Isaiah 52

Isaiah 52:1

52:1, 2 Again Zion is called to “Awake, awake!” from its sleep of captivity and put on its beautiful garments. Never again will it be invaded by the heathen. This, of course, looks forward to the inauguration of the Kingdom; only then will it be true. 52:3-6 Israel had not been sold as a slave for monetary gain; she will be redeemed without money as well. The Israelites went down at first into Egypt as guests; but subsequently they were abused. Later the Assyrian oppressed them without cause, but not for monetary gain. Now once again God’s people are being tyrannized by oppressors who make no payment to the Lord. The overlords are delighted, and God’s name is blasphemed. But He will show Himself strong on behalf of His own, and they will know that He is all that He promised to be. 52:7-10 The next verses picture the return of the Jews from their worldwide dispersion. As the exiles travel over the mountains . . . to Zion they are preceded by heralds who proclaim the good news of the Messiah’s reign. The watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem sing with joy as they see . . . the Lord returning at the head of the multitude. Jerusalem itself is summoned to celebrate the Lord’s mighty deliverance. 52:11, 12 The exiles are urged to leave behind the pollutions of the land of captivity as they bear the temple vessels back to Jerusalem. They will not leave in panic or fright; the God of Israel will be their protection both before and behind.

Isaiah 52:13

4. The Messiah as Sin-bearing Sacrifice (52:1353:12)The closing verses of chapter 52 really belong to chapter 53. They trace the history of the Servant of Jehovah from His earthly life to the cross and then to His glorious appearing. Adolph Saphir, himself a Hebrew Christian, rhapsodizes on this greatest of all prophecies of the cross: Blessed, precious chapter, how many of God’s ancient covenant people have been led by thee to the foot of Christ’s cross!that cross over which was written, “Jesus Christ, the King of the Jews!” And oh! what a glorious commentary shall be given of thee when, in the latter days, repentant and believing Israel, looking unto Him whom they have pierced, shall exclaim, “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted!” 52:13 Jehovah’s Servant dealt prudently throughout His earthly ministry. He was exalted in resurrection, lifted up in ascension, and made very high in glory at God’s right hand. 52:14 At His first coming, many were astonished at the depths of His suffering. His face and His body were marred beyond recognition as a man. 52:15 But when He comes again men will be startled (NKJV marg.) at the magnificence of His glory. Gentile kings will be speechless when they see His unheard-of splendor. They will understand then that the humble Man of Calvary is the King of kings and Lord of lords: Did Thy God e’en then forsake Thee, Hide His face from Thy deep need? In Thy face, once marred and smitten, All His glory now we read. Miss C. Thompson