The Strand Study Bible

ISAIAH ISAIAH healing (forgiveness – Jere 17:9,14 & 51:9), not physical healing. While God may choose to grant us physical healing, He is under no obligation to do so ( Mk 16:18 and I Jn 5:14 ). The Liberty Bible Commentary notes: In view of the spiritual provision that is met by the atonement of Christ, it would not be inappropriate to translate it as “by his stripes we are forgiven.” 1 53:6 According to Scripture, we are all born sinners with a “me-first” mentality (Job 5:7 & 14:1 and Eccl 7:20). 53:7 CHRIST , as predicted, will come twice: once as a LAMB ( Gen 3:21 & 22:8a and Jn 1:29 ) and the second time as a LION ( Gen 49:9 , Rev 5:5, Hos 11:10, Joel 3:16, Amos 1:2 and Isa 31:4). 53:8 This expression (who shall declare his generation?) has a significant meaning when an old custom is remembered. James Smith and Robert Lee in Handfuls On Purpose note: In those olden days, under the Jewish law, it came to be the custom that every condemned man should receive forty day’s grace before his execution, during which period an official, somewhat of the character of our old town-crier, passed to and fro through the town, city, or neighborhood, and “cried” the offence and sentence of the man, together with his tribe, family, and branch of the family, and announcing that any of his generation (family or tribe) who could adduce evidence of innocence could appeal before the end of the forty days for a new trial. But Jesus had no forty days’ grace, and no one declared His generation. Thus no opportunity was given for a new trial. What unseemly haste! 2 53:10a The substitutionary atonement of CHRIST was always the master plan of the FATHER ( it pleased the LORD ). 53:10b This word ( offering ) is the same word used in Leviticus 6-7 to describe the trespass offering. 53:10c To “ prolong His days ” after being made an offering would necessitate bodily resurrection. In other words, CHRIST’S ministry would not end with His death 53:11a CHRIST will look at His substitutionary suffering ( travail of his soul ) and be glad (Heb 12:2). 53:11b This phrase ( by his knowledge ) means that by the knowledge of CHRIST (as Savior) shall CHRIST justify us. Isaiah 54 There are two schools of thought concerning Isaiah 54. One school of thought believes that this chapter deals primarily with the Gentiles and the Jewish/Gentile church. The Liberty Bible Commentary notes: The Gentile nations are depicted as a barren and desolate woman who breaks forth into songs of praise because of her recent (assumed) marriage and children . 1 The other school of thought believes that Isaiah 54 deals directly with Israel because verse 1 is quoted in the NT (Gal 4:27) and points to Israel; verse 3 states, “ …and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles ” (“ thy ” obviously referring to Israel); and verse 5 states, “ For thy Maker is thy husband ” (God only married one nation – Israel ). Dr. Harold Willmington in Willmington’s Guide to the Bible notes: Because the Servant would fulfill his mission, Israel could be assured that it’s punishment for sin was complete… (54:1-8). Just as God had honored his covenant with Noah, he would honor his “covenant of blessing” with Israel (54:9-10). 3 No matter what position one may take concerning this chapter, the entire chapter deals with the 1000-year millennial reign of CHRIST (vs 5), at which time Israel will be restored. 54:2 Like a Bedouin sojourner enlarging his tent ( lengthen thy cords ) because his family has grown, so Israel will enlarge herself during the Millennium, in order to receive every nation that comes to her for spiritual guidance. 1114

1 Falwell, Jerry. Liberty Bible Commentary , Nashville, TN, Thomas Nelson Pub., 1983. Print 2 James Smith and Robert Lee. Handfuls On Purpose , Grand Rapids, MI, Eerdmans Pub., 1947. Pri 3 Willmington, Harold L. Willmington’s Guide to the Bible , Wheaton, ILL, Tyndale House Pub, Inc. Print.