Isaiah 53:10

It pleased the Lord. The Lord was not delighted that His Servant (see on ch. 52:13), Messiah, should suffer, but rather, in view of the eternal welfare of men and the security of the universe, it was best for Him to suffer. “It pleased the Lord” in the sense that “it was the will of the Lord.” Only thus could the plan of salvation succeed. The sufferings of Christ were part of the eternal plan (Acts 2:23; 3:18).

Soul. Heb. nephesh, meaning, “himself,” or “his life” (see on 1 Kings 17:21; Ps. 16:10). His life substituted for our lives (see on Isa. 53:4; see DA 25).

As a result of sin, man had lost his innocence, his capacity to love and obey God, his home, his dominion over the earth, and even his life. Christ came to restore all things permanently, not only in this earth but throughout the universe.

An offering for sin. Heb. ’asham, usually translated “trespass offering” (see Lev. 5:6). This offering was presented under circumstances in which restitution was required, either to man or to God. The death of God’s Servant provided an acceptable and effective atonement for sin which was responsible for the loss. This sacrifice was essential to man’s redemption and restoration (John 1:29; 17:3; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).

His seed. That is, “his offspring,” or “his descendants” — those willing to receive Him, to “believe on his name” (John 1:12), and to “be born again” (John 3:3). He “endured the cross” in view of this “joy that was set before him” (Heb. 12:2). That Christ would “see” His seed clearly implies His resurrection from the dead.

Prolong his days. Here the resurrection is even more clearly affirmed (see Heb. 7:16, 25; Rev. 1:18).

The pleasure of the Lord. That is, “the will of the Lord” (cf. “it pleased the Lord”). Christ took delight in performing the will of His Father (Matt. 26:39, 42; John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38), and through Him God’s will would once more prevail among men (Matt. 6:10; 7:21; John 17:6). Messiah’s mission would be successful.