Isaiah 48-52
The Holy One to come to earth was told of by Isaiah as though He had already been with people, but instead of being made welcome, was “despised,”——thought of no worth, and “abhorred” by the nation (Isa. 49:7). His words are given as though He had already come, and His power told:
“I clothe the heavens with blackness (thick clouds)’’. Yet His care and love are shown:
“The Lord Jehovah hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” Is. 50:34.
At that time it was common for the owner of slaves to bore a small hole in the lower part of the ear of a slave to insert a ring, marked to show to whom he belonged. Many slaves would rebel against having that done, and draw away; only a very obedient slave would stand quietly.
The Holy Servant of God said: “The Lord Jehovah hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.” Isaiah 50:5.
When the Holy Servant came to earth, He was not a slave to a master here, but the words show He would be so obedient to God the Father, as a slave to its master. It is with the ear we hear to obey, and this shows how fully this Servant would do all God’s words. it was not His Master Who would badly treat the Seant, but the people to whom He would be sent, More of His words are,
“I gave My back to the sinners, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid not My face from shame and spitting.” Isaiah 50:6.
Years after Isaiah, a child was born in that land, whom the angels said was Christ the Lord. He grew to be a man, and went about the land doing good to all, telling them God’s Words. Yet He was “despised” and taken to be put to death, and He did not resist. It is written of the Jewish elders:
“They spit in His face, buffeted (struck) Him, others smote Him with the palms of their hands.” Matthew 26:67.
The Roman Ruler, Pilate, scourged (whipped) Him. Matt. 27:26.
The soldiers “spit upon Him ... .smote Him ... . and led Him away to crucify Him.” Matthew 27:30,31.
He could have shown His power, but He did not. So the words told to Isaiah of the Holy Servant came true to the Son of God.
Yet the Lord says,
“Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently, He shall be exalted ... and be very high.” So there was yet a time for this Holy Servant to be “exalted”, to bless “many nations.” Isaiah 52:13-15.
When that time of peace comes, good tidings will be brought to Jerusalem:
“How beautiful on the mountains, are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publishes (tells of) peace, that bringeth good tidings of good; that (telleth) salvation.” Isaiah 52:7.
These words are repeated in the New Testament, and those who believe the Words of this One Who gave His life for others may now too tell of Him. Romans 10:15.
ML 01/18/1942