In this verse we have set forth the joy of the Lord as well as His suffering (cf.

Heb. 12: 1-3), for suffering and glory are always linked together. Because of His great

atoning work, the kingdom is His, which is to be evenly divided among the many--in

other words, every redeemed one must enter the kingdom by virtue of redemption. The

division of the spoil is in the hands of Christ. He divides this among the strong--in other

words, the overcomers, the faithful, the obedient. These not only have an entry into the

kingdom, but an abundant entry (II Pet. 1: 5-13); not only will they live with Christ, but

they will also reign with Him in His kingdom.

The next sentences show a threefold aspect of the death of Christ: (1) He "poured

out"--willingly; (2) He "was numbered"--representing what man thought, and still

thinks, of Him; (3) He "bore"--the substitutionary work. The last words of the chapter:

"He made a meeting", should be full of comfort to every saved sinner. By His sacrifice

those who were dead in sins are fitted to meet the living God. Unholy rebels are made fit

to enter the courts of Heaven. Sinners who were far off have found in Him a meeting

place, a "mercy seat", where God still says: "There will I meet with you." Reader--if

you are a believer, rejoice, and seek to live as one for whom such wonderful blessings

have been prepared. If, on the other hand, you feel, by grace, your need of a Saviour, and

of a perfect righteousness--look into this chapter and "behold the Lamb of God".