Definition and Context:
The phrase "A Grave Assigned" refers to a prophetic passage found in the book of Isaiah, specifically Isaiah 53:9, which is part of the "Suffering Servant" prophecy. This passage is often interpreted in Christian theology as a foretelling of the burial of Jesus Christ. The prophecy speaks to the circumstances surrounding the death and burial of the Servant, who is described as righteous yet suffering unjustly.

Biblical Reference:
Isaiah 53:9 : "He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death, though He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth."

Interpretation and Significance:
The verse highlights the paradoxical nature of the Servant's burial. Despite being innocent and without sin, the Servant is associated with both the wicked and the rich in His death. This duality is significant in Christian theology, as it is seen as a fulfillment of the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and burial.

1. Assigned a Grave with the Wicked:
· This part of the prophecy is understood to mean that the Servant was intended to be buried in a manner befitting a criminal. In the context of Jesus' crucifixion, He was executed alongside criminals, which aligns with the notion of being "with the wicked."

2. With the Rich in His Death:
· The mention of the rich is often linked to the account of Jesus' burial in the New Testament. According to the Gospels, Jesus was buried in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Jewish council (Matthew 27:57-60, Mark 15:43-46, Luke 23:50-53, John 19:38-42). This fulfills the prophecy's reference to being "with the rich."

3. Innocence of the Servant:
· The latter part of the verse emphasizes the Servant's innocence, stating that He had "done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth." This is a critical aspect of the prophecy, underscoring the unjust nature of the Servant's suffering and death. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as sinless, further aligning with this description (1 Peter 2:22).

Theological Implications:
The prophecy of "A Grave Assigned" is central to Christian interpretations of the Passion narrative. It underscores the belief in Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies. The juxtaposition of being associated with both the wicked and the rich in death serves to highlight the redemptive purpose of Jesus' suffering and the divine orchestration of events leading to His resurrection.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In ancient Jewish burial customs, criminals were often denied honorable burials, which adds depth to the prophecy's mention of a grave with the wicked. The involvement of a wealthy individual like Joseph of Arimathea in Jesus' burial would have been notable, as it provided Jesus with a dignified burial contrary to what might have been expected for someone executed as a criminal.

Related Biblical Passages:
· Matthew 27:57-60 : Describes Joseph of Arimathea's role in Jesus' burial.
· Mark 15:43-46 : Details the request for Jesus' body by Joseph of Arimathea.
· Luke 23:50-53 : Highlights Joseph's righteousness and his provision of the tomb.
· John 19:38-42 : Notes the involvement of Nicodemus and the use of spices for burial.

Conclusion:
The phrase "A Grave Assigned" encapsulates the prophetic vision of the Suffering Servant's death and burial, which is seen as a prefiguration of Jesus Christ's own death and burial. The fulfillment of this prophecy is a cornerstone of Christian belief in the messianic identity of Jesus and the divine plan of salvation.