When we come to Isaiah 52:13, there is a clear change in
the subject being discussed. Judah’s Babylonian captivity and her
deliverance depicted earlier were merely events that set the groundworks for
the greatest event of history i.e. the redeeming work of Jesus Christ, God’s
Son, and ultimate Servant. From Isaiah 52:13 onwards right through to the end
of Isaiah 53, the life, suffering, and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ
are clearly alluded to. In nowhere else in the Old Testament is His suffering
and ministry more clearly presented. Though in Isaiah 52:13-53:12 we have
the suffering of God’s Messiah depicted, let us take time and contemplate these
verses.
Here in Isaiah 52:13-15, we see the
accomplishment of the Messianic Servant’s mission alluded to. Verse 13
forthrightly speaks of His success. The prophet said in no uncertain term that
this Messianic Servant would prosper, that He would be “high and lifted up and
greatly exalted.” Judah’s mighty deliverance from Babylon had astonished many,
in the same way, the accomplishment of this Servant of God would be equally
baffling, if not more.
Verse 14 briefly alluded to Christ Jesus' disfigurement. It is said that “His appearance was marred beyond that of a man, and His form beyond the sons of mankind.” Christ was tortured and tormented to a point where his face and body were clearly disfigured. In verse 15 the Servant’s accomplishment is highlighted. Referring to His cleansing, the verse said, “He will sprinkle many nations.” His blood, more efficacious than the blood of the Old Testament sacrificial lamb, will cleanse mankind of the condemnation of their sin and guilt-ridden conscience. This He would do to fulfill His priestly ministry. The kings of the earth would be left speechless in awe and wonder at what He had accomplished. What they would experience were things not seen or told them beforehand. Yet everything would be clearly understood by them.
What grace! How can we not love Him? Listen to the words of Philip P. Bliss an American Hymn writer and Gospel singer who wrote and sang the Hymn – Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
Man of Sorrows! what a
name
for the Son of God,
who came
ruined sinners to
reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a
Saviour!
Bearing shame and
scoffing rude,
in my place
condemned he stood;
sealed my pardon
with his blood.
Hallelujah! What a
Saviour!
Guilty, vile, and
helpless we;
spotless Lamb of
God was he;
full atonement can
it be?
Hallelujah! What a
Saviour!
Lifted up was he to
die;
"It is
finished!" was his cry;
now in heaven
exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a
Saviour!
When he comes, our
glorious King,
all his ransomed
home to bring,
then anew this song
we'll sing:
Hallelujah! What a
Saviour!
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