The modern numbering system, separating the scriptures into chapters, is entirely artificial. The chapters under discussion, 40 through 55, were written as part of one whole poetic narration, and were meant to be read together by anyone interested in their meaning.


The theme of Isaiah is jubilation, a song of celebration at the imminent end of the Babylonian Captivity. It is in this setting that we find the Song of the Servant, chapter fifty-three. (In fact, chapter 53 is actually the fourth of a quartet of "servant songs". The others are 42:1-9, 49:1-6 and 50:4-9).

In Isaiah 43:10, the prophet clearly identifies the "servant" (singular) as G-d's "witnesses" (plural). Notice that the "servant" is plural thus referring to more than one individual. Also, all Christians agree that the two chapters that sandwich Isaiah 53 (52 and 54) consistently speak of the Jewish people as a single individual. When considering that "Isaiah 53" actually begins in the latter part of the 52nd chapter, Christianity's argument becomes increasingly weak. Furthermore, as I will show you momentarily, the prophet alternately speaks of the servant in Isaiah 53 in both the singular and plural.

Well, the Tanakh makes note that Isaiah 53:1 is a quote from the Gentile kings and nations. The Christian Bible, the KJV, does not!
One immediately notices, since put on the alert what to look for it, that the speaker is designated in Isaiah 52 just a few verses before Isaiah 53. The kings/rulers of the nations are engaged in a dialogue concerning the Jewish people. It is the Gentile kings of the nations which are speaking and not the Jewish people. For too long now Christians read Isaiah 53 without noticing in the latter part of Isaiah 52 that the speaker is not Isaiah or the Jewish people, but rather the Gentile nations. Failure to notice this guarantees misinterpretation of Isaiah 53!

In truth, this passage actually begins in chapter 52:13 of Isaiah and continues through the 53rd chapter.

The Jewish position is that the servant represents the righteous remnant of Israel that will suffer as it keeps Hashem’s Torah, serving as a light to the nations. The servant, this remnant, is described metaphorically in the singular, which is commonly done throughout Tanach.

Isaiah 41: 8 "But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend,

Isaiah 43:10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD , "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.

 

Isaiah 44:1 "But now listen, O Jacob, my servant, Israel, whom I have chosen."

Isaiah 44:21 "Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you."

Isaiah 49:3 He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor."

Isaiah 54:17 "no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD .

 

 

Isaiah 52:13 See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. 14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness—15 so will he sprinkle many nations, 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.

 

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