Isaiah 52:13
Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse begins with "Behold," signaling a significant unveiling. While we focus on the "exalted and extolled" nature of the servant, the initial descriptor, "shall act wisely," is crucial. This "wisdom" isn't just cleverness; it's a deep insight and foresight that underpins his entire mission, making his eventual glory the inevitable outcome of God's plan, not a mere consequence of suffering.
This passage marks the beginning of a new section of Isaiah's prophecy, shifting focus from Israel's restoration to a profound revelation about God's "Servant." It sets the stage for the deeply moving account in the following chapter, introducing the Servant's future exaltation after a period of deep suffering and humiliation, which the prophet anticipates with awe.
The opening words of this verse seem simple, but they hold a profound promise. How can 'dealing wisely' be the key to such immense exaltation?
The Hebrew word translated as 'deal wisely' or 'act prudently' (yaskil) carries a deep sense of insight, understanding, and ultimately, prosperity. It's not just about being clever, but about a deep-seated wisdom that ensures success.
The verse speaks of being 'high and lifted up,' a stark contrast to what readers might expect from a 'servant.' How does this dramatic shift happen?
This verse acts as a powerful prelude to the suffering described in the following chapter (Isaiah 53). It acknowledges that the Servant's path to glory is not a direct ascent, but one that includes profound humiliation.
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A specialized figure in Isaiah, particularly in the 'Servant Songs,' who acts as the obedient instrument of God. The Servant fulfills the mission of Israel, suffers for the sins of others, and is ultimately vindicated and exalted by God.
sakal · Hebrew Verb
To behave with insight, skill, or spiritual success. It implies not just intellectual capacity, but the ability to act in accordance with God's will and purpose.
This passage, though part of Isaiah's prophecy, stands at a crucial turning point. It shifts focus from the broader national suffering and exile to the unique, vicarious suffering and ultimate exaltation of God's Servant, which transcends the historical context of Babylon and points to a future, divine redemption.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry in Judah, during a time of political instability and impending Assyrian threat.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The northern kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrians, leading to the exile of many Israelites and a stark warning for Judah.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army under Sennacherib invades Judah and besieks Jerusalem. The city is miraculously spared, but Judah is devastated.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Babylon defeats Assyria and Egypt. As part of the spoils and consolidation of power, Jerusalem's elite, including Daniel, are deported to Babylon.
Jesus directly references the 'lifting up' of the Son of Man, echoing Isaiah's prophecy about the servant being 'high and lifted up' as a foreshadowing of His crucifixion and exaltation.
Philippians 2:9The Apostle Paul describes God highly exalting Jesus, mirroring the prophetic language of Isaiah 52:13, highlighting that Jesus' suffering led to His ultimate exaltation.
Psalm 22:6-7This psalm vividly describes being 'despised and put to shame,' a theme that powerfully amplifies Isaiah's vision of the servant's humiliation preceding his exaltation, painting a fuller picture of his suffering.
Isaiah 53:2-3This passage immediately following Isaiah 52:13 details the servant's despised and uncomely appearance, providing the stark contrast to the exaltation proclaimed in the preceding verse, and showing the depth of his humiliation.
wesleyIsaiah 52:13: "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high."
52:13 Behold - This is the beginning of a new prophecy, which is continued from hence to the end of the next chapter . My servant - That it is Christ who is here spoken of, is so evident, that the Chaldee paraphrast, and other ancient, and some later Hebrew doctors, understand it directly of him, and that divers Jews have been convinced and converted to the Christian faith, by the eviden…
clarkeIsaiah 52:13: "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high."
My servant shall deal prudently - ישכיל yaskil, shall prosper, or act prosperously. The subject of Isaiah's prophecy, from the fortieth chapter inclusive, has hitherto been, in general, the deliverance of the people of God. This includes in it three distinct parts; which, however, have a close connection with one another; that is, 1. The deliverance of the Jews from the captivity of Bab…
The verse begins with "Behold," signaling a significant unveiling. While we focus on the "exalted and extolled" nature of the servant, the initial descriptor, "shall act wisely," is crucial. This "wisdom" isn't just cleverness; it's a deep insight and foresight that underpins his entire mission, making his eventual glory the inevitable outcome of God's plan, not a mere consequence of suffering.
This passage marks the beginning of a new section of Isaiah's prophecy, shifting focus from Israel's restoration to a profound revelation about God's "Servant." It sets the stage for the deeply moving account in the following chapter, introducing the Servant's future exaltation after a period of deep suffering and humiliation, which the prophet anticipates with awe.
This passage marks the beginning of a new section of Isaiah's prophecy, shifting focus from Israel's restoration to a profound revelation about God's "Servant." It sets the stage for the deeply moving account in the following chapter, introducing the Servant's future exaltation after a period of deep suffering and humiliation, which the prophet anticipates with awe.
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The verse uses multiple words to describe the Servant's future status: 'high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.' Why this emphasis?
The repetition of words signifying exaltation ('high,' 'lifted up,' 'exalted') underscores the magnitude and certainty of the Servant's future glory. This isn't just a personal elevation but one with cosmic significance.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion, Babylon deports more of Jerusalem's leadership, including King Jehoiachin, further weakening the kingdom.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylon destroys Jerusalem and its temple, ending the kingdom of Judah and leading to a widespread exile of the Jewish people.
c. 540 BC
Cyrus the Great Rises to Power
Cyrus unites the Medes and Persians and conquers the Babylonian empire, setting the stage for the return of the exiles.
"Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted." — The verse begins with "Behold," signaling a significant unveiling. While we focus on the "exalted and extolled" nature of the servant, the initial descriptor, "shall act wisely," is crucial. This "wi…
