Isaiah 53 is another one of the chapters I treasure most in scripture. It is an amazing prophecy of the future sacrifice of the coming Messiah. I have often heard it referred to as “The Holy of Holies” of the Old Testament, and I have no reason to disagree with that assessment. It is really hard for me to understand how the Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah; it provides such a vivid description of the Savior’s sacrifice at Calvary.
Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Whose report? It would seem that Isaiah is speaking as representative of the prophets or maybe even the Trinity in this verse and then as representative of the Jewish people in the next several verses.
What report? The report being given in the last chapter—Israel being restored in relationship to YHWH and occupying a place of blessing and prosperity. In particular, the message of the last three verses. That Messiah will be King of kings; but before that happens, He will be beaten beyond recognition and put to death for the atonement of the sins of the nations—including the Gentiles. This makes me think of verses from my recent study in 1Corinthians.
1Corinthians 1:23-25 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
The truth of this message is unbelievable according to man’s way of thinking, but is the embodiment of wisdom in God’s thoughts.
The answer to the second question in the verse is found in Isaiah 52:10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
In previous study we have found that the arm is a symbol of one’s strength and power. Making it bare or revealing it would be a word picture of displaying this strength and power for all to see. The fact that His arm is described as holy gives understanding that the judgment executed in His strength and power is righteous and according to God’s purposes.
Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
You have to go back to the last few verses of the previous chapter to identify “he.”
Isaiah 52:13-15 “Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.”
I believe the context and the rest of this chapter identify this “servant” as the Messiah. “He,” Jesus, the Messiah, will grow up before “Him,” God the Father. Jesus came to earth as a baby; He had to grow into a man just as any other boy born on this earth.
“a root out of a dry ground” – I think this is a reference to the land of the people of Israel as a spiritual desert. He grew up spiritually healthy in spite of His environment.
Jesus was not an especially handsome man. People weren’t drawn to Him because of His looks, but He did have charisma. The beauty of the man Jesus was within—not in His outward appearance. This fits right in with the teaching of scripture in other places.
1Samuel 16:7b …for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
1Pet. 3:3-4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
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3 comments:
Shalom Sharon,
You've posted a very deep matter and I thank YHWH my Elohim for your post today.
Isa.53 is a passage that I've committed to memory and try to recite it every morning before I get started with devotions/prayer time.
There are deep truths in this passage and I agree with many of your statements. I agree with you that Yahshua is (the Arm of YHWH), I agree with your understanding of what it means when it talks of Yahshua growing up as a root out of a dry ground.
The references you made to Isa. 52 are wonderful and full of deep meaning and significance. I've committed Isa. 52:14 to memory as well. Sometimes repeating it several times. Wonderful Love therein displayed. And the prophecy which speaks of the kings mouths being shut at Him and "....for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.” Extremely pregnant passages. Full of depth of meaning of YHWH'S infinite wisdom there displayed.
Your discussion on Yahshua not being outwardly handsome but having an inner beauty which is beyond description I also fully agree with.
I really thank YHWH for your posts. Please continue in His Love and Service.
Shalom In Yahshua.
One thing I would say however, is that when I look at the many false doctrines out there today, I'm not in the least surprised about Israel's failure to see their Messiah. Notwithstanding, that YHWH gave clear evidence of the Messiah's manner of coming and His mission. But they, like us today (as believers in general, are mixing the Holy (Kodesh) with the profane. And the result?.....confusion....just as Rev. 17& 18 says.
YHWH help me not to be blind;but help me to see.
Thanks again for your post.
Shalom Yuri,
Thank you for your continued encouragement. I am privileged to know the LORD is being honored and others encouraged through meditation on His word. My plan is to continue this ministry as long as He provides for that to happen according to His will.
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