Isaiah the Prophet, Painting by Pietro Perugino 1452-1523 The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Introduction Today we look at the fourth of what commentators call the “Servant Songs” in Isaiah. These are Hebrew poems or chants that told the Israelites some details about the future Messiah. Isaiah recited or chanted these probably in the temple court. The first Servant Song we discussed is in Isaiah 42:1-9, in which the Father calls the future Messiah “My Servant.” That Song prophesies that the Messiah would have a quiet and patient demeanor, would offer comfort to the weak and oppressed, would bring truth and justice, would be a light to the Gentiles and open mankind’s eyes. The first song ends with Yahweh assuring that the Messiah’s advent is sure because we can depend on His word. He tells us in 42:9: See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” In the second Servant So
