In the preceding verse, it is written that in resurrection Messiah would “see His seed” (v. 10). The theme of seeing is now continued in today’s text. There have been various translations of this verse in attempts to plumb its meaning. What is Messiah actually seeing as a result of the “labor of His soul”? Previously, it was that He would see “His seed,” those who would believe in Him as a result of His work. The Greek translation of Isaiah, the one which the apostles used when quoting from the Old Testament, renders it this way: “From the labor of His soul He shall see light.” And the Hebrew Dead Sea Scrolls confirm this translation having, “He shall see light.” It is a prophecy concerning Messiah’s resurrection—which is the main and continuing emphasis of verses 10 to 12. He would see His seed and He would see them in the light of resurrection life; this would be the fruit of His labors.

Jehovah now calls His suffering Servant “My righteous Servant.” He indeed would “justify many.” Literally, He will “justify the many.” Not all people are justified, only those who by faith have believed in Him: “So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Heb. 9:28). He was a “propitiation” for the sins of the whole world (1 Jn. 2:2), but was the sin-bearer, the substitute, only for “the many,” those believing in Him. His work is sufficient for all, but effective only for those who believe.

Let us consider and meditate on these facts. Have we believed in Christ? If so, then we have been justified from all things and reckoned righteous before God. On this Lord’s Day then, let us give thanks to Him.