Isaiah 52:13-15

The Suffering and Glory of the Servant

13 See, my servant will act wisely^[a] ; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.

14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him^[b] — his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—

15 so he will sprinkle many nations,^[c]and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.

Isaiah 52:13-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 52

This chapter is a prophecy of the glorious state of the church in the latter day, typified by the deliverance of the Jews from Babylon. The church, under the names of Zion and Jerusalem, is exhorted to awake and clothe herself with strength, and with beautiful garments, to shake off her dust, and loose her bands, since she should become a pure and separate people, Isa 52:1,2 and whereas the Lord's people had been afflicted formerly by the Egyptians, and more lately by the Assyrians, a free redemption is promised them; and the rather they might expect it, since the Lord was no gainer by their affliction, but a loser in his name and honour, as well as they distressed, Isa 52:3-5. And it is suggested, that the knowledge of the Lord should be spread, the good tidings of peace and salvation be delightfully published, and that the ministers of the Gospel should have clear light, and be harmonious and unanimous in the publishing of it, Isa 52:6-8. Upon which the waste places of Jerusalem are called upon to rejoice, both because of the restoration of the Jews, and the conversion of the Gentiles, Isa 2:9,10. And the people of God are called to go out of Babylon, the manner of their departure is directed, and something said for their encouragement, Isa 52:11,12. And the chapter is concluded with some account of the Messiah, of his humiliation and exaltation, and of his work and office, Isa 52:13-15, and which are enlarged upon in the next chapter, which ought properly to begin with these last verses.

Cross References

• 1. S Joshua 1:8; S Isaiah 4:2; S Isaiah 20:3; Isaiah 42:1
• 2. S Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 57:15; Acts 3:13; S Philippians 2:9
• 3. S Leviticus 26:32; S Job 18:20
• 4. S 2 Samuel 10:4
• 5. S Job 2:12; S Job 16:16
• 6. S Leviticus 14:7; S Leviticus 16:14-15
• 7. S Isaiah 49:7
• 8. S Judges 18:19; Psalms 107:42
• 9. Romans 15:21*; Ephesians 3:4-5

Footnotes

• [a] Or "will prosper"
• [b] Hebrew "you"
• [c] Or "so will many nations be amazed at him" (see also Septuagint)