ISAIAH 53

Jews who don’t believe Jesus are quick to say that Isaiah 53’s reference to “my servant” is speaking about the people of Israel. Up to this point “my/his people” has been used to refer to the people of Judah (Is 52:4-6, 9). The next time “my people” is used is here:

Isaiah 53:8 (NIV)

By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished.

So, there is a clear difference between “my people” and “my servant” (Is 52:13).

Isaiah 52:13–15 (CSB)

See, my servant will be successful; he will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were appalled at you— his appearance was so disfigured that he did not look like a man, and his form did not resemble a human being— so he will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of him, for they will see what had not been told them, and they will understand what they had not heard.

Who could this be? He isn’t just impacting Jewish people, but kings of many nations!

Isaiah 53:1–3 CSB

Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at him, no appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him.