Interpretation of Isaiah 53:1-5
Introduction
When does one know when a spiritual change needs to occur and some form of sacrifice needed to achieve that change? Sacrifice, as defined by Webster’s, is an offering. To this reader, sacrifice is an act of humility for a greater good. Throughout the second half of the book of Isaiah, the prophet Isaiah speaks out about sacrifice and how there must be a new way to renew the covenant established by Abraham (Gen 17). The Book of Isaiah Chapter 53 stands out as the single prophetic statement in the Old Testament that clearly outlines the coming sacrifice (offering) that will be made so that man can have a way to be reconciled to God, who by His very nature is perfect. Ever since man was cast out of Eden, God had sought and provided man a means to be reconciled to Him but man continued to sin. Some examples would be Noah and the flood to start over, destruction of the Tower of Babel, choosing His people through Abraham and establishing a covenant with Israel, Joseph helping them survive, and Moses’ liberation of the nation of Israel and His plea to God. The list of God’s reconciliation efforts unto Israel continues until a final solution occurs; an eternal, everlasting sacrifice that could only be given by God.
Thought Unit The Book of Isaiah is written in a narrative form. Isaiah tells of the history and corruption afflicting the Nation of Israel and the continual need for the citizens of Israel to repent and get straight with God. The ultimate sacrificial act for reconciliation plays out in the prophetic statement and solution found in Isaiah 53. This prophecy covered in Isaiah 53 actually begins in Chapter 52:13 which defines what will actually come about from our Lord’s arrival, life, and His ministry’s influence, “Kings will shut there mouths because of Him” (Isa 52:15 NIV). In an era where Kings ruled supreme, this statement needed to be made to contrast with how the Lord’s lowly entry came in and how powerful His ministry acted out.
When does one know when a spiritual change needs to occur and some form of sacrifice needed to achieve that change? Sacrifice, as defined by Webster’s, is an offering. To this reader, sacrifice is an act of humility for a greater good. Throughout the second half of the book of Isaiah, the prophet Isaiah speaks out about sacrifice and how there must be a new way to renew the covenant established by Abraham (Gen 17). The Book of Isaiah Chapter 53 stands out as the single prophetic statement in the Old Testament that clearly outlines the coming sacrifice (offering) that will be made so that man can have a way to be reconciled to God, who by His very nature is perfect. Ever since man was cast out of Eden, God had sought and provided man a means to be reconciled to Him but man continued to sin. Some examples would be Noah and the flood to start over, destruction of the Tower of Babel, choosing His people through Abraham and establishing a covenant with Israel, Joseph helping them survive, and Moses’ liberation of the nation of Israel and His plea to God. The list of God’s reconciliation efforts unto Israel continues until a final solution occurs; an eternal, everlasting sacrifice that could only be given by God.
Thought Unit The Book of Isaiah is written in a narrative form. Isaiah tells of the history and corruption afflicting the Nation of Israel and the continual need for the citizens of Israel to repent and get straight with God. The ultimate sacrificial act for reconciliation plays out in the prophetic statement and solution found in Isaiah 53. This prophecy covered in Isaiah 53 actually begins in Chapter 52:13 which defines what will actually come about from our Lord’s arrival, life, and His ministry’s influence, “Kings will shut there mouths because of Him” (Isa 52:15 NIV). In an era where Kings ruled supreme, this statement needed to be made to contrast with how the Lord’s lowly entry came in and how powerful His ministry acted out.
Bibliography: Elliot, Mark W. Ancient Christian Commentary On Scripture. Downers Grove, Illinois: Institute of Classical Christian Studies, 2007. McKenzie, John L. The Anchor Bible (Second Isaiah). Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company Inc, 1968. Fee/Stuart, Gordon/Douglas. How to Read to Bible for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1981. Varughese, Alex. Discovering the Bible. Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 2006. Bible Interpretations used: NIV, NLT, The Message, NASV. The Message and NASV I read through www.biblegateway.com