Isaiah 52:15

So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for [that] which had not been told them shall they see; and [that] which they had not heard shall they consider.

So shall he sprinkle {H5137} many {H7227} nations {H1471}; the kings {H4428} shall shut {H7092} their mouths {H6310} at him: for that which had not been told {H5608} them shall they see {H7200}; and that which they had not heard {H8085} shall they consider {H995}.

so now he will startle many nations; because of him, kings will be speechless. For they will see what they had not been told, they will ponder things they had never heard."

so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.

so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they understand.

Commentary

Commentary on Isaiah 52:15 (KJV)

Isaiah 52:15 concludes the introductory verses of the fourth "Servant Song" (Isaiah 52:13-53:12), a profound prophetic passage describing the suffering and ultimate triumph of the Messiah. Following the depiction of the Servant's disfigurement and humiliation in verse 14, this verse sharply contrasts that image with the astonishing impact He will have on the most powerful figures of the world.

Context

This verse immediately follows Isaiah 52:14, which describes the Servant's marred appearance, shocking those who saw Him. The transition from extreme humiliation to universal exaltation is central to this passage. Historically, this prophecy was a radical departure from common expectations of a conquering Messiah. Culturally, the idea of a suffering servant who would purify and enlighten nations was revolutionary, challenging both Jewish and Gentile understandings of divine power and redemption. It sets the stage for the detailed description of the Servant's redemptive work in Isaiah 53, where His suffering is revealed as a means of atonement and justification for many.

Key Themes

  • Universal Atonement and Purification: The phrase "So shall he sprinkle many nations" suggests a widespread act of cleansing or purification. In Old Testament ritual, sprinkling was associated with purification from sin or defilement (e.g., Numbers 19:13) and the establishment of a covenant (Exodus 24:8). This points to the Servant's work having a global impact, extending salvation and covenant relationship beyond Israel to include Gentiles.
  • Astonishment and Awe of Rulers: "The kings shall shut their mouths at him" vividly portrays the speechless wonder and awe that world leaders will experience in the presence of the Servant. This is not merely silence but a profound recognition of His majesty and the unexpected nature of His glory, which stands in stark contrast to His previous humble appearance. It speaks to the ultimate triumph and universal acknowledgment of the Messiah's authority.
  • Divine Revelation of Hidden Truths: The latter part of the verse, "for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider," highlights the unveiling of a profound truth. This refers to the mystery of God's redemptive plan through the Suffering Servant โ€“ a plan previously hidden or incomprehensible to human wisdom. Kings and nations will witness and comprehend a divine reality that was beyond their knowledge or expectation, recognizing God's wisdom in saving through the unexpected path of suffering and sacrifice. This theme resonates with New Testament teachings about the mystery of Christ revealed to the Gentiles.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "sprinkle" is yazzeh (ื™ึทื–ึผึถื”). While it commonly means "to sprinkle" in a ritual sense of purification, it can also carry the meaning "to startle" or "to cause to leap." Both meanings are highly relevant here. The Servant's work will both purify nations and utterly astonish them, especially considering the preceding description of His disfigurement. The "shutting of mouths" (yiqpeแนฃลซ pรฎhem) reinforces the idea of speechless astonishment rather than mere respectful silence, emphasizing the overwhelming impact of the Servant's revelation.

Practical Application

Isaiah 52:15 offers powerful insights for believers today:

  • God's Unexpected Ways: It reminds us that God's ways are often contrary to human expectations. Salvation came not through worldly power but through the suffering and sacrifice of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:25).
  • The Universal Scope of the Gospel: The "many nations" signifies that God's redemptive plan was always intended for all humanity, breaking down barriers between peoples (Galatians 3:28).
  • Awe and Reverence: Our response to the revelation of Christ should be one of profound awe and reverence. We, like the kings, should be moved to speechless wonder by the depth of God's love and wisdom displayed in the cross.
  • Embracing Revelation: The verse encourages us to be open to divine truth, even when it challenges our preconceived notions. The greatest truths are often those "which had not been told them" but are now revealed through Christ.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 15:20

    Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

  • Romans 15:21

    But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

  • Isaiah 49:7

    ยถ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

  • 1 Peter 1:2

    Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

  • Ezekiel 36:25

    ยถ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

  • Isaiah 49:23

    And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

  • Isaiah 55:5

    Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
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