1. Graciously, Yahweh had declared frequently in chaps. 41 – 46 that, far from being cast off, Israel would be God’s servants (10 t.) to demonstrate his holiness (his transcendent glory).

a. The segment was filled with references to Babylon and deliverance from Babylon.

b. Climaxing in 48:20: “Leave Babylon.”

  1. But how is this possible?

a. How can a holy God use unholy people?

b. Their sin cannot be simply ignored, nor has their suffering removed their guilt.

c. How can they be restored to God? The Servant!

  1. In this segment the proportions between the singular servant and the plural servants that prevailed in 41-48 are reversed.

a. There all but one of the references were to the servants

b. Here all but one of the references are to the servant

  1. The ministry of the servant to Israel and to the world continues to be prominent, while his abuse and suffering become more and more prominent.

  2. Here, while deliverance language continues to be prominent, there is no mention of Babylon. Instead, the recurring discussion regards overcoming alienation from God.

  3. When the structure of the sub-division is observed, two major sections come to light.

a. 49:1 – 52:12 exhibit increasing anticipation of deliverance to come, climaxing in 52:7-12 with a call to “go out from there” (not Babylon).

b. 54:1 – 55:13 which are a ringing invitation to experience the deliverance that is now available.

c. What accounts for this change from anticipation to invitation? Revelation! The pivot point is 52:13 – 53:12, the fourth presentation of the Servant.

i. The poem begins and ends on a note of triumph 52:13, 53:12a.

ii. But it moves immediately to astonishment and rejection 52:14 – 53:3.

iii. Yet, the burden he bears is “ours” 54:4-6.

iv. His suffering was undeserved, unjust, and unappreciated 53:7-9.

v. Yet, it was for us transgressors 53:10-12 [not us “captives”].

  1. The invitation is to a restored relationship with Yahweh (see espec. 54:4-8 and 55:3-11).