Isaiah 52:13
Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The Servant Songs (Isaiah 42:1-9, 49:1-13, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12) progressively reveal the Servant's identity and mission. Jewish interpretation varied—some saw corporate Israel, others an individual. The Ethiopian eunuch's question (Acts 8:34) demonstrates first-century confusion about the Servant's identity. Philip's answer: Jesus (Acts 8:35).
The exaltation language parallels enthronement psalms (Psalm 2, 110) used for Davidic kings, connecting the Servant to messianic hope. Christ's ascension (Acts 1:9-11), session at God's right hand (Hebrews 1:3), and coming return (Revelation 19:11-16) fulfill this threefold exaltation. Church history shows debates over Christ's identity, but Isaiah 52:13-53:12 provided crucial Old Testament testimony to His divine mission, suffering, and ultimate triumph.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's exaltation after suffering encourage you during present trials?
- What does the Servant's 'prudent dealing' teach about God's wisdom in salvation?
- How should the certainty of final exaltation shape your faithfulness in present humiliation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. This verse introduces the fourth and climactic Servant Song (52:13-53:12), the Old Testament's most explicit prophecy of Christ's suffering and exaltation. "My servant" ('avdi, עַבְדִּי) identifies the Servant as God's chosen instrument. "Shall deal prudently" (yaskil, יַשְׂכִּיל) means act wisely or prosper—the Servant accomplishes His mission successfully through wisdom, not merely power.
The threefold ascent—"exalted" (yarum, יָרוּם), "extolled" (venissa, וְנִשָּׂא), "be very high" (vegavah me'od, וְגָבַהּ מְאֹד)—creates emphatic gradation depicting supreme elevation. Each term intensifies: lifted up, lifted higher, lifted to utmost height. This anticipates Philippians 2:9-11 where God "highly exalted" Christ and gave Him the name above every name. The promised exaltation creates tension with following verses (53:2-3) describing rejection and suffering, demonstrating the pattern: suffering precedes glory.
From a Reformed perspective, this verse establishes Christ's mission as God's ordained plan, not tragic accident. The Servant's prudent dealing shows divine wisdom in salvation's method—substitutionary atonement satisfies both justice and mercy. The ultimate exaltation guarantees the mission's success; the cross leads to crown. This grounds Christian hope—present humiliation yields future glory (Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12). The Servant's pattern becomes believers' path: faithful suffering precedes vindication.