The phrase "The LORD's will to crush Him" is a profound theological concept found in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah. This concept is central to understanding the sacrificial nature of the Messiah's mission and the divine plan for redemption.

Isaiah 53:10
The primary scriptural reference for this concept is Isaiah 53:10, which states: "Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer. And when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in His hand" . This verse is part of the "Suffering Servant" passage, a prophetic description of the Messiah's role in bearing the sins of humanity.

Theological Significance
The phrase underscores the divine initiative in the redemptive process. It was not merely human actions or circumstances that led to the suffering of the Messiah, but it was the deliberate will of God. This highlights the sovereignty of God in the plan of salvation, where the suffering and death of the Messiah were not accidents of history but were foreordained by God for a greater purpose.

Messianic Fulfillment
In Christian theology, this passage is seen as a prophecy fulfilled in the life and death of Jesus Christ. The New Testament writers frequently allude to Isaiah 53 to explain the significance of Jesus' crucifixion. For instance, in Acts 8:32-35, Philip explains to the Ethiopian eunuch that the suffering servant described in Isaiah is Jesus, who was led like a sheep to the slaughter.

Atonement and Sacrifice
The concept of being "crushed" and "made a guilt offering" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, where offerings were made to atone for sin. The Messiah's suffering is portrayed as the ultimate guilt offering, satisfying the requirements of divine justice and providing a means for reconciliation between God and humanity.

Divine Love and Justice
The willingness of the LORD to crush the Messiah is also a profound expression of divine love. It demonstrates the extent to which God is willing to go to redeem His people. At the same time, it upholds the justice of God, as the penalty for sin is fully borne by the Messiah, ensuring that God's righteous standards are met.

Prosperity of the LORD's Will
The latter part of Isaiah 53:10 speaks to the success and prosperity of the LORD's will through the suffering of the Messiah. Despite the apparent defeat in His suffering and death, the Messiah will "see His offspring" and "prolong His days," indicating resurrection and the establishment of a spiritual progeny. This points to the ultimate victory and the establishment of God's kingdom through the redemptive work of the Messiah.

In summary, the LORD's will to crush the Messiah is a central theme in biblical theology, encapsulating the mystery of divine sovereignty, justice, and love in the plan of salvation. It reveals the depth of God's commitment to redeeming humanity through the sacrificial suffering of His chosen servant.