Today is Monday of Holy Week. Only one protagonist marks the whole week. He does it with the force of his deeds. This protagonist is Jesus, the Lamb of God.

During these holy days, I will explore the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah will be our exquisite commentator. He will help us feel the full force of what Jesus will do on Good Friday.

Here are some general remarks on the prophet that set the stage for the Suffering Servant.

The Book of Isaiah is first among the latter prophets in the Old Testament. The book is known for its teaching of the Messiah and the most often quoted prophet in the New Testament. This large book is divided by three names: First, Second, and Third Isaiah. These divisions are best understood as labels for grouping chapters. They should not be used to refer to historical figures. 

First Isaiah (1-29) accounts for the Assyrians proceeding to the Kingdom of Judah. Isaiah assures us that a remnant of Israel will survive. Zion is a theme in First Isaiah. Zion is the royal presence of God. Zion refers to the inhabitants of the capital city of Jerusalem. Zion refers to a cosmic mountain as it is the center of the earth and cosmos. Zion is also a reference to the Garden of Eden. These images of Zion are an example of the multilayers of meaning found in Isaiah. 

Another critical theme in First Isaiah is the Messiah. Isaiah has overtones of Christmas to the modern reader. The prophet addresses the prophecy of Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy responds to Assyrian expansion. It also addresses a crisis of the kingdom under King Ahaz. This eighth-century context had an immediate meaning. There was a fuller sense that through the Incarnation, God will bring pardon and healing to Zion (CCC 1502). 

Second Isaiah (40-55) opens with the promise of salvation. Jerusalem was captured by Babylon, and the temple was destroyed. The destruction of the temple ended the monarchy of David. Most interesting in Second Isaiah is the rule of Judah by pagan leaders. Through the oracles, God assures his people. Even though they are ruled by pagans, he is still greater than all the other gods. Second Isaiah is about the reversal of exile circumstances.  

Third Isaiah (56-66) continues focusing on hope and restoration. Third Isaiah presumes that many exiles have returned to Zion. The theme of Third Isaiah is building a new city and forming a people.  

The scriptural passage we are exploring is at the end of Second Isaiah. It is known as the Fourth Song of the Suffering Servant. I will discuss this idea further in tomorrow’s post. For now, we have a greater context as we explore the theme of the Suffering Servant.

I invite you to listen to this rendering of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. May it guide our thoughts and hearts this day. Sung by the Tabernacle Choir.