"My Servant"-Who Is He?

Isaiah has just told of the release of the Jews from exile in Babylon.  Now looking ahead to a far greater event, he records Jehovah's words:  "Look! My servant will act  with insight.  He will be in high station and will certainly be elevated and exalted very much."  (Isaiah 52:13)  Just who is this "servant"?  Over the centuries, Jewish scholars offered various opinions. Some claimed that he represented the whole nation of Israel during its Babylonian  exile. But such an explanation does not match the prophecy.  God's Servant suffers  voluntarily, Although innocent, he suffers for the sins of others.  This hardly describes the Jewish nation, which went into exile because of its sinful ways.  *(2 Kings 21:11-15; Jeremiah 25:8-11)  Others claimed that the Servant represented the pious elite in Israel and that these suffered in behalf of sinful Israelites.  However, during times of affliction in Israel, no one specific group suffered for another. 

Before the advent of Christianity and to some extent during the early centuries of the Common Era, a few Jewish scholars did apply this prophecy to the Messiah.  That this is the correct application is seen in the Christian Greek Scriptures.  The book of Acts reports that when the  Ethiopian eunuch said that he did not know the identity of the Servant of Isaiah's prophecy, Philip "declared to him the good news about Jesus."  (Acts 8:26-40; Isaiah 53:7, 8)  Other Bible books  likewise Jesus Christ as the Messianic Servant of Isaiah's prophecy.  As we discuss this prophecy, we will see the undeniable parallels between the one whom Jehovah calls "my servant" and Jesus of Nazareth.

The prophecy begins by describing the ultimate success of the Messiah in carrying out the divine will. The word "servant" indicates that he will submit to God's will, as a servant does to that of his master. In so doing, he "will act with insight."  Insight is the ability to see into a situation. To act with insight is to act discreetly. Regarding the Hebrew verb here used, one reference work says:  "At its heart is the thought of prudent and wise dealing.  He who deals wisely will obtain success."  That Messiah will indeed be successful is seen in that the prophecy says he will "be elevated and exalted very much."

Jesus did "act with insight," showing understanding of the Bible prophecies that applied to him and being guided by them to do the will of his Father.  (John 17:4; 19:30)  With what result?  Following Jesus' resurrection and ascension to heaven, "God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name." (Philippians 2:9; Acts 2:34-36)  then, in 1914 the glorified Jesus was elevated  even further.  Jehovah exalted him to the throne of the Messianic Kingdom.  (Revelation 12:1-5) Yes, he was "elevated and exalted very much."

Next time: 'Staring at Him in Amazement'

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001