The concept of "The Servant Exalted" is primarily drawn from the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, particularly the Book of Isaiah. This theme is most prominently featured in the "Servant Songs," a series of passages that describe the mission, suffering, and ultimate exaltation of the Servant of the Lord. The most notable of these passages is found in Isaiah 52:13–53:12, which is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 52:13-15: The Exaltation of the Servant

The passage begins with a declaration of the Servant's exaltation: "Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted" (Isaiah 52:13). This verse sets the stage for the Servant's ultimate triumph and glory, despite the suffering that follows. The exaltation is not merely a return to a previous state but an elevation to a position of honor and authority.

The subsequent verses (Isaiah 52:14-15) describe the astonishment of the nations and kings at the Servant's appearance and the impact of His work: "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" (Isaiah 52:15). The imagery of sprinkling suggests purification and atonement, themes central to the Servant's mission.

Isaiah 53: The Suffering and Vindication of the Servant

Isaiah 53 continues the narrative, detailing the Servant's suffering and its redemptive purpose. The chapter opens with a lament over the disbelief of the message: "Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1). The Servant is described as one who "grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground" (Isaiah 53:2), emphasizing His humble origins and unassuming appearance.

The Servant's suffering is vividly portrayed: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). Despite His innocence, "He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53:5). The Servant's suffering is vicarious, bearing the sins of many and providing peace and healing through His wounds.

The chapter concludes with the Servant's vindication and reward: "Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death and was numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). The Servant's self-sacrifice leads to His exaltation and the justification of many.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the theme of the Servant exalted is seen as fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Gospels and epistles frequently reference Isaiah's Servant Songs to describe Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. For instance, Philippians 2:6-11 echoes the Servant's humility and exaltation: "He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names" (Philippians 2:8-9).

The apostle Peter also connects Jesus' suffering to the Servant's role in Isaiah: "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His stripes you are healed" (1 Peter 2:24). This identification of Jesus with the Suffering Servant underscores the belief in His redemptive work and ultimate exaltation as Lord and Savior.

Theological Significance

The exaltation of the Servant holds profound theological significance. It affirms the victory of God's redemptive plan through suffering and obedience. The Servant's exaltation is not only a personal vindication but also a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to His promises. This theme encourages believers to trust in God's purposes, even amidst suffering, and to anticipate the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.