Messiah in the Prophet Isaiah

Messiah in the O.T (Isaiah)


The prophet Isaiah is second, to the book of psalms, to be quoted in the new testament. Out of forty seven chapters, sixty-six are quoted. Three basic portraits that we see in Isaiah about the messiah is as King, Servant, and Anointed Conqueror. In Isaiah 4:2 He is spoken of as the Branch of the Lord, same language as David used in 2 Samuel 23:5 when He says “will he not bring to fruition (or sprout, or branch out) my salvation…” all four of the gospels give the same picture of messiah as a branch, but John (in john 20:31) as Isaiah, highlights His deity. The reason that the messiah needed to be deity is clear from the context. In the passages before (isa 2:5, 4:1, 4:3-4) the prophet has declared that Israel must be cleansed from her sins and have her stains washed away. Only God can forgive sins, so although the messiah was the son of David, He also had to be Son of God to deliver humanity from the bondage to sin. Again we see in Isaiah that He was divine, the Branch of the Lord, but also human, the fruit of the land. Isaiah 7:14 speaks of the virgin giving birth to a son named Immanuel that will continue the Davidic Line, although ultimately we see that the fulfillment of this prophecy is found in Jesus Christ; who was truly born of a virgin and was God-with-us. In chapter 9:1-7 we see the wonderful ruling Son. Although at the time this was written the syro-ephraimite threats to extinct the Davidic dynasty and it is a day of gloom and distress, God brings a message of hope, joy and light through the prophet Isaiah. The prophet gives the readers 3 reasons to rejoice: 1) the nation will be delivered from the oppressor by God’s hand. 2) the age of Messiah will be characterized by a lasting universal peace. 3) A new leader will be born. Also we are given 4 names that will signify the dignity and importance of this child and his birth in 6-7, “wonderful counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace.” The titles given to this child indicate His wisdom and power to do miraculous things (wonderful counselor), His divine nature, might and power (Mighty God), His eternality and intimacy in relationship with those He has created (Everlasting Father) and the fact that with Him as ruler there will be absence of war, hostilities and all that accompanies peace (Prince of Peace.)
Next we see Messiah as Servant in chapter 42. Verses 1-7 we see the ministry of the servant. He is called “My Servant” which shows His willingness to carry out the Fathers will, one that He voluntarily took upon Himself. Also, He is called “My Elect” to show that He is chosen by God; found acceptable by God to carry out this task of being a covenant to the people and a light to the gentiles. He is one that is gentle with those who are as a bruised reed, and humble, gentle and quite, not pompous like men who have authority. In 49:1-6 we see the mission of the messiah is to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved ones of Israel and be a light to the gentiles. He is one called from the womb of His mother, as seen in 7:14. Also, He is spoken of as Israel, which speak of His human origin, His task to do as Israel was called to do, shine as a light to all nations, and show Him as being part of the Davidic line. The servant also endures scourging, suffering, and humiliation which awaits Him at the cross. This is known, as Christopher North titled it, “the Gethsemane of the Servant.” He will suffer, although this has been ordained by the sovereign Lord, because He speaks of the trial as already happening, but in the case of Messiah, on Golgotha’s hill this prediction will come to fruition. Although this must take place God will be with His Servant and by this His Servant gains approval by God. His enemies will wear out like a garment eating moth, and Messiah will be blameless, for surely who can condemn Him, or contend with such a Man who the Lord God will help. Also, we see the atonement of the Servant in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Here we get the prophecy of the messiah in both His humiliation, being stricken, smitten by God, afflicted and bearing our transgressions; in which the atonement is made by Him being the sacrifice of such sinners as we. And His exultation as He startles many nations and shuts the mouth of kings in His resurrection and consummation of the kingdom in which He will divide the spoil with the great. Lastly we see messiah as anointed conqueror. Through the death that Messiah has endured in 52:13-53:12 He now offers to all nations the atonement that has been provided and accomplished through His humiliation and exultation, by becoming partakers of this “everlasting covenant” that was enacted ages ago. In verse 3-5 we see the messiah as a four fold gift. The messiah Himself is a gift, His witness, Leadership and Him as a commander or a teacher of commandments. In chapter 61:1-3 we see the anointing of the messiah by the God who appoints Him as Servant and in doing so, unlike the OT kings and priest and prophets, the Spirit of the Lord, not oil, anoints the Servant. Lastly we see Him as conqueror. Isaiah sees one who’s garment is stained, though the One who speaks righteousness and is mighty to save says He was trotting a winepress, that is just a figure of speech; for His garments are soaked with the blood of the nations. This is the final day of the Lord, when He comes to make everything right, and all things new. He speaks righteousness, which means He threatens judgment on all perpetrators of evil in whom His blood His garments are soaked in. Also, He is mighty to save, which means although He comes to judge, He also is coming to save all who are oppressed and find refuge in Him.