Isaiah 52 Footnotes

52:3 To be “sold for nothing” (see Ps 44:12) is an expression of the people’s utter worthlessness, as to their ability to consistently obey the Lord. Isaiah used it to show the Lord’s grace in redeeming them at no cost to themselves.

52:13,15 If this passage refers to Jesus, when was he “greatly exalted,” and when did kings “shut their mouths because of him” or ever really understand who Jesus was? Jesus was not exalted during his earthly ministry, but after his death and resurrection he was exalted to the right hand of God (Mt 22:41-45; Ac 2:33-35; Php 2:9; Heb 1:3). Revelation calls him “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rv 1:5). Scripture often speaks “proleptically,” or in anticipation, of things yet to be fulfilled.