Isaiah 53:12 - Exposition

Therefore (see the comment on Isaiah 53:11 , sub init. ) . Will I divide him a portion with the great ; i.e. "I will place him among the great conquering ones of the earth"—an accommodation to human modes of thought analogous to the frequent comparison of Christ's kingdom with the kingdoms of the earth ( Daniel 2:44 ; Daniel 7:9-14 . etc.). The apostle goes deeper into the true nature of things when he says, "Therefore also hath God highly exalted him, and given him a Name which is above every name " ( Philippians 2:9 ). He shall divide the spoil with the strong . A repetition of the thought in the preceding clause (comp. Proverbs 16:19 ). Because he hath poured out his soul unto death . Christ not only died for man, but, as it were, "poured out his soul" with his own hand to the last drop. The expression emphasizes the duration and the voluntariness of Messiah's sufferings. And he was numbered with the transgressors ; rather, and he was reckoned with transgressors (see Luke 22:37 , ΄ετὰ ἀνόμων ἐλογίσθη where our Lord applies the words to himself). Christ was condemned as a " blasphemer " ( Matthew 26:65 ), crucified with malefactors ( Luke 23:32 ), called "that deceiver" ( Matthew 27:63 ), and regarded generally by the Jews as accursed ( Deuteronomy 21:23 ). And he bare the sin of many; rather, and himself bare the sin of many (compare the last clauses of Isaiah 53:6 and Isaiah 53:11 ; and see also Hebrews 9:27 ). And made intercession for the transgressors . The future is used, with van conversive, instead of the preterite, to mark that the act, though begun in the past, is inchoate only, and not completed. The "intercession for transgressors" was begun upon the cross with the compassionate words, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" ( Luke 23:34 ). But it has continued ever since, and will continue until the last day (see Romans 8:34 ; Hebrews 7:25 ).