This is undoubtedly the most difficult verse to understand in this whole prophecy of the Jehovah' Suffering Servant. The degree of difficulty may be even greater than being confined to this chapter.
One commentator, a Dr Henderson, said: No three words in the Hebrew Bible, [with the exception perhaps of the four words which follow] have been more variously rendered than those which constitute the first sentence in this eighth verse.
In coming to this eighth verse it is worthwhile to remember that it, like others in this wonderful passage of Scripture, is quoted in the New Testament. As with the previous verse it is in connection with the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch, Acts 8:32,33. He read these words and through them was brought to Christ.
The second half of this verse is easily understandable. It is a reiteration of the recurring theme of the vicarious nature of the sufferings of Jehovah's Servant. He will die and He will die suffering for the sins of others.
This text is important in that it clearly contradicts the Jewish interpretation of this passage that it is the nation of Israel that is in view throughout and that the collective sufferings of the nation had a redemptive quality.
Jehovah's Servant is a personality in that He dies. It specifically states here that He died for the people. He cannot therefore be confounded with the people. He is distinct and separate from the people.
We want briefly to highlight an important truth out of the second half of the verse and then we want to specifically concentrate upon the first part. What do these words mean: He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation?
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