The servant of the Lord will share the throne with God himself, as he will be “lifted up and highly exalted” (52:13–15). He will succeed in his mission, for which reason he is described as acting “wisely” (52:13). He does what is right and pleases God. The Lord will raise him up to glory. The nations who marvel at his appearance, because the servant was greatly humiliated in his suffering, will witness his glory.

The kings and nations were amazed when they heard about the suffering servant, and so are the godly in Israel (53:1–3). Therefore, the question “Who has believed?” is raised. The question is meant not only to draw attention to the servant but also to introduce the servant as the means of redemption. Yahweh has chosen to reveal his “arm” through the servant. The “arm of the Lord”…