apostle Peter applies this prophecy to the redemptive work of Jesus. The phrase emphasizes the transformative power of the servant's suffering, bringing restoration and wholeness to those who believe.

We all like sheep have gone astray
This phrase draws on the imagery of sheep, which are known for their tendency to wander and become lost without a shepherd. In biblical times, sheep were a common part of agrarian life, and their behavior was well understood by the audience. The metaphor highlights human nature's inclination to deviate from God's path. This concept is echoed in Psalm 119:176, where the psalmist acknowledges straying like a lost sheep. The imagery underscores the need for divine guidance and the role of God as the shepherd, as seen in Psalm 23.

each one has turned to his own way;
This part emphasizes individual responsibility and the universal nature of sin. It reflects the human tendency to pursue personal desires and self-interest, often in opposition to God's will. This idea is consistent with the narrative of the fall in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve chose their own way over God's command. The phrase also aligns with Proverbs 14:12, which warns that a way that seems right to a person can lead to death, highlighting the peril of self-directed paths.

and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.
This statement is a prophetic reference to the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the suffering servant in Isaiah 53. The concept of substitutionary atonement is central here, where the sins of humanity are placed upon Christ, fulfilling the sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus. This act of bearing iniquity is further explained in 2 Corinthians 5:21, where Christ is described as being made sin for us. The phrase underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the redemptive plan of God through Jesus, as also seen in 1 Peter 2:24, which speaks of Christ bearing our sins in His body on the cross.

He was oppressed and afflicted
This phrase highlights the suffering and persecution endured by the Servant, often interpreted as a prophecy of Jesus Christ. The oppression and affliction refer to the unjust treatment and physical suffering He experienced, particularly during His trial and crucifixion. This aligns with the New Testament accounts of Jesus' passion, where He faced false accusations and brutal treatment (Matthew 26:67-68, John 19:1-3). The Hebrew words used here convey a sense of being harshly treated and humiliated, reflecting the depth of His suffering.

yet He did not open His mouth
This emphasizes the Servant's silent submission in the face of suffering. In the Gospels, Jesus remains largely silent during His trials before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, fulfilling this prophecy (Matthew 27:12-14, Mark 15:3-5). His silence can be seen as a demonstration of His obedience to God's will and His role as the sacrificial Lamb. This silence also contrasts with the natural human inclination to defend oneself, highlighting His unique character and mission.

He was led like a lamb to the slaughter
The imagery of a lamb is significant, as it connects to the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, where lambs were offered for atonement (Exodus 12:3-6, Leviticus 4:32-35). This foreshadows Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The phrase suggests a willing submission to God's plan, as lambs were led without resistance. This typology underscores the sacrificial nature of Christ's death.

and as a sheep before her shearers is silent
This simile reinforces the idea of meekness and submission. Sheep are known for their docility, especially when being sheared. The Servant's silence before His accusers and executioners is a powerful testament to His humility and acceptance of His role as the suffering Messiah. This imagery would resonate with an agrarian society familiar with sheep shearing, emphasizing the Servant's peaceful acceptance of His fate.

so He did not open His mouth
Reiterating the earlier statement, this phrase underscores the deliberate and prophetic nature of the Servant's silence. It serves as a fulfillment of the prophecy and a testament to His character. The repetition highlights the importance of this aspect of the Servant's suffering, drawing attention to His fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through His willing sacrifice. This silence is a profound expression of His trust in God's justice and His commitment to His mission.

By oppression and judgment He was taken away
This phrase highlights the unjust treatment and legal proceedings that led to the suffering servant's removal. In the context of Isaiah, this can be seen as a prophecy of the Messiah, who Christians believe is Jesus Christ. The oppression and judgment refer to the trials Jesus faced, including His arrest and the subsequent trials before Jewish and Roman authorities. These events are recorded in the Gospels, where Jesus is subjected to false accusations and an unfair trial, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. The phrase underscores the miscarriage of justice, as Jesus was innocent yet condemned.

and who can recount His descendants?
This phrase suggests the lack of physical descendants or a future generation for the suffering servant. In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, having descendants was a sign of blessing and legacy. The question implies that the servant's life was cut short, preventing him from having offspring. For Christians, this is seen as a reference to Jesus, who, according to the New Testament, did not have biological children. However, spiritually, His followers are considered His descendants, as they continue His mission and teachings.

For He was cut off from the land of the living;
The phrase "cut off from the land of the living" indicates a premature and violent death. In biblical terms, being "cut off" often refers to a sudden and untimely end. This is seen as a prophecy of Jesus' crucifixion, where He was executed at a relatively young age. The phrase also connects to Daniel 9:26, which speaks of the Messiah being "cut off." The imagery of being removed from the land of the living emphasizes the finality and severity of His death.

He was stricken for the transgression of My people.
This phrase reveals the purpose behind the suffering servant's affliction: it was for the transgressions of others. In the context of Isaiah, this is a substitutionary atonement, where the servant bears the punishment deserved by others. Christians interpret this as a prophecy of Jesus' sacrificial death, where He took upon Himself the sins of humanity. This concept is central to Christian theology, as seen in passages like 1 Peter 2:24, which states that Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross. The phrase underscores the servant's role as a willing and innocent substitute for the guilty.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked
This phrase highlights the injustice faced by the suffering servant, who is identified as the Messiah. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, being buried with the wicked was considered a disgrace. The expectation was that criminals and those deemed unrighteous would be buried in dishonorable places. This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament, where Jesus is crucified between two criminals, indicating His association with the wicked in death (Luke 23:32-33).

and with a rich man in His death
Despite the initial assignment of a grave with the wicked, the prophecy takes an unexpected turn. Jesus is buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man and a member of the Sanhedrin (Matthew 27:57-60). This fulfills the prophecy and underscores the divine orchestration of events, as Joseph's tomb was new and unused, providing an honorable burial place for Jesus. This also aligns with the cultural significance of burial practices, where a proper burial was a sign of respect and honor.

although He had done no violence
This phrase emphasizes the innocence and sinlessness of the suffering servant. In the context of the Hebrew Scriptures, violence often refers to unjust actions or oppression. The servant's lack of violence underscores His righteousness and contrasts with the treatment He receives. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as sinless and without fault (1 Peter 2:22), highlighting His role as the perfect sacrifice.

nor was any deceit in His mouth
The absence of deceit further confirms the servant's integrity and truthfulness. In biblical terms, deceit is associated with sin and falsehood. The servant's purity in speech and action fulfills the requirement for a spotless sacrifice, as seen in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. This characteristic is mirrored in the New Testament portrayal of Jesus, who is described as the truth (John 14:6) and whose words are always aligned with God's will.

Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer;
This phrase highlights the divine purpose behind the suffering of the Servant, often identified as the Messiah. The concept of God's will is central, indicating that the suffering was not accidental but part of a divine plan. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and purpose in redemption (Acts 2:23). The idea of being "crushed" and "caused to suffer" reflects the intense physical and spiritual agony experienced by Jesus, as seen in the Gospels during His crucifixion (Matthew 27:46). Theologically, this points to the necessity of atonement for sin, where the Servant bears the punishment on behalf of others (1 Peter 2:24).

and when His soul is made a guilt offering,
The term "guilt offering" refers to a specific type of sacrifice in the Levitical system (Leviticus 5:14-19), which was meant to atone for unintentional sins and required restitution. This sacrificial language underscores the substitutionary nature of the Servant's suffering, fulfilling the requirements of the law and providing a means for reconciliation with God. The use of "soul" emphasizes the totality of the Servant's offering, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. This prefigures Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He becomes the perfect and final offering for sin (Hebrews 10:10).

He will see His offspring,
Despite the Servant's suffering and death, this phrase promises a future beyond the grave. "Offspring" can be understood metaphorically, referring to spiritual descendants or those who come to faith through the Servant's work (John 1:12-13). This is fulfilled in the New Testament as believers are considered children of God and heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). The resurrection of Jesus is implied here, as it is through His victory over death that He sees the fruit of His sacrifice.

He will prolong His days,
This phrase suggests the Servant's life will continue, indicating resurrection and eternal life. In the context of the Messiah, it points to Jesus' resurrection and His eternal reign (Revelation 1:18). The idea of prolonged days contrasts with the earlier mention of suffering and death, highlighting the triumph of life over death. This assurance of life is a cornerstone of Christian hope, affirming that death is not the end for those in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
The "good pleasure of the LORD" refers to God's purposes and plans, which are accomplished through the Servant. This prosperity is not material but spiritual, involving the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The phrase "in His hand" signifies the authority and power given to the Servant to carry out God's will. This is seen in the Great Commission, where Jesus, after His resurrection, declares all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). The prosperity of God's plan is evident in the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Church throughout history.

After the anguish of His soul
This phrase refers to the intense suffering and emotional turmoil experienced by the Servant, often interpreted as a prophecy of Jesus Christ's passion and crucifixion. The "anguish" signifies the depth of His suffering, both physically and spiritually, as He bore the sins of humanity. This aligns with the New Testament accounts of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-39) and His cry of abandonment on the cross (Matthew 27:46).

He will see the light of life and be satisfied
This phrase is often understood as a reference to the resurrection. "The light of life" symbolizes the victory over death and the new life that follows. The satisfaction comes from the fulfillment of His mission to redeem humanity. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus' resurrection is seen as the ultimate triumph over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many
The "knowledge" here can be interpreted as the experiential knowledge of suffering and obedience that the Servant gains through His trials. "My righteous Servant" emphasizes the sinless nature of the Servant, who is able to justify many because of His righteousness. This justification is a legal term, meaning to be declared righteous, and is a central theme in Paul's writings, particularly in Romans 5:18-19, where the obedience of Christ leads to justification for many.

and He will bear their iniquities
This phrase highlights the substitutionary atonement, where the Servant takes upon Himself the sins of others. The concept of bearing iniquities is rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where a lamb or goat would bear the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:21-22). In the New Testament, this is fulfilled in Jesus, who is described as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great
This phrase signifies the reward and exaltation of the Servant after His suffering. In biblical context, receiving a portion with the great implies honor and recognition. This can be seen as a fulfillment of the promise that those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12). The Servant's victory is not just spiritual but also involves a recognition of His authority and triumph over sin and death.

and He will divide the spoils with the strong
This imagery of dividing spoils is reminiscent of a victorious king sharing the plunder after a battle. It suggests that the Servant, having triumphed over sin and death, shares the benefits of His victory with His followers. This can be connected to Colossians 2:15, where Christ is described as having disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them.

because He has poured out His life unto death
The phrase indicates the voluntary and sacrificial nature of the Servant's death. "Poured out" suggests a complete and willing offering, akin to a drink offering in the Old Testament (Philippians 2:17). This act of self-sacrifice is central to the Christian understanding of atonement, where Jesus' death is seen as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:14).

and He was numbered with the transgressors
This phrase highlights the identification of the Servant with sinners. It is directly fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus is crucified between two criminals (Mark 15:27-28). This identification with sinners is crucial for the doctrine of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus takes on the sins of humanity (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Yet He bore the sin of many
The Servant's role as a sin-bearer is central to the prophecy. This phrase underscores the vicarious nature of His suffering, where He takes upon Himself the sins of others. This is echoed in 1 Peter 2:24, which states that Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross. The "many" indicates the vast scope of His redemptive work, encompassing all who believe.

and made intercession for the transgressors
The Servant's work does not end with His death; He continues to intercede for sinners. This intercession is seen in Jesus' prayer on the cross, "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34), and is a continuing ministry as described in Hebrews 7:25, where He is said to always live to intercede for those who come to God through Him. This highlights the ongoing nature of Christ's priestly role.