Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong… Dividing of the spoil is the effect of a sure and a great conquest. The eminency of it lieth in these four things — (1) Either in the power of the adversaries. There is no triumph in prevailing over weak things. (2) The unlikelihood of the means. A thousand men were slain by the jawbone of an ass by the hands of Samson; and a numerous host discomfited by Gideon's pitchers and three hundred lamps. Such things as these make the success memorable. (3) The manner or nature of the victory. Total defeats are most noted. (4) A conquest is glorious in the effects or result of it. If it be of great importance and consequence to the good of a people, when fears are removed, and privileges are granted and enlarged, spoilers taken, a kingdom subdued — these things make for the glory of the victory. Let us see if such things be not found in the conquest of Christ.THE ADVERSARIES. They are always expressed by such notions as do imply great strength and power (Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 4:8). 1. There is the devil, who is a powerful adversary. But "the prince of this world is judged" (John 16:11). 2. The law was an enemy, as it condemns us (Colossians 2:14; Ephesians 2:16). 3. Death and hell (1 Corinthians 15:54; 2 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 1:18). 4. The flesh (Romans 8:3). 5. The world (John 16:33). 6. All the adverse powers in the world (Psalm 2:10-12). II. THE MEANS. The weapons of this warfare are not carnal. 1. As to His death. 2. By the Word of the Cross, called the foolishness of preaching. 3. By His Spirit; a great force, but secret and undiscerned. 4. By His prayers and intercessions. III. THE MANNER OR NATURE OF THE CONQUEST, how it is achieved. 1. The enemies are overcome and terribly broken: there is a total dissipation of all the powers of darkness. 2. Not barely overcome, but spoiled and rifled (Colossians 2:15). 3. Such a victory as endeth in a solemn triumph; as conquerors in public view carried their spoils and their enemies tied to their chariots, so Christ would expose them to open shame. IV. WHAT SPECIAL BENEFITS WE HAVE BY THE CONQUEST OF CHRIST. 1. The banishment of distracting fear (Hebrews 2:15). 2. An encouragement to the spiritual conflict. 3. Joy unspeakable and glorious. 4. Hopes of glory; we shall conquer with Him, and reign with Him. 5. The very exaltation of Christ is a great comfort to us. 6. Christ's conquest is a token, earnest and pledge of our victory. 7. What Christ did in this conquest, He did it for our sakes. He will have nothing but we shall share in it. 8. Another benefit is usefulness and serviceableness for all that befalls us. Christ doth so effect it that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). ( T. Manton, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. |
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