Isaiah 52: The Suffering Servant

Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon had been oppressing Israel for as long as any of the Jewish people could remember. Songs and stories of captivity and exile were the only songs and stories most of the people were familiar with. But that was all about to change.

As we come to the latter stages of the book of Isaiah, God brings the Israelites good news – news of deliverance and redemption. In the first six verses of this chapter, God promises to restore Jerusalem, the “holy city” (1) to such a condition that sinners (“the uncircumcised and defiled”) would not be able to enter. Think for a moment what this promise would have meant to those who had seen their holy city trampled on and destroyed and mocked by those who opposed their God. There could be no better news for them… or could there?

In verses 10 & 12, God promises to demonstrate his power (“will lay bare his holy arm”), and his presence (‘the LORD will go before you and will be your read guard’) on behalf of his people as he delivers them. Again, think of what this promise must have meant to those who had to have wondered if God had abandoned and forgotten them while they were in captivity. There could be no better news for them… or could there?

There could be better news – and there was. This good news – which they probably did not completely understand – involved God sending his suffering servant to cleanse and redeem, not only Israel, but also many nations.

But this redemption – which cost Israel (and us) nothing – cost this servant great deal. The suffering that he endured on our behalf is foretold in graphic detail in verse 14. Please, NEVER take for granted that it is ONLY by his wounds that we are forgiven and healed.

There is no better news than that.

Ken Jackson