A Composite Picture of the Servant
In chapter 42:1-7, we see that the Servant is the One who is specially chosen and upheld by God; who is in possession of God’s Spirit; perfectly obedient; gentle and devoted to bringing justice to the nations. He would be the embodiment of a new covenant which he would convey to all people; he would be the light to the nations; he would restore the sight and release those imprisoned in the darkness of sin. This is how he was called for. This is the Call of the Servant.
In chapter 49:1-7, we can see the birth and enlarged commission of the Servant. The servant would be born from human, and he sensed he had been called before he was born and named by God (v.1). His work would primarily be achieved through his spoken word. His mouth would be like a sharp sword (v.2). Yet he describes his discouragement due to the failure of his work, but he would not feel doubt of defeated; he rather affirms confident in his God (v.4). His primary commission is to bring Israel back to God; yet he also affirms God’s enlarged commission to be a light to the nations; to bring spiritual salvation (v.6b). And he would be despised by one nation yet gentile kings and princes would worship him (v.7) (Lindsey, The Servant Songs, 62-73).
In Chapter 50:4-11, we see the Feeling and Commitment of the Servant. He submits to the plan of God, and he voluntarily suffers at the hands of men; and by his rejection and suffering he has learned to comfort the weary (vv.4-6). He also expresses his commitment and confident that God who has disciplined him would vindicate him one day (vv.7-8). And God exhorts the people to obey servant voice and walk by faith and call unbelievers, who walk in the darkness, to trust in the LORD, and his servant (Lindsey, The Servant Songs, 80-95).
In Chapter 52:13-53:12, we see the Work of the Servant. he would be successful in his mission. But first, he would be disfigured to the astonishment of onlookers. He would be despised and rejected because of his humble origins and his appearance. And he would suffer; his suffering would be vicarious and redemptive for our transgressions. He would be silent like a sheep during the abuse of his trial, and finally died. His suffering and death was the plan of God. He was to be a sin offering. Many would be justified before God through the Servant’s work. The servant would share his achievement with his followers. Yet this victory would only come through the fact that the Servant was willing to suffer and die (Smith, The Major Prophet, 150).
Who is this Servant? Israel or Individual? I conclude that this Servant is unique individual. Why? 1. In 48:8-9 Israel is called “servant.” Here is a fresh introduction of the servant again. So it suggests that this Servant differs from the Israel. This Servant would accomplish the task for which the nation Israel was responsible but unqualified: the task of bringing the light to the Gentiles and establishing a justice in the world (42:18-22) (Lindsey, The Servant Songs, 39).
2. The term, “my servant, Israel” in 49:3. “It is important to note that the term Israel used not so much as a name as it is a parallel term to servant. It is as though the LORD had said, ‘You are my Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’ Thus it is the function, not the identity, of Israel that is emphasized.” This Servant is an Individual who functions as Israel (Oswalt, Isaiah 40-66, NICOT, 291). 3. There is also a contrast between nation servant and the individual Servant. The nation servant has to be admonished to trust God (40:27-31; 41:8-10, 14-16; 42:18-19), is sinful and has been punished for her sins (40:1-2; 42:22-25; 43:22-28; 47:6; 50:1; 54:4-8), complains bitterly (40:27; 49:14; 50:1-2), and is the recipient, not the agent, of salvation. However, the individual Servant shows total trust in God (50:7-9), is innocent and suffers for the sins of others (50:5-6; 53:4-6, 9), suffers patiently (53:7); and performs the work on behalf of the nation Israel (49:5-6) (Lindsey, 39). Thus, the individual Servant is the true Servant of God. 4. The prophecy of the individual Servant is literally fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. (A) Jesus establishes a just order on all the earth (Isa. 42:1, 4; Matt. 12:1-21; Jude 14-15; Rev. 20:4-6). (B) Jesus was rejected by Israel (Isa. 49:7; 53:1-3; cf. Matt. 23:37-39). (C) Jesus brought the light of salvation to the Gentiles (Isa. 42:6; 49:6; cf. John 8:12, Matt. 15:21-28; Acts 28:25-28; Rom. 11:11-25; 2 Cor. 4:4-6; Eph. 3:6-8). (D) Jesus was never defeated, discouraged or doubt God during the period of rejection by the nation (Isa. 42:4; 49:4; 50:4-9; cf. Matt. 11:25-26; John 16:33). (E) Jesus suffered vicariously for the sins of Jews and Gentiles (Isa. 52:15; 53:6; cf. 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 2:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:24). (F) Jesus suffered innocently (Isa. 50:8-9; 53:9; cf. 1 Pet.2:24). Jesus suffered silently, in submissive obedience to God’s will (Isa. 53:7,10; cf. Matt. 27:12, 14; John 4:34). (G) Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice and was exalted through resurrection and glorification before God (Isa. 52:13-14; 53:10-12; cf. Matt. 27:50; Luke 24:36-39; Acts 1:3; 2:33-34; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 1:3; 2:9; 12:2) (Lindsey, The Servant Songs, 142-143).
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