Isaiah 53 | The Wolfe Notes
Welcome, Family! We're spending 2024 with the prophet Isaiah. While we claim no expertise, we're excited to sit with you as we both learn at the feet of Jesus. Each month, we offer a calendar that outlines daily exercises (adapted from Jenn Wilkin's Women of the Word Bible study process) to progress through Isaiah. Download October's calendar to begin with us and witness what we uncovered in our weekly "Wolfe Notes" postings.
Contents:
- Different Versions Noting and clarifying differences between KJV & ISV.
- Annotation My thoughts, connections, clarifications, and questions.
- Research on why Jesus is allotted a portion with men.
- Summary An approximately twenty-word overview of the chapter.
- Memorize Why I chose to memorize Isaiah 53:10.
- Cross References Of Isaiah 53:10.
- Respond Based on reflections on God's character and my own.
Different Versions
I read Chapter 53 in the King James Version (KJV) and the International Standard Version (ISV). The KJV is a word-for-word translation while the ISV is a thought-for-thought translation.
Major differences I noticed (*My thoughts alone are in italics and designated with an asterisk.):
- Isaiah 53:2
- Comparisons:
- KJV: For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor (1) comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no (2) beauty that we should desire him.
- ISV: For he grew up before him like a tender plant, and like a root out of a dry ground; he had no form and he had no (1) majesty that we should look at him, and there is no (2) attractiveness that we should desire him.
- Discrepancies: The ISV words, "majesty", and "attractiveness" hint at our reaction toward him. His form was not one that evoked awe or drew attention. Whereas the KJV words "comeliness" and "beauty" are closer synonyms with less of an emotional response.
Annotation
Notes on my process. *Denotes my thoughts alone. ! Denotes a connection. Researched quick answers are in italics. *R Indicates a topic with more extensive notes under the research heading.
- Humanity's Rejection of Jesus (Isaiah 53:1-3)
- Who believes in Jesus when they see Him? Who understands the power behind what they witness?
- Is the triune God speaking here of the message in Isaiah 52:7 ISV: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one who brings news of peace, who announces good things, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!' ?
- Jesus' comes quickly in times of desperation. He is not what we expect to see.
- Do not judge him by his height or stature.
- ? Does this reference Isaiah 52:14 KJV: "As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than nay man, and his form more than the sons of men."?
- Meaning, when we see Him without form, we have trouble even looking at Him.
- What does the "grow up" part mean. That it comes subtly, unexpectedly?
- Tender plant / shoot / root that began with Isaac. - Missler (~32:16)
- A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this. Psalm 22:30-31 KJV
- He is despised, rejected, and avoided. A man of sorrows, He knows suffering.
- ? Was he hard to look at because He bore our sorrows and grief?
- Jesus Sacrifice for Humanity (Isaiah 53:4-9)
- We see in Him a man afflicted by God.
- Even though it was our sorrow and suffering that burdened Him.
- You see, so that we could be one with the Father, He stepped in and took upon Himself all the wrath of God due to us because of our sin and iniquity.
- He endured the sorrow and suffering for our healing (completeness, perfection, atonement).
- So Genesis curse could be lifted. Snake & bruising. - Missler (~46:59)
- All of us are guilty. We all seek our own desires. But God allowed Jesus to bear all of our sin.
- He was oppressed, afflicted, then slaughtered as a sheep - all without protest.
- To atone for the transgression of My people, He was detained, judged, and then before having children, was killed among criminals and buried among the rich - even thou He never acted violently nor led people astray.
- Ephesians 1:4-6 ISV: just as he chose us in the Messiah before the creation of the universe to be holy and blameless in his presence. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself through Jesus the Messiah, according to the pleasure of his will, so that we would praise his glorious grace that He gave us in the Beloved One.
- The Reason and the Reward (Isaiah 53:10-12)
- But it was God's will for Jesus to suffer and die so that we can exchange His soul for ours. Then, Jesus will see us - the fruit of His labor. Then, Jesus will live on. This is how God's purpose prospers - through the work of Jesus.
- ! So, exchange it! Give up your sin for His soul! With every sin - remember the cost.
- ! Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:28 KJV (See our notes.)
- Jesus' suffering satisfied God's need for atonement.
- Jesus' knowledge leads many to give Jesus their sin and put on His righteousness.
- ! She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love. Proverbs 31:26 ISV (See our notes.)
- ! How does Jesus' knowledge lead many to righteousness? Because He is the word?
- ! For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 KJV
- According to the magnitude of His labor will be his reward.
- ? Who are "the great' and "the strong" he is counted among? The Hebrews 11 hall of faith? The soldiers who divided his garments at the foot of the cross. - Missler (~1:03:02)
- ? Shouldn't Jesus have already had a place among them? *R
- ! Reward her for her work - let her actions result in public praise. Proverbs 31:31 ISV (See our notes.)
- ! Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 KJV
*A parallel chapter to read: Psalm 22
Research
*Thoughts that are mine alone are marked with an asterisk and italicized.
Shouldn't Jesus already have a "portion with the great" and share "spoils with the strong" being that He is God?
Helps us Relate
There is no doubt that Jesus's kingdom and honor are greater than man's.
- Kingdom: During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor its sovereignty left in the hands of another people. It will shatter and crush all of these kingdoms, and it will stand forever. Daniel 2:44 ISV
- Honor: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Philippians 2:9 KJV
Yet, it is difficult for us to understand the vastness of His authority and esteem. To help us, it is worded in terms with which we are familiar: He will be numbered among the greatest and strongest of our men. A hero. It aids us in grasping an understanding of : "...the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13 KJV
Demonstrates Working with God
When we work with God, we are rewarded by God.
- Jesus: I [God] will allot him [Jesus] a portion with the great. Isaiah 53:12 ISV:
- Cyrus: I [God] will give thee [Cyrus] the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places. Isaiah 45:3 KJV
When we work in are own power, we are destroyed.
"For the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and against Jerusalem; he will punish the speech that comes from that willful heart of Assyria's king and the haughty look in his eyes. He [the Assyrian] keeps bragging, 'I've done it by the strength of my hand, and by my wisdom, because I'm so clever. I removed the boundaries of peoples, and plundered their treasures; like a bull I brought down those who sat on thrones. Isaiah 10:12-13 ISV
Reminds Us He is Human
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18 KJV
He is the model of the invisible God given to us as an example of right living.
- Like God: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15 ISV
- Our Example: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. I Peter 2:21-25 KJV
Moreover, because of His holy nature and perfect obedience, He is the only acceptable sacrifice to pardon the sins of the world.
- Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood he went into the Most Holy Place once for all and secured our eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are unclean purifies them physically, how much more will the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead actions so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:12-14 ISV
- Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:9-10 KJV
- It is he who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world's. I John 2:2 ISV
- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17 KJV
The only one worthy to open the book of the lamb.
- "Stop crying," one of the elders told me. "Look! The Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered. He can open the scroll and its seven seals." Revelation 5:1-3 ISV
- And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. Revelation 6:1 KJV
A human sits on the throne in heaven.
- For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the growth of his government and peace there will be no end. He will rule over his kingdom, sitting on the throne of David, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of the Heavenly Armies will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 ISV
- To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21 KJV
And because a human sits on the throne, we - all of creation - have a future and a hope.
- For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for well-being, and not for calamity, in order to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ISV
- Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Isaiah 46:10 KJV
Sources:
- Bible Hub commentaries. Especially Ellicott, Pulpit, and MacLaren.
- "Isaiah Commentary" by Chuck Missler from Koinonia House. Isaiah 9:6-7 ~36:00
Summary
Jesus withstood the wrath due to us because of our iniquity. When we accept this, we join His eternal family.
Memorize
I chose to memorize Isaiah 53:10.
Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
* In this verse, I feel the emotional impact of Jesus' sacrifice. I exchange His soul - His SOUL - for my sin. It does not feel like a fair exchange. Yet, this is God's pleasure. He wants to spend eternity with me. He wants me to be part of His family. All that's required on my part is acceptance, without which Christ has no offspring. This tugs at my heartstrings, too. I know what it is to be childless. And to think that all that is required of me to give Christ the gift of parenthood is acceptance of His divine offering - how could I not? How could I not give to Him what I know leaves a hole in my heart. The exchange is so easy and He gives so freely. With each realization of sin, may I accept the exchange again: His SOUL for my sin. Not equal, but what He desires.
Cross References
*Thoughts that are mine alone are marked with an asterisk and italicized.
Of Isaiah 53:10.
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him...
- Isaiah 42:1 ISV: "Here is my servant, whom I support, my chosen one, in whom I delight. I've placed my Spirit upon him; and he'll deliver his justice throughout the world.
- Isaiah 53:5 KJV: But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
- Matthew 3:17 ISV: Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with him!"
...he hath put him to grief:...
- Isaiah 53:4 KJV: Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
- Isaiah 53:6 ISV: All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each of us, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
- Romans 8:32 KJV: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
...when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,...
- John 1:29 ISV: The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
- Romans 8:8 ISV: Indeed, those who are under the control of human nature cannot please God.
...he shall see his seed,...
- Psalm 22:30 KJV: A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.
- Isaiah 51:16 ISV: I have put my words in your mouth and have covered you with the shadow of my hand, so that I could plant the heavens and lay the earth's foundations, to say to Zion, 'You are my people.' (See cross references.)
- John 6:37-40 KJV: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
...he shall prolong his days,...
- Isaiah 9:7 ISV: Of the growth of his government and peace there will be no end. He will rule over his kingdom, sitting on the throne of David, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Heavenly Armies will accomplish this.
- Psalm 16:9-11 KJV: Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of JOY; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
- Revelation 1:17-18 ISV: When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. But he placed his right hand on me and said, "Stop being afraid! I am the first and the last, the living one. I was dead - but look! - I am alive forever and ever! I have the keys of Death and Hades.
...and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
- Isaiah 46:10 KJV: Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.
- Isaiah 55:10-11 ISV: "For just as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, yielding seed for the sower and bread for eating, so will my message be that goes out of my mouth - it won't return to me empty. Instead, it will accomplish what I desire, and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
- Psalm 147:11 KJV: The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Respond
God is gracious. God sees our sin, iniquity, and disinterest, yet steps in to save us. We are set to self-destruct, so He lays down the life of His Son to give us eternal life. When we sin, He responds by stepping in to restore instead of leaving us to be destroyed.
I tend to expect grace from others regularly, extend grace sparingly, and minimize the grace given to me from God.
I must:
- Notice and express gratitude for the grace I receive. This is challenging because there are so many graces extended to me that go unnoticed: spiritual battles that are constantly being fought on my behalf; people who forgive me privately for offenses that I don't even know about; people who resolve to approach me differently so as not to offend me.
- Extend grace regularly. I must resolve to make it my only response, instead of an option among many, until it becomes habitual.
- Seek forgiveness and restoration when others refuse to extend me grace.
In Closing
Father God, You made a plan from creation's beginning to make a way for me through the power of Your Son. His scars, sorrow, and grief take away my sin so that I can be Yours and You can be mine. You set it all in motion so we would not be lost. When I sin, bring me to the cross. Remind me yet again of the price You paid for my soul. Lord, make me ever more sensitive to the cost of Your sacrifice so that I never take Your grace for granted. As the understanding of Your grace grows in me, guide me in giving Your grace as freely to others.
Learning with You,
Ready for Isaiah 54?
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