The Servant mentioned here is Messiah; it is a prophecy concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact the entire passage of Isaiah 52:13–15 is really an introduction or prologue to the great messianic prophecy of Isaiah 53, presenting the suffering Servant of Jehovah. This is the fourth of four “Servant Songs” in Isaiah (42:1–4; 49:1–7; 50:4–7; 52:13–53:12). And what a song it is!

This Servant, when on earth, would act “wisely,” or “prudently.” In the Gospels we see Him walking through the wilderness of this evil world, undefiled, His every step and every word marked by divine wisdom. How wonderful to trace such a life!

The main section of the prophecy (53:1–12) starts with His sufferings. He was the “Man of sorrows,” and He would become the sin-bearer. It concludes with His resurrection and sharing the spoils of His victory with those whom He justified. But the preface (52:13–15) is just the reverse. It starts with Christ’s exaltation: “He shall be high and lifted up”; followed by His sufferings: “His appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and His form beyond that of the children of mankind” (v. 14). Blessed Savior!

Messiah’s victory is assured from the start; the prophecy begins at the end, “He shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.” The future tense is used—it is prophecy—but there is no doubt concerning His victory. He could say to the Father on the evening of His arrest, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (Jn. 17:4 nkjv). We see Him now at the right hand of the “greatness on high” (Heb. 1:3 jnd). There is no place higher! If there were, He would be there.