Isaiah 53:12

Because of His work and its results, God would exalt the Servant (cf. Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 5:12). He would give Him a reward with the many great ones whom He justified, and would divide this booty with the many who would become strong by virtue of His work for them (cf. Ephesians 4:8; Ephesians 6:10-17). Another interpretation sees Yahweh giving the Servant the many great ones (believers) as booty, specifically as a token of redemption completed. He would also give the Servant the strong ones (unbelievers) as spoil, which the Servant would dispose of at the proper time. [Note: See Motyer, pp. 442-43.]

"The thought is that the servant will be as successful and triumphant in his mission as other victors were in theirs. There are many who are victors and they will receive the spoils of their victory. Among them is the servant." [Note: Young, 3:358.]

The reason for the Servant’s exaltation is that He would surrender Himself to death (cf. Matthew 26:38-39; Matthew 26:42) and consent to being numbered among the rebels against God; He would take His place among sinful humans (cf. Matthew 26:50-54; Mark 15:27; Luke 22:37). Yet He would do more than simply identify with the rebels. He would bear their sin (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21) and intercede for them (cf. Hebrews 7:25). This intercession is more than prayer; it would also involve intervention (cf. Isaiah 59:16; Hebrews 9:12-14).

This final promise of exaltation returns to the thought with which this passage began (Isaiah 52:13). The Servant’s exaltation is for accomplishing redemption. [Note: See F. Duane Lindsey, "The Career of the Servant in Isaiah 52:13-53:12," Bibliotheca Sacra 139:556 (October-December 1982):312-29, and 140:557 (January-March 1983):21-39., for another exposition of this passage.]

Suffering in God’s service is pleasing to God.