Why the Servant?

Over the centuries, much ink has been spilled interpreting the book of Isaiah—a good portion of this on Isaiah (Isa) 52:13–53:12. The questions are many, the interpretations are diverse, and the answers always seem to be different. Some have looked to this text in search of Jesus, others to reclaim Israel’s role in the world, and some to find a historical explanation for this prophetic text that seems to have no precedence. Hans-Jürgen Hermission perhaps described the scholastic situation surrounding Isa 52:13–53:12 best, when he said:

Anyone who wants to get involved in the interpretation of Isaiah 53 must realize two things. First, the historical and theological understanding of this great text will remain controversial until kingdom come. Second, one will be able to produce a completely new historical explanation of this text (and of the Servant Songs as a whole) only when one is willing to enter the richly sown field of scholarly oddities. … All [the interpretations of various scholars] have … been contested at one time or another, because everyone knows how to promote his or her own views against those of others. …

Such a perspective is no reason for resignation. The existence of different modern explanations can cause no surprise, since there was a history of interpretation already in the development of the book of Second Isaiah and then also in the book of Isaiah as a whole (Hans-Jürgen Hermission, “The Fourth Servant Song” in Bernd Janowski and Peter Stuhlmacher, The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53 in Jewish and Christian Sources (trans., Daniel P. Bailey; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004), 17).

With this many problems associated with interpreting Isaiah 53, why would I want to write on this passage? Why would I want to decipher what has perplexed scholars for all these years? Why would I want to spend hours and hours in libraries combing through the books and articles about the suffering servant? You will see as we continue to discuss this passage.

For now, though, let me say this: Like those who have come before me, I offer my interpretation for the scrutiny of scholarship and the benefit of those who follow Yahweh. Where I have erred, please be gracious, and where I have spoken truth, please make an effort to apply it to your life. Ultimately, I hope we can find some mutual ground, and furthermore that we can discover who Yahweh is through an examination of the servant’s life. May we be inspired by him to live as followers of the living God, and may we discover that he is a way to that God.

Excerpt taken from the preface of my book, The Resurrected Servant in Isaiah (forthcoming in print with Paternoster and electronically for Logos Bible Software, 2010). Pre-order the print version direct from Paternoster here or buy it on Amazon.com here. Pre-order it for Logos Bible Software here. Note: Since I am the author of this book, I will receive a royalty if you purchase it. I may also receive a small amount for you making a purchase through one of my affiliate links. I truly believe, though, that exploring this passage will change the way you read the Bible, and your life in general.