Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
He was oppressed
The Hebrew word for "oppressed" is "נִגַּשׂ" (niggas), which conveys a sense of being driven or harassed. This term reflects the intense pressure and affliction that the Suffering Servant endured. Historically, this oppression can be seen in the trials and tribulations faced by Jesus Christ, who was unjustly accused and mistreated by both religious and political authorities. The oppression signifies the weight of sin and injustice that He bore on behalf of humanity.

and afflicted
The Hebrew word "עָנָה" (anah) for "afflicted" suggests being humbled or bowed down. This word choice emphasizes the humility and submission of the Servant, who willingly accepted suffering. In the New Testament, this is mirrored in Philippians 2:8, where Christ is described as humbling Himself by becoming obedient to death. The affliction was not just physical but also spiritual and emotional, as He bore the sins of the world.

yet He did not open His mouth
This phrase highlights the Servant's silence in the face of suffering, reminiscent of Jesus' demeanor during His trials (Matthew 26:63, 27:14). The silence signifies submission to God's will and a fulfillment of prophecy. It also reflects a profound strength and dignity, as He chose not to defend Himself against false accusations, trusting in God's ultimate justice.

He was led like a lamb to the slaughter
The imagery of a lamb is significant in both Jewish and Christian contexts. In Hebrew, "כַּשֶּׂה" (kaseh) refers to a lamb, an animal often used in sacrificial offerings. This phrase evokes the Passover lamb, symbolizing innocence and sacrifice. Jesus is identified as the "Lamb of God" in John 1:29, underscoring His role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, willingly led to His death for the redemption of humanity.

and as a sheep before her shearers is silent
The comparison to a sheep before shearers emphasizes meekness and submission. Sheep are known for their docility, especially when being sheared. This metaphor illustrates the Servant's quiet acceptance of suffering. Historically, this reflects Jesus' calm and composed demeanor during His passion, embodying the prophecy with His silent endurance.

so He did not open His mouth
The repetition of this phrase underscores its importance. The Servant's silence is a powerful testament to His obedience and trust in God's plan. It also serves as a model for believers, demonstrating how to respond to unjust suffering with faith and patience. This silence is not weakness but a profound expression of strength and purpose, fulfilling the divine mission of salvation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Suffering Servant
This passage is part of the "Servant Songs" in Isaiah, which Christians traditionally interpret as a prophecy about Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who suffers for the sins of humanity.

2. Isaiah
The prophet who authored the book of Isaiah, delivering messages from God to the people of Israel, often foretelling the coming of the Messiah.

3. The Lamb
Symbolically represents innocence and sacrifice. In the context of this verse, it refers to Jesus Christ, who is often called the "Lamb of God."

4. The Shearers
Represents those who would oppress and afflict the Servant, analogous to the religious leaders and Roman authorities during Jesus' trial and crucifixion.

5. The Oppression and Affliction
Refers to the suffering and injustice faced by the Servant, which Christians believe was fulfilled in the trials and crucifixion of Jesus.
Teaching Points
The Model of Humility and Submission
Jesus' silence in the face of suffering exemplifies humility and submission to God's will. Believers are called to trust in God's plan, even when facing injustice or persecution.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Isaiah 53:7 is a powerful testament to the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy, encouraging believers to trust in the Scriptures.

The Sacrificial Lamb
Jesus as the Lamb of God highlights the necessity of His sacrifice for the atonement of sin. This calls believers to live lives of gratitude and worship.

Responding to Injustice
Jesus' response to oppression teaches believers to respond to personal injustice with grace and patience, leaving judgment to God.

The Power of Silence
There is strength in choosing silence over retaliation. Believers can learn to practice restraint and seek God's wisdom in their responses.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of a lamb in Isaiah 53:7 deepen your understanding of Jesus' role as the Messiah?

2. In what ways can Jesus' example of silence and submission in the face of suffering be applied to your own life situations?

3. How does the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:7 in the New Testament strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate humility and trust in God when facing personal injustice or oppression?

5. How can the concept of Jesus as the "Lamb of God" influence your approach to worship and gratitude in your daily life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 1:29
John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God," connecting to the imagery of the lamb in Isaiah 53:7.

Matthew 27:12-14
Describes Jesus' silence before His accusers, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7.

1 Peter 2:23
Peter speaks of Jesus' response to suffering, highlighting His silence and lack of retaliation, echoing Isaiah 53:7.

Acts 8:32-35
Philip explains Isaiah 53:7 to the Ethiopian eunuch, directly identifying the passage with Jesus.
The CrucifixionJohn Henry NewmanIsaiah 53:7
The Submissive SpiritW. Clarkson Isaiah 53:7
The Triumph of SilenceR. Tuck Isaiah 53:7
A Faithful Minister's SorrowJ. Durham.Isaiah 53:1-12
A Heavy Complaint and LamentationT. Boston, M.A.Isaiah 53:1-12
Christ in IsaiahF. Sessions.Isaiah 53:1-12
Christ Preached, But RejectedIsaiah 53:1-12
Christ Rejected in Our TimeIsaiah 53:1-12
Divine Power Necessary for Believing the Gospel ReportT. Boston, M. A.Isaiah 53:1-12
Do the Prophets BelieveJ. Parker, D.D.Isaiah 53:1-12
Evidences of Non-SuccessT. Boston, M. A.Isaiah 53:1-12
Gentile Prejudice Against ChristIsaiah 53:1-12
Jewish Prejudice Against ChristIsaiah 53:1-12
Ministerial SolicitudeEssex Congregational RemembrancerIsaiah 53:1-12
Preaching and HearingJ. Durham.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Arm of God and Human FaithF. B. Meyer, B. A.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Arm of the LordJ. Parker, D.D.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Arm of the Lord RevealedJ. Durham.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Credibility and Importance of the Gospel ReportJ. Lathrop, D.D.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Gospel-ReportT. Boston, M. A.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Jewish Nation a Vicarious SuffererA. Crawford, M.A.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Jewish Nation was a Type of ChristA. Crawford, M.A.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Jews and Messianic ProphecyIsaiah 53:1-12
The Little Success of the Gospel Matter of LamentationT. Boston, M. A.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Messiah Referred to in Isaiah 53R.W. Moss, D.D.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Might of the Saving Arm, and How to Obtain ItF. B. Meyer, B.A.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Monarch in DisguiseC. Clemance, D.D.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Necessity of FaithJ. Durham.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Offer of Christ in the GospelJ. Durham.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Prevalence of UnbeliefE. Cooper.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Rarity of Believing the Gospel-ReportT. Boston, M. A.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Servant and IsraelA. B. Davidson, D.D.Isaiah 53:1-12
The Suffering SaviourIsaiah 53:1-12
A Sad ConfessionCanon Cook., T.R. BirksIsaiah 53:3-7
Aversion to ChristG. F, Pentecost, D. D.Isaiah 53:3-7
Christ a Man of SorrowsE. Payson, D. D.Isaiah 53:3-7
Christ as a SuffererJ. Stalker, D.D.Isaiah 53:3-7
Christ Despised and Rejected of MenR. Walker.Isaiah 53:3-7
Christ RejectedH. Allon, D.D.Isaiah 53:3-7
Christ the Man of SorrowsEvan Lewis, B.A.Isaiah 53:3-7
Christ's Great Capacity for SufferingH. O. Mackey.Isaiah 53:3-7
Christ's Life a Model for His PeopleC. H. Parkhurst, D. D.Isaiah 53:3-7
Designed and RejectedJ. Higgins.Isaiah 53:3-7
Despised and Rejected of MenS. H. Tindall.Isaiah 53:3-7
FailureC. G. Lang.Isaiah 53:3-7
Failure May be WelcomedC. G. Lang.Isaiah 53:3-7
Handel's MessiahJ. Higgins.Isaiah 53:3-7
Lessons from the Manner of Christ's AppearingH. Allon, D.D.Isaiah 53:3-7
Our Lord's Life Lived in ShadowIsaiah 53:3-7
Sir Noel Paton's Man of SorrowsD. Davies.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Art of Seeing the SpiritualH. Allon, D.D.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Causes of Christ's SorrowsH. Allon, D. D.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Christ-Life in the ChristianC. H. Parkhurst, D. D.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Despised SaviourR. C. Ford, M.A.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Human Race Typified by the Man of SorrowsF. W. Robertson, M.A.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Man of SorrowsIsaiah 53:3-7
The Man of SorrowsRay Palmer, D.D.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Mean Appearance of the Redeemer ForetoldT. Sherlock, D.D.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Mystery of SorrowW. J. KnoxLittle, M.A.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Problems of Life Involve SorrowC. H. Parkhurst, D. D.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Sorrow of LoveC. H. Parkhurst, D. D.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Sorrow of Strained PowersC. H. Parkhurst, D. D.Isaiah 53:3-7
The Suffering ChristIsaiah 53:3-7
The World's Regard for the OutwardH. Allen, D.D.Isaiah 53:3-7
Christ the Victim and the ExampleThe ThinkerIsaiah 53:7-8
Christ's Patience in SufferingJ. Trapp.Isaiah 53:7-8
Christ's SpeechlessnessF. B. Meyer, B.A.Isaiah 53:7-8
Christ's Sufferings and His Deportment Under ThemIsaiah 53:7-8
Eastern Sheep-ShearingIsaiah 53:7-8
Lying Still Under the Divine HandIsaiah 53:7-8
Silent SufferingJ. I. Blackburn.Isaiah 53:7-8
The Monarch Surrenders HimselfC. Clemance, D.D.Isaiah 53:7-8
The Sheep Before the ShearersIsaiah 53:7-8
The Silence of ChristJ. I. Blackburn.Isaiah 53:7-8
The Sufferings of ChristJ. H. Newman, B. D.Isaiah 53:7-8
Patience and the Divine PurposeE. Johnson Isaiah 53:7-12
People
Isaiah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Afflicted, Didn't, Lamb, Led, Mouth, Mute, Open, Oppressed, Shearers, Sheep, Silent, Slaughter, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 53:7

     2075   Christ, sinless
     2585   Christ, trial
     4663   lamb
     5168   muteness
     5496   revenge, examples
     5944   self-defence
     5950   silence
     8305   meekness
     8339   self-control
     8475   self-denial
     8791   oppression, nature of

Isaiah 53:2-7

     2036   Christ, humility

Isaiah 53:3-7

     5564   suffering, of Christ

Isaiah 53:3-10

     2354   Christ, mission

Isaiah 53:3-12

     5426   news
     8356   unselfishness

Isaiah 53:4-11

     2315   Christ, as Lamb

Isaiah 53:4-12

     1680   types
     6616   atonement, in OT

Isaiah 53:6-7

     4684   sheep

Isaiah 53:7-8

     2366   Christ, prophecies concerning
     6231   rejection of God
     8276   humility
     8319   perception, spiritual
     8497   witnessing, approaches

Isaiah 53:7-9

     1412   foreknowledge
     5879   humiliation
     5931   resistance

Isaiah 53:7-12

     8797   persecution, attitudes

Library
October 7. "He Opened not his Mouth" (Isa. Liii. 7).
"He opened not His mouth" (Isa. liii. 7). How much grace it requires to bear a misunderstanding rightly, and to receive an unkind judgment in holy sweetness! Nothing tests a Christian character more than to have some evil thing said about him. This is the file that soon proves whether we are electro-plate or solid gold. If we could only know the blessings that lie hidden in our lives, we would say, like David, when Shimei cursed him, "Let him curse; it may be the Lord will requite me good for his
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Suffering Servant --iv
'It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.'--ISAIAH liii. 10. We have seen a distinct progress of thought in the preceding verses. There was first the outline of the sorrows and rejection of the Servant; second, the profound explanation of these as being for us; third, the sufferings, death and burial of the Servant. We have
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Suffering Servant --V
'He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; and He shall bear their iniquities'--ISAIAH liii. 11. These are all but the closing words of this great prophecy, and are the fitting crown of all that has gone before. We have been listening to the voice of a member of the race to whom the Servant of the Lord belonged, whether we limit that to the Jewish people or include in it all humanity. That voice has been confessing
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Suffering Servant --vi
'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 was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.'--ISAIAH liii. 12. The first clause of this verse is somewhat difficult. There are two ways of understanding it. One is that adopted in A. V., according to which the suffering Servant is represented as equal to the greatest conquerors.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Suffering Servant-I
'For He grew up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3. He was despised, and rejected of men, a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and as one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.'--ISAIAH liii, 2, 3. To hold fast the fulfilment of this prophecy of the Suffering Servant in Jesus it is not necessary to deny its reference to Israel.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Suffering Servant-ii
'Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid (made to light) on Him the iniquity of us all.'--ISAIAH liii. 4-6. The note struck lightly in the close of the preceding
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Messiah Despised, and Rejected of Men
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief. T he heathen moralists, ignorant of the character and perfections of God, the true dignity and immorality of the soul, and the root and extent of human depravity, had no better foundation, for what they call virtue, than pride; no higher aim in their regulations, than the interests of society, and the conduct of civil life. They expressed, indeed, occasionally, some sentiments of a superior kind; but these, however just
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Sin Charged Upon the Surety
All we like sheep have gone astray: we have turned every one to his own way, and the LORD hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. C omparisons, in the Scripture, are frequently to be understood with great limitation: perhaps, out of many circumstances, only one is justly applicable to the case. Thus, when our Lord says, Behold, I come as a thief (Revelation 16:15) , --common sense will fix the resemblance to a single point, that He will come suddenly, and unexpectedly. So when wandering sinners
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Messiah's Innocence vindicated
He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of my people was he stricken. L et not plain Christians be stumbled because there are difficulties in the prophetical parts of the Scriptures, and because translators and expositors sometimes explain them with some difference, as to the sense. Whatever directly relates to our faith, practice, and comfort, may be plainly collected from innumerable
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: ..... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. W hen our Lord was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and conversed with Him. Had we been informed of the interview only, we should probably have desired to know the subject of their conversation, as we might reasonably suppose it turned upon very interesting and important
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

April the Second "On Him!"
"The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." --ISAIAH liii. Let me tell a dream which was given by night to one of my dearest friends. He beheld a stupendous range of glorious sun-lit mountains, with their lower slopes enfolded in white mist. "Lord," he cried, "I pray that I may dwell upon those heights!" "Thou must first descend into the vale," a voice replied. Into the vale he went. And down there he found himself surrounded with all manner of fierce, ugly, loathsome things. As he looked
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Religion a Weariness to the Natural Man.
"He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him."--Isaiah liii. 2. "Religion is a weariness;" such is the judgment commonly passed, often avowed, concerning the greatest of blessings which Almighty God has bestowed upon us. And when God gave the blessing, He at the same time foretold that such would be the judgment of the world upon it, even as manifested in the gracious Person of Him whom He sent to give it to us. "He hath no form nor
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Crucifixion.
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."--Isaiah liii. 7. St. Peter makes it almost a description of a Christian, that he loves Him whom he has not seen; speaking of Christ, he says, "whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Again he speaks of "tasting that the
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of Justification by Christ
It has been objected by some, who dissent from, nay, I may add, by others also, who actually are friends to the present ecclesiastical establishment, that the ministers of the Church of England preach themselves, and not Christ Jesus the Lord; that they entertain their people with lectures of mere morality, without declaring to them the glad tidings of salvation by Jesus Christ. How well grounded such an objection may be, is not my business to inquire: All I shall say at present to the point is,
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Expiation
Now, Jesus Christ has been made by God an offering for sin; and oh that to-night we may be able to do in reality what the Jew did in metaphor! May we put our hand upon the head of Christ Jesus; as we see him offered up upon the cross for guilty men, may we know that our sins are transferred to him, and may we be able to cry, in the ecstasy of faith, "Great God, I am clean; through Jesus' blood I am clean." I. In trying now to expound the doctrine of Christ's being an offering for sin, we will begin
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

Sin Laid on Jesus
I hear no dolorous wailings attending this confession of sin; for the next sentence makes it almost a song. "The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." It is the most grievous sentence of the three; but it is the most charming and the most full of comfort. Strange is it that where misery was concentrated mercy reigned, and where sorrow reached her climax there it is that a weary soul finds sweetest rest. The Savior bruised is the healing of bruised hearts. I want now to draw the hearts of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 12: 1866

Our Expectation
But, my brothers, he is not dead. Some years ago, someone, wishing to mock our holy faith, brought out a handbill, which was plastered everywhere--"Can you trust in a dead man?" Our answer would have been, "No; nobody can trust in a man who is dead." But it was known by those who printed the bill that they were misrepresenting our faith. Jesus is no longer dead. He rose again the third day. We have sure and infallible proofs of it. It is an historical fact, better proved than almost any other which
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Death of Christ
Taking our text, then, as a guide, we propose to visit Calvary, hoping to have the help of the Holy Spirit whilst we look upon him who died upon the cross. I would have you notice this morning, first of all, the cause of Christ's death--"It pleased the Lord to bruise him." "It pleased Jehovah to bruise him," saith the original; "he hath put him to grief." Secondly, the reason of Christ's death--"When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin." Christ died because he was an offering for sin. And
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Friend of Sinners
Our text, in its threefold character, shows the intimate connection which exists between Jesus and sinners, for in none of its sentences is there meaning unless there be a sinner, and unless Christ has come into connection with him. It is this one point which I want to work out this morning, and may God bless it to many a sinner's troubled conscience. "He was numbered with the transgressors; he bare the sin of many, and he made intercession for the transgressors." It is for transgressors all the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

Eighteenth Day. Patience.
"He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter."--Isa. liii, 7. How great was the patience of Jesus! Even among His own disciples, how forbearingly He endured their blindness, their misconceptions and hardness of heart! Philip had been for three years with Him, yet he had "not known Him!"--all that time he had remained in strange and culpable ignorance of his Lord's dignity and glory. See how tenderly Jesus bears with him; giving him nothing in reply for his confession of ignorance but unparalleled
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

List of Authorities
CHIEFLY USED IN WRITING THIS BOOK. Alford: Greek Testament. Von der Alm: Heidn. u. jüd. Urtheile über Jesu u. die alten Christen. Altingius: Dissertationes et Orationes. Apocrypha: S.P.C.K. Commentary on. The Apocryphal Gospels. Auerbach: Berith Abraham. Bacher: Die Agada der Babylon. Amoräer. Bäck: Geschichte des Jüd. Volkes u.seiner Literatur. Baedeker: Syrien u. Palästina. Bähr: Gesetz über Falsche Zeugen nach Bible u. Talmud. Barclay: City of the Great
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

What Messiah did the Jews Expect?
1. The most important point here is to keep in mind the organic unity of the Old Testament. Its predictions are not isolated, but features of one grand prophetic picture; its ritual and institutions parts of one great system; its history, not loosely connected events, but an organic development tending towards a definite end. Viewed in its innermost substance, the history of the Old Testament is not different from its typical institutions, nor yet these two from its predictions. The idea, underlying
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Believe and be Saved
It is the Holy Spirit alone that can draw us to the cross and fasten us to the Saviour. He who thinks he can do without the Spirit, has yet to learn his own sinfulness and helplessness. The gospel would be no good news to the dead in sin, if it did not tell of the love and power of the divine Spirit, as explicitly as it announces the love and power of the divine Substitute. But, while keeping this in mind, we may try to learn from Scripture what is written concerning the bond which connects us individually
Horatius Bangs, D.D.—God's Way of Peace

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