Isaiah Chapter 53
As we approach this chapter we need to be impressed with the following facts: It was written long before Jesus was born. It is a historical fact that this chapter was in existence at least 250 years before the arrival of Jesus of Nazareth. The Hebrew Scriptures (including Isaiah) had been translated into the Greek language during the reign of Ptolemy Philadephus (285-246 B.C.). Isaiah 53 reads exactly as Isaiah wrote it: The Dead Sea Scrolls, which date 200-100 years before Jesus was born, contain a copy of the book of Isaiah. In comparing the Isaiah text of Isaiah 53 found among the Dead Sea Scrolls with the Hebrew text of the same chapter that was used in the King James Version, “Of the 166 words in Isaiah 53, there are only seventeen letters in question. Ten of these letters are simply a matter of spelling, which does not affect the sense. Four more letters are minor stylistic changes, such as conjunctions. The remaining three letters comprise the word "light", which is added in verse 11, and does not affect the meaning greatly” (Evidence That Demands A Verdict. Josh McDowell p. 58). Jesus’ life perfectly matched this chapter: He was born into difficult circumstances (53:2). Was not interested in worldly fame and glory (53:2), people rejected Him (53:3), crucified and scourged Him (53:5), He claimed to be dying for the sins of the world (53:6), and was silent before His accusers (53:7). Injustice was committed during His trial (53:8), He was buried in a rich man's tomb (53:9), did not deserve to be put to death (53:9), was crucified between two criminals (53:12), claimed to rise from the dead (53:10), and claimed to be the only mediator between God and men (53:12). The Suffering Servant: 53:1-3 1