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"Thine hearts is lifted up . . . . . . . thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God"
(Ezek. 28: 5, 6).
and further to reveal the parallel intended between the Usurper and the Rightful Lord, we
find the word "astonied" or "astonished" used of each (Isa. 52: 14; Ezek. 28: 19).
Gabah is used of the "heart" II Chron. 26: 16; "the heavens" (Isa. 55: 9); "the Lord of
hosts" (Isa. 5: 16), and of Saul who was higher than any of the people (I Sam. 10: 23).
"Behold, said the Lord, "Behold My Servant, He shall be exalted, and extolled and be
very high."
The LXX recognizes that these are not to be considered as three separate statements,
positions or degrees, but an intensive way of speaking of His exceeding exaltation, it
reads "He shall be exalted and glorified exceedingly".
We must not look upon the exaltation of the Servant of the Lord here, as though it
were the effect of the prospering of the first part of the verse. Rather is the second clause
to be read as an expansion, a parallel, with the first. In this verse the suffering and
humiliation are passed, the glory fills the vision. Here, in Isa. 52: 13 - 53: 12 we have
Exaltation, followed by a review of past humiliation, succeeded once again by exaltation,
this time manifested by dividing the spoil.
We turn to the N.T. and discover another passage which sets before us the blessed
sequel to His condescension. It will enable us to appreciate the antichristian blasphemy
of Lucifer or the Cherub that fell; it will enable us to understand that the words
"The high and lofty One" Who inhabiteth Eternity, were perfectly fitting to Him Who
was on earth known as the Man of Sorrows, for He was more than mere man, He was the
God-Man. "Behold My Servant" said the Lord, not only in Isa. 52:, but in Phil. 2:
"Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, But
made Himself of no reputation . . . . . the form of a servant . . . . . He humbled Himself
(see Isa. 53: 8 LXX, `In His humiliation His judgment was taken away') . . . . . unto
death, even the death of the Cross. Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him
(huperupsoo) and given Him the name which is above every name; that in the name of
Jesus every knee should bow" (Phil. 2: 6-10).
Stress is laid in the N.T on the exceedingly exalted position now occupied by the
Ascended Lord.
"He ascended up far above all heavens" (Eph. 4: 10) so far above that He might "fill
all things". He has "passed through" (dierchomai) the heavens (Heb. 4: 14); He is
"made higher than the heavens" hupsiloteros "more exalted" (Heb. 7: 26).
Thus does prophet and apostle delight to honour Him, Who for our sakes stooped so
low. It is good that at the opening of this chapter of unprecedented suffering we should
be taken as it were with Peter, James and John to the Mount of Transfiguration, and there
with Moses and Elijah become "eye-witnesses" of His majesty, before we descend with
Him into the vale of tears that led to Calvary's Cross.