This paper explores ecclesiastical interpretation of the servant theme in Isaiah 40-66. The servant theme in Isaiah 40-66 has been one of the most controversial issues among scholars. Currently the so-called the servant song is to be examined within t...
This paper explores ecclesiastical interpretation of the servant theme in Isaiah 40-66. The servant theme in Isaiah 40-66 has been one of the most controversial issues among scholars. Currently the so-called the servant song is to be examined within the larger literary context of the book of Isaiah, focusing on its role and function. As we interpret the servant within the literary context, it has a close relationship with Jacob/Israel(40:27). When seen from the relationship with the New Testament, the role of servant in Isaiah 40-55 is ultimately fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus and continues in the ministry of the church. It is a progressive fulfillment of God’s promise through the servant, enfolding it according to a certain pattern. The identity and mission of the servant is both Christotelic and Christocentric. The servant in Isaiah 40-66 is the type of Jesus and at the same time the type of the church in terms of the analogical relationship. The true Israel, church, has a continuous relationship with Israel in the Old Testament and is a community of God’s people that accomplishes the mission of Israel in the world. The mission of Israel was to be a witness of God, likewise the mission of the church is to be a witness of the gospel. The thematic transition occurs in Isaiah 54:17 from ‘singular servant’ to ‘plural servants’. The servants introduced in Isaiah 56-66 are the godly saints of the church who bind themselves to the Lord, intercede for the covenant community, and inherit the New Jerusalem.