I see more and more questions online on whether Isaiah 53 is just about the nation of Israel and not about Jesus.  This is an important issue because Isaiah 53 is striking in its description about Jesus which is a key evidence for faith.

Is it possible, then, that Isaiah 53 could be about Israel?  Let’s look at the text.

First of all, if this is Israel, then it would mean that Israel was sinless.

“though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth”  v. 9

Let’s face it, Israel has never been without sin.  Because Jewish people are humans like all the rest of us.  We are all sinners.

Second, did the nation of Israel pay for our sins (i.e. transgressions)?  The suffering servant did that.

•  “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering” (v. 4)
• “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities” (v. 5)
• “for the transgression of my people he was punished” (v. 8)
• “though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin” (v. 10)
• ” For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (v. 12)

Third, These verses talk about a specific person who died.

•  “he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth”” v 7
• For he was cut off from the land of the living” v, 8
• “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death” v. 9
• “he poured out his life unto death” (v. 12)

Fourth, the suffering servant had no descendants.  The nation of Israel still is producing students.

• For he was cut off from the land of the living” v, 8

(The other translation make it clear that this means he had no descendants and was cut off).

Fifth, he is called “a man”

• “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (v. 3)

Sixth, Jesus said these verses were about him.

– For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment” (Luke 22:37; Isaiah 53:12).

Seventh, the gospel writers said this was fulfilled in Jesus. Matthew 8:16-17:

16 That evening they brought to him [Jesus] many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases” (Isaiah 53:4).

The Book of Acts says Jesus was the fulfillments.  This is the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch that was reading Isaiah 53 when Philip came up to him to explain the Scriptures.

32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
 and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
   so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
    Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.” (Isaiah 53:7-8).

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. (Acts 8:32-35)

In summary, the suffering servant

1. Was sinless
2. Sacrificed his life for our sins and transgressions
3. Died
4. He had no descendants
5. Was called a man
6. Jesus says these verses were about him
7. Jesus’ disciples said it was about Jesus

It becomes impossible for Israel to have fulfilled these.  It just doesn’t work.

Just as Jesus said, these verses are about him.