Isaiah 53:1. Who hath believed our report?— "Who, of the Jews, when the Messiah comes, will believe our report concerning him? Even they before whom the arm of the Lord, the virtue and power of God, is witnessed in his miracles." The Targum on Isa 53:8 has it, "Who can declare the miracles which shall be done in his days?" St. John (xii. 38.) understands miracles by the arm of the Lord. read more
1. report—literally, "the thing heard," referring to which sense Paul says, "So, then, faith cometh by hearing" (Romans 10:16; Romans 10:17). arm—power (Romans 10:17- :); exercised in miracles and in saving men (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18). The prophet, as if present during Messiah's ministry on earth, is deeply moved to see how few believed on Him (Isaiah 49:4; Mark 6:6; Mark 9:19; Acts 1:15). Two reasons are given why all ought to have believed: (1) The "report" of the "ancient... read more
Isaiah marveled at the message that the Lord had revealed to him, that he and the Israelites were to declare to the world as lights to the nations (Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 43:10-12; cf. Isaiah 53:3-6; Isaiah 16:6; Isaiah 24:16; Isaiah 42:24; Isaiah 52:15; Isaiah 64:5-6; John 12:38; Romans 10:16). It was almost unbelievable."It [the rhetorical question, "Who has believed our report?"] does not demand a negative answer, but is designed simply to call attention to the paucity of true believers in the... read more
The Servant despised 53:1-3Expositors have called this chapter the holy of holies of Isaiah. It is also the middle chapter in part two of the book (chs. 40-66). Most of the approximately 80 references to Isaiah in the New Testament come from this chapter. [Note: A. Martin, Christ in . . ., part 2, p. 12] It is the most quoted or alluded to Old Testament chapter in the New Testament."Beyond question, this chapter is the heart of the Hebrew prophetic writings." [Note: Baron, p. 4. For a history... read more
1-3. The tenses are past (prophetic perfect), the future being viewed as already accomplished.1. The questions are asked by the prophet, and the implied answer is ’No one.’ None or few received the divine message, or recognised the working of Jehovah’s power in His Servant.Arm] cp. Isaiah 51:9; Isaiah 52:10.2. The people here speak. There was nothing in the servant’s appearance to attract them. Shall grow] RV ’grew.’ Before him] i.e. before God. Tender plant, etc.] not like a stately tree, but... read more
LIII.(1) Who hath believed our report? . . .—The question has been variously interpreted as coming from the lips of the prophet or of Israel. The former view commends itself most, and the unusual plural is explained by his mentally associating with himself the other prophets, probably his own disciples, who were delivering the same message. The implied answer to the question may be either “None,” or, “Not all.” St. Paul (Romans 10:16) adopts the latter. read more
The Offence of the Cross Isaiah 53:3 Galatians 5:11 Around the Cross a certain romantic interest has gathered, but what the Cross really stands for is an offence, a stumbling-block and a scandal to men. The Prophet Isaiah, with his piercing vision, saw the truth. In his prophecy of Christ he tells us that men shall see no beauty in Him that they should desire Him. The offence of the Cross has not yet ceased. Why? I. The Cross of Christ is the condemnation of the world. It was the condemnation... read more
5CHAPTER XXTHE SUFFERING SERVANTIsaiah 52:13-15; Isaiah 53:1-12WE are now arrived at the last of the passages on the Servant of the Lord. It is known to Christendom as the Fifty-third of Isaiah, but its verses have, unfortunately, been divided between two chapters, Isaiah 52:13-15; Isaiah 53:1-12. Before we attempt the interpretation of this high and solemn passage of Revelation, let us look at its position in our prophecy, and examine its structure.The peculiarities of the style and of the... read more
CHAPTER 53 The Sinbearer and His Victory 1. The marred visage and His exaltation (Isaiah 52:13-15 ) 2. His life and His rejection by the nation (Isaiah 53:1-3 ) 3. The work of the Sinbearer: smitten, afflicted and bruised (Isaiah 53:4-6 ) 4. His submission and His deliverance (Isaiah 53:7-9 ) 5. His glorious reward (Isaiah 53:10-12 ) In “Messianic predictions,” at the close the reader will find hints on this great chapter. We do not repeat them here. The New Testament fully... read more
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Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Isaiah 53:1
JESUS CHRIST; GOD'S SERVANTWe should not be surprised at this title assigned to the Holy Messiah in the Sacred Scriptures, because there is a magnificent profusion of names and titles bestowed upon the Son of God by the inspired writers of the Bible. A mere glance at these cannot fail to impress any thoughtful student.NAMES AND TITLES: Isaiah prophetically referred to Jesus as Immanuel (Isaiah 7:13); Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); God's... read more