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Isaiah 53:7
Verse
Context
The Suffering Servant
6We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. 8By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The fourth turn describes how He suffered and died and was buried. "He was ill treated; whilst He suffered willingly, and opened not His mouth, like the sheep that is led to the slaughter-bench, and like a lamb that is dumb before its shearers, and opened not His mouth." The third pers. niphal stands first in a passive sense: He has been hard pressed (Sa1 13:6): He is driven, or hunted (Sa1 14:24), treated tyrannically and unsparingly; in a word, plagued (vexatus; compare the niphal in a reciprocal sense in Isa 3:5, and according to the reading נגשׂ in Isa 29:13 in a reflective sense, to torment one's self). Hitzig renders the next clause, "and although tormented, He opened not His mouth." But although an explanatory subordinate clause may precede the principal clause which it more fully explains, not example can be found of such a clause with (a retrospective) והוּא explaining what follows; for in Job 2:8 the circumstantial clause, "sitting down among the ashes," belongs to the principal fact which stands before. And so here, where נענה (from which comes the participle נענה, usually met with in circumstantial clauses) has not a passive, but a reflective meaning, as in Exo 10:3 : "He was ill treated, whilst He bowed Himself (= suffered voluntarily), and opened not His mouth" (the regular leap from the participle to the finite). The voluntary endurance is then explained by the simile "like a sheep that is led to the slaughter" (an attributive clause, like Jer 11:19); and the submissive quiet bearing, by the simile "like a lamb that is dumb before its shearers." The commentators regard נאלמה as a participle; but this would have the tone upon the last syllable (see Isa 1:21, Isa 1:26; Nah 3:11; cf., Comm. on Job, at Job 20:27, note). The tone shows it to be the pausal form for נאלרמה, and so we have rendered it; and, indeed, as the interchange of the perfect with the future in the attributive clause must be intentional, not quae obmutescit, but obmutuit. The following words, פּיו יפתּח ולא, do not form part of the simile, which would require tiphtach, for nothing but absolute necessity would warrant us in assuming that it points back beyond רחל to שׂה, as Rashi and others suppose. The palindromical repetition also favours the unity of the subject with that of the previous יפתח and the correctness of the delicate accentuation, with which the rendering in the lxx and Act 8:32 coincides. All the references in the New Testament to the Lamb of God (with which the corresponding allusions to the passover are interwoven) spring from this passage in the book of Isaiah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
oppressed--LOWTH translates, "It was exacted, and He was made answerable." The verb means, "to have payment of a debt sternly exacted" (Deu 15:2-3), and so to be oppressed in general; the exaction of the full penalty for our sins in His sufferings is probably alluded to. and . . . afflicted--or, and yet He suffered, or bore Himself patiently, &c. [HENGSTENBERG and MAURER]. LOWTH'S translation, "He was made answerable," is hardly admitted by the Hebrew. opened not . . . mouth-- Jer 11:19; and David in Psa 38:13-14; Psa 39:9, prefiguring Messiah (Mat 26:63; Mat 27:12, Pe1 2:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,.... He was injuriously treated by the Jews; they used him very ill, and handled him very roughly; he was oppressed and afflicted, both in body and mind, with their blows, and with their reproaches; he was afflicted, indeed, both by God and men: or rather it may be rendered, "it was exacted", required, and demanded, "and he answered" (u), or "was afflicted"; justice finding the sins of men on him, laid on him by imputation, and voluntarily received by him, as in the preceding verse, demanded satisfaction of him; and he being the surety of his people, was responsible for them, and did answer, and gave the satisfaction demanded: the debt they owed was required, the payment of it was called for, and he accordingly answered, and paid the whole, every farthing, and cancelled the bond; the punishment of the sins of his people was exacted of him, and he submitted to bear it, and did bear it in his own body on the tree; this clearly expresses the doctrine of Christ's satisfaction: yet he opened not his mouth; against the oppressor that did him the injury, nor murmured at the affliction that was heavy upon him: or, "and he opened not his mouth"; against the justice of God, and the demand that was made upon him, as the surety of his people; he owned the obligation he had laid himself under; he paid the debt, and bore the punishment without any dispute or hesitation: "he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb"; or, "as a sheep to the slaughter, and as an ewe before her shearer" (w); these figurative phrases are expressive, not only of the harmlessness and innocence of Christ, as considered in himself, but of his meekness and patience in suffering, and of his readiness and willingness to be sacrificed in the room and stead of his people; he went to the cross without any reluctance, which; when there was any in the sacrifice, it was reckoned a bad omen among the Heathens, yea, such were not admitted to be offered (x); but Christ went as willingly to be sacrificed as a lamb goes to the slaughter house, and was as silent under his sufferings as a sheep while under the hands of its shearers; he was willing to be stripped of all he had, as a shorn sheep, and to be slaughtered and sacrificed as a lamb, for the sins of his people: so he opened not his mouth: not against his enemies, by way of threatening or complaint; nor even in his own defence; nor against the justice of God, as bearing hard upon him, not sparing him, but demanding and having full satisfaction; nor against his people and their sins, for whom he suffered; see Pe1 2:23. (u) "exigebatur, et ipse respondit", Gataker; "exigitur poena, et ipse affligitur", Junius & Tremellius; "quum illa exigebatur, ipse affligebatur", Piscator; "exigebatur, et ipse submittebatur", Cocceius. (w) "sicut ovis----sicut ovis foemina", Gataker; "ut agnus----et ut agna", Cocceius; "instar ovis----et ut agna", Vitringa. (x) Macrob. Satnrnal. I. 3. c. 5. Plin. Nat. Hist. I. 8. c. 45.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
53:7-8 The Ethiopian eunuch was reading this passage when Philip met him (Acts 8:32-33). 53:7 See 1 Pet 2:21-25 for the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 53:7
The Suffering Servant
6We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. 8By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Jesus the Lamb of God
By David Wilkerson3.7K25:39ISA 53:7JHN 1:29JHN 14:6EPH 2:8REV 5:12This sermon focuses on Jesus as the Lamb of God, the ultimate sacrifice for sin, emphasizing the power of His blood to cleanse and heal. It highlights the universal need for peace and atonement found only in Jesus, contrasting human efforts to earn salvation with the simplicity of faith in Christ's sacrifice. The message calls for a return to Jesus, the Lamb of God, as the source of true peace and transformation.
Particular Redemption, Mission
By Paul Washer2.7K1:02:54PSA 37:9ISA 6:3ISA 53:7ACT 15:14ACT 15:17ROM 1:16EPH 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of simple preaching and the need for humility in delivering the gospel. He shares his experience of preaching a simple message that attracted a large crowd and led to opportunities to speak about his beliefs. The preacher also discusses the importance of relying on the power of God rather than eloquence or intellectual arguments. He then delves into the biblical story of Peter's vision, highlighting its significance and the lessons it teaches about God's cleansing power.
K-049 Weakness
By Art Katz2.4K56:51WeaknessISA 53:7MAT 26:39MAT 27:12MRK 8:34LUK 9:23ACT 1:8ROM 8:262CO 4:7In this sermon, the speaker expresses his weakness and inability to fully prepare for the message he is about to deliver. He emphasizes the importance of being open vessels for God's word to flow through, rather than relying on personal preparation. The speaker also discusses the concept of captivity and how it can be seen as a positive thing, bringing a measure of profound disappointment to those who are overly confident. He concludes by highlighting the contrast between the powerlessness of Jesus before the powers of the world and the new age of love and spirit power.
"The Lamb of God" Part 2
By Joshua Daniel2.4K27:18GEN 22:7PSA 119:105ISA 53:7JHN 1:29JHN 14:6ROM 8:37HEB 9:141PE 1:191JN 1:7REV 12:11This sermon emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God, drawing parallels between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It highlights the power of the blood of the Lamb to overcome evil and the importance of holding onto faith in God's promises even in times of trouble and unbelief. The speaker encourages a deep focus on Jesus, the Lamb of God, who brings deliverance, peace, and love to those who turn to Him.
The Potter's House
By Leonard Ravenhill2.2K1:02:35PotterISA 53:7MAT 6:33LUK 16:31JHN 19:302TI 1:62TI 2:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the marvels of technology, specifically computers, and their limitations compared to the complexity of human beings. He reflects on the thinness of books and the intricate process of their production, highlighting the craftsmanship involved. The speaker then shifts to the story of Sammy Morris, a young African boy who embarked on a journey to America and faced mistreatment along the way. Finally, the speaker imagines the Apostle Paul receiving his reward in heaven and ponders why Paul never wrote a book about his trip to heaven.
Our Adversary the Devil and His Angels
By Keith Daniel2.1K1:16:44DevilGEN 3:1ISA 53:7ROM 1:16ROM 3:132CO 5:19EPH 6:101TI 2:4In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the second coming of the Lord Jesus and the ultimate defeat of Satan. He quotes over 400 verses, discussing topics such as the revelation of Satan, Armageddon, the antichrist, and God's eventual triumph. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing Satan's hold on the world and the need to resist his temptations. He also highlights the power of the gospel to overcome the blindness caused by the God of this world. The sermon concludes with the mention of the judgment that awaits all men.
K-036 the Holocaust and Christian Conscience
By Art Katz2.0K58:50HolocaustISA 53:7MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 5:29ACT 20:21ROM 3:23REV 6:16In this sermon, the speaker shares his burden for repentance and the absence of this message in modern evangelism. He emphasizes the need for Christians to understand their responsibility and guilt before God for the death of Jesus. The speaker also highlights the importance of reviewing the history of Israel and the biblical illiteracy among modern Jews. He concludes by discussing his own experience of reconciliation as a Jewish believer and the need for reconciliation between Germans and Jews.
(John) Honouring Your Parents
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:14:45Honoring ParentsGEN 22:14PSA 22:18ISA 53:7MAT 27:32LUK 1:32LUK 23:34HEB 1:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of "perform" and its significance in the story of Jesus. He starts by referencing the story of the angel appearing to Mary and explaining how she would conceive a son through the Holy Spirit. The preacher emphasizes that when Jesus cried out "peace" on the cross, he performed the ultimate act of redemption and fulfilled the requirements of the throne. The preacher also mentions the soldiers gambling for Jesus' clothes and highlights the significance of one of them getting his garment. The sermon concludes by discussing the prophetic significance of various Old Testament scriptures that point to Calvary and affirm the unbreakable nature of God's word.
(Church Leadership) 14. the Way of the Cross
By Zac Poonen1.5K58:46GEN 6:9JOB 1:1JOB 40:1ISA 52:14ISA 53:2ISA 53:7ISA 53:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following Jesus and taking up the cross. He highlights how Jesus faced constant hostility and was willing to shed his blood rather than sin. The speaker criticizes preachers who prioritize charisma and financial gain over the way of the cross. He shares his own experience of finding the right type of fish by focusing on following Jesus rather than using worldly methods. The sermon encourages listeners to imitate Jesus' selflessness and truthfulness in their own lives.
The Centrality of the Lamb - Part 2
By J. Sidlow Baxter1.3K48:02Lamb Of GodISA 48:22ISA 53:7ISA 53:10ISA 57:21ISA 66:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sinful nature of humanity and the need for a savior. He notes that there is a growing interest in the Bible among people who are disillusioned with false teachings. The preacher shares a personal story of someone who was influenced by their godly father's example and reading of Isaiah 53. He then discusses three key passages in the Bible that highlight the centrality of the Lamb, emphasizing the significance of understanding the complete message conveyed in these passages.
Book of Acts Series - Part 39 | Finishing the Work
By Jim Cymbala1.1K27:17Book Of ActsGEN 41:40ISA 53:7MAT 16:16JHN 3:16ACT 23:11ROM 1:16PHP 1:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bearing witness and giving testimony about Jesus. He highlights the uniqueness of each person's testimony and how God counts on us to share it. The speaker uses the example of the Apostle Paul, who was ordered to bear witness in Rome. He encourages the congregation to be bold in sharing their testimonies, whether through short-term mission trips or in their everyday lives. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's strength and grace to help them bear witness to who Jesus is.
A Season and a Time
By Keith Daniel1.1K1:09:55SeasonsPSA 7:15PRO 4:24PRO 15:23ECC 3:1ISA 53:71PE 2:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using words wisely and knowing when to keep silent. He shares a personal story of encountering a young man with a rebellious appearance and warning him to seek God before committing evil acts. Tragically, the young man later brutally attacked and killed a woman. The preacher reflects on the power of words and the responsibility to speak truth, but also the need to trust God with judgment and not retaliate. The sermon highlights the significance of passing the test of responding to attacks with grace and love.
Mid South Conference 1978-04 Fellowship in the Gospel
By Aldy Fam Fanous1.1K28:12GospelGEN 12:1ISA 53:7ACT 10:9PHP 1:19PHP 1:27PHP 2:81JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of being in a dangerous situation during a time of intense fighting. Despite a rocket exploding near their apartment, the speaker and their family miraculously remained unharmed. The speaker attributes this protection to the presence of an angel and the power of prayer. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity, humility, and living a life guided by the Holy Spirit. The speaker encourages listeners to let their actions align with their words and to allow the Spirit of God to energize their lives.
(Acts) Divine Appointments
By Brian Brodersen98855:29GEN 3:15PSA 22:1ISA 53:7MAT 28:19LUK 24:27JHN 1:1ACT 8:26In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of providing all the necessary information to someone before leading them to the Lord. He shares a story about a friend who boasted about leading many people to the Lord but couldn't account for their whereabouts or spiritual growth. The speaker highlights that without the Lord, people are lost and empty, and nothing in the world can fill that void. He encourages believers not to feel pressured or scared about evangelism, but to trust in the Lord to set up divine appointments and guide the process. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God to open doors for evangelism opportunities.
The Lamb of God
By Jon Speed95634:02Open-Air PreachingISA 53:7MAT 6:33JHN 1:29HEB 9:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel and the role of the law of God in bringing conviction. He shares a personal experience of sharing the gospel with a bouncer and witnessing the power of the law in convicting him. The preacher encourages believers to spend time reading and meditating on the Word of God to better understand and explain the gospel to others. He also highlights the example of John the Baptist, who understood his role as a witness to the light and not the light itself. The sermon emphasizes the need to focus on preaching Christ and helping the lost world understand their obligations before God.
A Time to Be Silent
By Keith Daniel9411:14:04SilencePSA 141:3PRO 15:23ISA 53:7MAT 5:392CO 12:9JAS 1:191PE 2:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of words and the destructive impact they can have on others. He shares a personal story of witnessing a man's life being destroyed by a single sentence spoken by a young person. The preacher warns against the danger of gossip and slander, highlighting the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their families. He urges listeners to be mindful of their words and to seek God's grace in all circumstances, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commandments.
Meekness
By Anton Bosch77548:32MeeknessEXO 4:10EXO 32:9JOB 1:20PSA 37:1ISA 53:7MAT 5:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and how he was called by God despite feeling inadequate. Moses pleaded for the people of Israel even when God wanted to destroy them. The speaker also mentions how Moses learned meekness while looking after sheep, as they submit to being sheared without resistance. The sermon then shifts to the story of Job, who lost everything but still chose to worship God instead of questioning Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of meekness and worshiping God in difficult times.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 75
By Zac Poonen60525:25PSA 51:17PRO 28:13ISA 53:7MAT 26:63MAT 26:75LUK 22:361CO 10:12JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon delves into the importance of valuing fellowship with the Father above all else, learning to hate sin by treasuring this relationship. It explores the example of Jesus' willingness to break fellowship with the Father to ensure our eternal connection. The sermon also highlights the significance of being silent in the face of false accusations, drawing lessons from Jesus' response during his trial. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for humility and dependence on God, as seen through Peter's denial and subsequent repentance.
Learn From Christ's Speech and How He Spoke
By Tim Conway5881:02:21PRO 12:18PRO 18:21ISA 53:7MAT 26:62JHN 7:16JHN 8:28JHN 12:49EPH 4:29This sermon emphasizes the transformation from the old Gentile ways to learning Christ, focusing on speaking with gentleness, knowing when to be silent, and speaking the Word of God. It highlights the importance of using our tongues to build up, dispense grace, and reflect the righteousness purchased by Christ's blood, urging believers to imitate Christ in their speech and conduct.
The Tongue!
By Keith Daniel5581:17:55PSA 27:5PSA 46:10PSA 141:3PRO 10:19PRO 14:29PRO 15:1PRO 17:28ISA 53:7JAS 1:191PE 3:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's grace to keep silent in the face of opposition, especially within the home, to avoid losing relationships due to impulsive reactions. It highlights the power of silence, the example of Christ not retaliating, and the need to trust God to fight battles. The message stresses the impact of words on relationships and the need for wisdom in speech to edify others. It also underscores the significance of seeking God's grace to handle conflicts and challenges with a spirit of meekness and forgiveness.
I Am God Thy Father
By Lloyd Wineberg54011:51Character Of GodGEN 35:11ISA 53:7MAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 8:12CO 5:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses various events and changes happening in the world, such as governments crumbling and the power to rule diminishing. The preacher emphasizes that the day will come when Jesus, who has the right to reign, will take over all power. The sermon also highlights the power of God as seen in the person of Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary, where he triumphed over his foes and provided salvation for mankind. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, shedding his blood to cleanse humanity from sin and offering the opportunity for new life in Christ.
What Hinders You?
By Shane Idleman48050:20ISA 53:7MAT 28:19MRK 16:16ACT 8:26HEB 10:22This sermon delves into the hindrances that can prevent individuals from fully surrendering to God, focusing on resistance, delay, and obstruction in one's walk with God. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's calling, the distinction between religion and relationship with God, and the significance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The sermon also highlights the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, illustrating the readiness to believe, be baptized, and make a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ.
Remembering the Slain Lamb
By Zac Poonen45117:41GEN 3:15ISA 53:7LUK 22:191CO 1:23PHP 2:8COL 1:20HEB 4:151PE 1:18REV 5:5REV 5:9This sermon delves into the profound imagery of Revelation 5, highlighting the worship in heaven centered solely on Jesus. It emphasizes the need for humility and recognizing our rebellion against God's authority, tracing back to the first sin. The significance of Jesus as the Lion of Judah who overcame to pay the price for redemption is explored, showcasing the lion-lamb combination in his character. The call to sing a 'fresh' song about the cross, experiencing the depth of Jesus' sacrifice as if hearing it for the first time, is a central theme, urging believers to keep the message of the cross ever fresh in their hearts.
Week of Meetings 1970-03 the Ethiopian Eunich
By Stan Ford42044:04ISA 53:7MAT 6:33MAT 28:19ACT 8:26In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of education and opportunities in the world. He shares a personal story about speaking at a school and being shocked by the poverty and lack of resources. The speaker then transitions to discussing the story of a man in the Bible who was not allowed to enter the House of God, but still found joy in his journey. The sermon emphasizes the need to make disciples of all nations and encourages the audience to serve the Lord and seek His blessings.
When Falsely Accused and Unjustly Used
By Lou Sutera3421:01:50AccusationISA 53:5ISA 53:7PHP 3:10HEB 12:161PE 3:91PE 4:81PE 4:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a young man who forgave his mother after seven years of estrangement. The young man's forgiving spirit allowed God to minister to his mother, who became a Christian that day. The speaker emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, stating that we are most like God when we forgive. He also discusses the concept of rendering blessing for evil and railing, highlighting the need for fervent love and covering the multitude of sins. The sermon addresses the impact of bitterness and defilement in families, using examples of young people who have been affected by divorce and desertion.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The fourth turn describes how He suffered and died and was buried. "He was ill treated; whilst He suffered willingly, and opened not His mouth, like the sheep that is led to the slaughter-bench, and like a lamb that is dumb before its shearers, and opened not His mouth." The third pers. niphal stands first in a passive sense: He has been hard pressed (Sa1 13:6): He is driven, or hunted (Sa1 14:24), treated tyrannically and unsparingly; in a word, plagued (vexatus; compare the niphal in a reciprocal sense in Isa 3:5, and according to the reading נגשׂ in Isa 29:13 in a reflective sense, to torment one's self). Hitzig renders the next clause, "and although tormented, He opened not His mouth." But although an explanatory subordinate clause may precede the principal clause which it more fully explains, not example can be found of such a clause with (a retrospective) והוּא explaining what follows; for in Job 2:8 the circumstantial clause, "sitting down among the ashes," belongs to the principal fact which stands before. And so here, where נענה (from which comes the participle נענה, usually met with in circumstantial clauses) has not a passive, but a reflective meaning, as in Exo 10:3 : "He was ill treated, whilst He bowed Himself (= suffered voluntarily), and opened not His mouth" (the regular leap from the participle to the finite). The voluntary endurance is then explained by the simile "like a sheep that is led to the slaughter" (an attributive clause, like Jer 11:19); and the submissive quiet bearing, by the simile "like a lamb that is dumb before its shearers." The commentators regard נאלמה as a participle; but this would have the tone upon the last syllable (see Isa 1:21, Isa 1:26; Nah 3:11; cf., Comm. on Job, at Job 20:27, note). The tone shows it to be the pausal form for נאלרמה, and so we have rendered it; and, indeed, as the interchange of the perfect with the future in the attributive clause must be intentional, not quae obmutescit, but obmutuit. The following words, פּיו יפתּח ולא, do not form part of the simile, which would require tiphtach, for nothing but absolute necessity would warrant us in assuming that it points back beyond רחל to שׂה, as Rashi and others suppose. The palindromical repetition also favours the unity of the subject with that of the previous יפתח and the correctness of the delicate accentuation, with which the rendering in the lxx and Act 8:32 coincides. All the references in the New Testament to the Lamb of God (with which the corresponding allusions to the passover are interwoven) spring from this passage in the book of Isaiah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
oppressed--LOWTH translates, "It was exacted, and He was made answerable." The verb means, "to have payment of a debt sternly exacted" (Deu 15:2-3), and so to be oppressed in general; the exaction of the full penalty for our sins in His sufferings is probably alluded to. and . . . afflicted--or, and yet He suffered, or bore Himself patiently, &c. [HENGSTENBERG and MAURER]. LOWTH'S translation, "He was made answerable," is hardly admitted by the Hebrew. opened not . . . mouth-- Jer 11:19; and David in Psa 38:13-14; Psa 39:9, prefiguring Messiah (Mat 26:63; Mat 27:12, Pe1 2:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,.... He was injuriously treated by the Jews; they used him very ill, and handled him very roughly; he was oppressed and afflicted, both in body and mind, with their blows, and with their reproaches; he was afflicted, indeed, both by God and men: or rather it may be rendered, "it was exacted", required, and demanded, "and he answered" (u), or "was afflicted"; justice finding the sins of men on him, laid on him by imputation, and voluntarily received by him, as in the preceding verse, demanded satisfaction of him; and he being the surety of his people, was responsible for them, and did answer, and gave the satisfaction demanded: the debt they owed was required, the payment of it was called for, and he accordingly answered, and paid the whole, every farthing, and cancelled the bond; the punishment of the sins of his people was exacted of him, and he submitted to bear it, and did bear it in his own body on the tree; this clearly expresses the doctrine of Christ's satisfaction: yet he opened not his mouth; against the oppressor that did him the injury, nor murmured at the affliction that was heavy upon him: or, "and he opened not his mouth"; against the justice of God, and the demand that was made upon him, as the surety of his people; he owned the obligation he had laid himself under; he paid the debt, and bore the punishment without any dispute or hesitation: "he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb"; or, "as a sheep to the slaughter, and as an ewe before her shearer" (w); these figurative phrases are expressive, not only of the harmlessness and innocence of Christ, as considered in himself, but of his meekness and patience in suffering, and of his readiness and willingness to be sacrificed in the room and stead of his people; he went to the cross without any reluctance, which; when there was any in the sacrifice, it was reckoned a bad omen among the Heathens, yea, such were not admitted to be offered (x); but Christ went as willingly to be sacrificed as a lamb goes to the slaughter house, and was as silent under his sufferings as a sheep while under the hands of its shearers; he was willing to be stripped of all he had, as a shorn sheep, and to be slaughtered and sacrificed as a lamb, for the sins of his people: so he opened not his mouth: not against his enemies, by way of threatening or complaint; nor even in his own defence; nor against the justice of God, as bearing hard upon him, not sparing him, but demanding and having full satisfaction; nor against his people and their sins, for whom he suffered; see Pe1 2:23. (u) "exigebatur, et ipse respondit", Gataker; "exigitur poena, et ipse affligitur", Junius & Tremellius; "quum illa exigebatur, ipse affligebatur", Piscator; "exigebatur, et ipse submittebatur", Cocceius. (w) "sicut ovis----sicut ovis foemina", Gataker; "ut agnus----et ut agna", Cocceius; "instar ovis----et ut agna", Vitringa. (x) Macrob. Satnrnal. I. 3. c. 5. Plin. Nat. Hist. I. 8. c. 45.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
53:7-8 The Ethiopian eunuch was reading this passage when Philip met him (Acts 8:32-33). 53:7 See 1 Pet 2:21-25 for the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ.