Isaiah 52:13—53:12: The Heart of the Old Testament
THERE IS A rising note of expectancy in chapters 51—52 as the time for the Jews' release from captivity draws nearer. Isaiah 51:9-11 records a prayer for God to act and pictures the exiles coming home to Zion "crowned with never-fading gladness." Then, in 52:1 Jerusalem is told to awake and arise from the dust. Why? A runner is approaching over the mountains with good news: God is about to deliver his people. It is time to leave Babylon. In this passage we are introduced again to the servant of the Lord, whose solitary agony is the price of his people's homecoming.
Warming Up to God
Think of a time when someone has suffered for you. Describe what you think the experience of suffering was like for that person.
Read Isaiah 52:13—53:12. »
Discovering the Word
- What reaction do many people have to the servant? Why (52:14-15)?
- In 52:10 we are told that the Lord is going to "lay bare his holy arm"; that is, act to save his people. But when he does so, what sort of person is revealed (53:1-3)?
- How does 53:4-6 explain the servant's sufferings?
- How did the servant conduct himself in the midst of his suffering (53:7-9)?
- What will be the sequel to, the result of the servant's suffering (53:10-12)?
- Compare 1 Peter 2:21-25 to Isaiah 53. What are the parallels?
Applying the Word
- Why do you think 53:5 is called the "burning heart" of the Old Testament and, indeed, of the whole Bible?
- How do you respond to this graphic description of how Christ suffered for you?
Responding in Prayer
Offer God your thanks and praise for Christ's suffering on your behalf.
For Further Study
Spirituality According to Jesus by Rebecca Manley Pippert