OT Overview Devotions (Week #19: Isaiah 52-54)
As we read past Isaiah 1-39 into chapters 52-54, bear in the mind the above. Consider how an Israelite in exile would receive Isaiah’s words while under Babylonian rule.
Day #1:
Recall some of the glorious promises from the LORD in Isaiah 9, 11, 25, 40 last week. What are some promises that struck you? How can you give thanks to God today for what He promised all those years ago? Speak to our Father in heaven and praise Him for these things!
Day #2:
Note: in the book of Isaiah, we are on the lookout for a Servant of the LORD (who is also a king), One He has chosen to carry out His big rescue plan.
Read Isaiah 42:1-9. What do we learn about this Servant here (v.1-4)? What does God promise to do through this Servant (v.5-9)?
Day #3:
Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12 in both the ESV and the NIV (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+52-54&version=NIV). What do we learn about this Servant whom Isaiah speaks of here? Look out for and note down points in the song about how this Servant will bring about the LORD’s big rescue plan (look out for words, phrases and promises similar to last week’s Isaiah study). Try to be specific – how exactly will this Servant fulfil God’s big rescue plan?
Remember to put yourselves in the shoes of an Israelite in exile. As you sit in the wreckage of your life in Babylon, how would these words have sounded to you? What would be surprising or confusing to you, and why?
Day #4:
Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12 again and this time around note who is speaking in each sections. Who is speaking in Isaiah 52:13-15 and Isaiah 53:11-12? Who are speaking in between those verses in Isaiah 53:1-10?
If the LORD is speaking in the opening and closing sections, what is He saying? How is it different from what the people are speaking of in the middle section?
Day #5:
Read Isaiah 54:1-17. How are the people called to respond to the words declared in the Servant Song (52:13-53:12)? What are some reasons in c.54 that God’s people can praise Him for?
How is Isaiah 52:13-54:17 true for us even today as people in Christ? What are some promises you have seen fulfilled in Jesus (and what are some that are not yet fully realised)?
Speak to God about this and thank our Father in heaven for His words of comfort and hope.
Take some time to speak to our Father in heaven about these things.
Reflection Song:
Praise & Reflection Song Playlist:
