S3E22: Isaiah, Messianism, and the Servant Songs

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In this episode we discuss messianism in the book of Isaiah. In light of the day of the Lord and the coming restoration of creation, Isaiah portrays the Messiah as the head of Israel, who will redeem Israel and glorify Jerusalem. The Messiah functions as a servant of Israel who heals the nation and leads her to her glorious destiny. As Paul would put it, “I tell you that Messiah became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs” (Romans 15:8).

Show notes

• What is messianism? (2:25)
• Messianism in Isaiah – Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-9; Testament of Judah 24:1-6 (6:15)
• The Servant Songs: Who is the servant? – Isaiah 41:8-10; Isaiah 44:1-2, 21; Isaiah 48:20; Isaiah 49:3 (13:12)
• The language of “servant” assumes calling for a role or purpose – Isaiah 42:1, 6-8; Isaiah 42:19-20; Isaiah 49:5-6 (19:14)
• The Messiah as the head of Israel, the singular servant of the collective servant – Psalms of Solomon 17:21-24; 2 Baruch 70:9-10; 73:1 (28:27)
• The Servant and Isaiah 53 – Luke 24:26; Isaiah 52:13-14; Hebrews 2:16-18; Isaiah 7-8; Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15; Romans 15:8-9 (35:07)
• The restoration of the Servant – Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-30 (52:59)