“The Divine Servant …”
The Hebrew verb “abad” (pronounce it “avád”) was discussed in an earlier article. Its general meaning is to work, to labor, to serve (as a servant or slave), but it also has a specific theological meaning that is to serve (the Lord God), to worship, and to honor.
The verb “ébed”[1] (pronounced “éved”) is derived from it, and we discussed it [in a distinct article]. The general meaning of the term “ébed” is “servant, assistant, slave.” However, it also has a theological application for the believer who dedicates his life to serving, honoring, and worshiping God as His servant.
In this piece, we’ll talk about the prophet Isaiah’s unique usage of the word “ébed” or “servant,” which is “ébed YHWH” (עבד יהוה): the Lord’s servant.
Servanthood of Isaiah
The concept of “servanthood” is central to his prophetic work. The primary message of chapters 1 through 39 is the exhortation to serve the Lord God obediently and the warning of the consequences of disobeying Him. The section of chapters 40–55 then discusses the subsequent restoration.
Is that something God can do? How is He going to accomplish that? Chapters 56–66 of Isaiah’s last section then discuss the restoration process. The announcement of the Messiah plays a crucial role in all of this. As the Lord’s “ébed” or servant, particularly in chapters 40–66[2], and as the Davidic king in chapters 1–39. The Messiah is both the King and the Servant, and they are intimately related.
The “Ébed YHWH” songs
The Messiah is portrayed in Isaiah 40–66 as the “Ébed” or Servant of YHWH (the LORD), via whom [one can know God]. Grace is what motivates Him to bring about reconciliation, as evidenced by His calling to “Ébed” or be a Servant (particularly described in Isaiah 40-55).
Particularly in Isaiah 56–66, the attributes of the “Ébed”/Servant of YHWH, God’s exaltation, and His omnipotence are highlighted. To highlight his prophecies, Isaiah—who wrote a lot of poetry—incorporated all of this into several songs that depict the Messiah as YHWH’s suffering “Ébed” or servant.
The suffering Servant of the Lord, Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12
We examine the fifth of these supposedly “Ébed YHWH” hymns, which is found in Isaiah 52:13–53:12. The Man of Sorrows and His mission of proclaiming and bringing about salvation are the subject of this song. This song is a unique literary creation made up of five verses with a symmetrical structure and individual sub-themes.
Verses 1, 4, and 5 describe the shame and suffering of this “Ébed YHWH,” or servant of the LORD, who dedicates himself to hearing from God. The ultimate exaltation and the fruit of his suffering are both sung.
Content of the song
- Isaiah 52:13–15, surprise and rejection, verse 1 The song opens with the line “See, My “Ébed”/Servant…” These lines explain how the Messiah is exalted and how people are amazed by Him before rejecting Him. His outward pain betrays his inner suffering. Nonetheless, Exodus 29:20 and Leviticus 16:14–15 characterize this suffering Servant in language akin to those of a priest (sprinkling). He does, after all, spill His blood!
- Isaiah 53:1-3, scorn, verse 2. Here, the main themes are disdain and rejection of the Messiah. Who would like to gaze upon this Man of Sorrows? This section of the song ends with a reference to me and to us.
- Isaiah 53:4-6, verse 3, alternative suffering The core of the song is found in this verse, which is surrounded by themes of shame, rejection, and scorn. reconciliation made possible by the Messiah’s terrible suffering. He took on the iniquity of mankind as a scapegoat (Leviticus 16: 21–22). Here, the frequent use of the we-shape is noticeable. Who are these presenters? Are I really the lost sheep that Isaiah so loudly sings about? Then He bears the price for my transgressions!
- Verse 4: Unjustly punished (Isaiah 53:7-9) The innocent and pure suffering of the Messiah is once again highlighted, along with the disdain of the Servant. Rejecting this “Ébed”/Servant who has never committed a transgression. For the sheep, He sacrifices His life.
- Verse 5: Isaiah 53:10–12, killed by humiliation Many are justified by the Servant because He takes on their sins and endures suffering and sacrifice on behalf of them. God’s salvation is found in the unfair treatment that “My Servant the Righteous” endures. The “Ébed”/Servant is then exalted.
This song, “Ébed YHWH,” has rich, deep substance that is fulfilled in Jesus. Reconciliation was wrought via his substitutionary suffering, but the Servant’s suffering resulted in glory (Philippians 2: 5-11). I may join Isaiah in singing, “Upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace,” as a lost sheep.
Notes
[1] This verb’s first letter is “áyin,” which is not shown in this transcription of the Hebrew text.
[2] The previously listed (as well as additional components) indicate the book of Isaiah’s (usually denied) substantive and structural unity.
© Copyright dr. Annechiena Sneller-Vrolijk
