Friday 30 May 2025
See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. (v. 13)
Background
Yesterday was Ascension Day, celebrating Jesus ascending to heaven, and today we have a reading that is a song of hope.
Chapters 40-55 of the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament are commonly known as Second or Deutero-Isaiah. Scholars debate whether it was written as a separate independent prophecy or whether the prophetic sayings of these chapters build on and develop the prophecies of First Isaiah in chapters 1-39. All the central themes of Deutero-Isaiah of divine comfort, restoration, and the coming of God’s kingdom are present in today’s passage (verses 9,10,13).
Messengers were often sent to give news of a victory in battle or to give a royal call for religious devotion. This message of good news of God’s reign, bringing peace and salvation was received with joy by those who were watching for a messenger (vs 7-8).
The expression ‘has bared his holy arm’ (v. 10) is a Hebrew saying which comes from rolling up long loose sleeves before starting to work. The meaning here could be that God’s power and justice are revealed.
In 539 BC the Persian king Cyrus conquered Babylon and allowed the exiled people of Israel to return to Jerusalem. In Isaiah 48:20 the prophet tells them to flee from Babylon. Some Israelites returned to Jerusalem, but many remained in Babylon. Verse 11 could be a challenge to the Israelites who remained in Babylon to depart; to go on what would be a long and difficult journey to Jerusalem. It was not to be just a physical returning to Jerusalem but also a spiritual returning to God, as they were called to purify themselves and were assured that the Lord would lead them (vs 11-12).
Deutero-Isaiah contains four passages known as The Servant Songs (Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12). The fourth Servant Song begins with the last three verses of this passage and continues in the next chapter (Isaiah 53:1-12). Christians identify this servant (v. 13)with Jesus, the Messiah.
This Servant Song begins with a prophecy of the outcome, the exaltation of the servant, and then describes the suffering the servant will endure for the sins of all humankind.
To Ponder:
- When and how have you received a message from God, and how did you receive it?
- Why do you think the prophet began the fourth Servant Song with the outcome of the servant being exalted?
Prayer
Lord God we pray for the world and all peoples to turn again to you, in heart, mind and spirit, as we recall all that Jesus, the suffering servant, has endured for our sakes. May they and we be open to where you lead us. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Gill Sharp
Gill Sharp is a minister residing in The Peak Circuit. She works part-time as a chaplain at the Methodist Homes (MHA) care home in the Hope Valley.