So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. The word "sprinkle" (yazzeh, יַזֶּה) typically refers to priestly sprinkling of blood or water for purification (Leviticus 16:14-15, Numbers 19:18). Some translations render this "startle" based on different Hebrew roots, but "sprinkle" fits Isaiah's sacrificial context (53:10—guilt offering). The Servant functions as priest, sprinkling His blood on "many nations"—not just Israel but Gentiles, achieving universal cleansing.
Kings shutting mouths indicates stunned silence before unexpected revelation. Their presumed authority and wisdom become mute before the Servant's work. What "had not been told" and "had not been heard" emphasizes that this revelation contradicts all human wisdom—the gospel's skandalon (scandal/stumbling block, 1 Corinthians 1:23). They "see" and "consider" what seemed impossible: a suffering servant who saves through death, exalted through humiliation.
From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies the gospel's global reach and its effect on proud humanity. Romans 15:21 quotes this verse, applying it to Paul's Gentile mission. The sprinkling speaks of Christ's blood applied to believers from every nation (Hebrews 9:13-14, 10:22, 1 Peter 1:2). Kings represent human wisdom and power, silenced before God's wisdom in the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). The Servant's work accomplishes what no human religion or philosophy anticipated—salvation by grace through substitutionary suffering.
Historical Context
Sprinkling in Old Testament worship purified ceremonially unclean persons (Leviticus 14:7, 16:14-19, Numbers 19:13-21). The Day of Atonement ritual involved sprinkling blood on the mercy seat and altar. Hebrews 9:11-14, 19-22 explicitly connects these rituals to Christ's superior sacrifice that cleanses conscience, not merely ceremonial impurity.
The phrase "many nations" extends beyond ethnic Israel to Gentiles, fulfilled through apostolic missions. Acts 10 (Cornelius), Acts 13-28 (Paul's journeys), and church history demonstrate the gospel reaching emperors and slaves, philosophers and peasants across Rome, Africa, Asia, and beyond. The Reformation's sola gratia (grace alone) recovered this truth after medieval merit-theology obscured it. Kings throughout history—Constantine, Clovis, Alfred, Elizabeth I—have "shut their mouths" in submission to Christ, though earthly power means nothing before His authority.
Questions for Reflection
How has the gospel shown you truths you 'had not heard' in your natural thinking?
What aspects of Christ's work still leave you in 'shut mouth' amazement?
How should the Servant sprinkling 'many nations' shape your view of global missions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. The word "sprinkle" (yazzeh, יַזֶּה) typically refers to priestly sprinkling of blood or water for purification (Leviticus 16:14-15, Numbers 19:18). Some translations render this "startle" based on different Hebrew roots, but "sprinkle" fits Isaiah's sacrificial context (53:10—guilt offering). The Servant functions as priest, sprinkling His blood on "many nations"—not just Israel but Gentiles, achieving universal cleansing.
Kings shutting mouths indicates stunned silence before unexpected revelation. Their presumed authority and wisdom become mute before the Servant's work. What "had not been told" and "had not been heard" emphasizes that this revelation contradicts all human wisdom—the gospel's skandalon (scandal/stumbling block, 1 Corinthians 1:23). They "see" and "consider" what seemed impossible: a suffering servant who saves through death, exalted through humiliation.
From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies the gospel's global reach and its effect on proud humanity. Romans 15:21 quotes this verse, applying it to Paul's Gentile mission. The sprinkling speaks of Christ's blood applied to believers from every nation (Hebrews 9:13-14, 10:22, 1 Peter 1:2). Kings represent human wisdom and power, silenced before God's wisdom in the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). The Servant's work accomplishes what no human religion or philosophy anticipated—salvation by grace through substitutionary suffering.