He Was Wounded (Isaiah 53): Notes and Discussion

Below are links and doctrinal notes for the hymn He Was Wounded (Isaiah 53) by Chris Anderson and Greg Habegger. Feel free to chime in with comments or questions.

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LINKS FOR HE WAS WOUNDED (ISAIAH 53)

Full Page / Half Page / Text / MP3

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DOCTRINAL NOTES

Because God delights in worship that is biblical, thoughtful and passionate—what we often call intentional—please consider the following overview of the biblical texts and doctrinal themes behind the hymn He Was Wounded (Isaiah 53):

Isaiah 53 is one of the clearest prophecies of the death of Christ in the entire Old Testament, and one of the most beloved passages to Christ’s church. The “Servant Song,” which actually begins in Isaiah 52:13, was written almost 8 centuries prior to Christ’s crucifixion, yet describes it and its significance with nearly unparalleled vividness.

Verse 1. Isaiah 53:1-3 begins with wonder: Who can believe what is being described?! Can the promised Messiah really be the one who is marred beyond human recognition (52:13-15)? Can the anticipated Servant of the LORD really be unattractive, despised, and rejected? The one through whom God would reveal His mighty, saving arm will be a weak and brittle twig? So begins this shocking revelation of Jesus’ first advent.

Verse 2. Isaiah 52:4-6 unpack the suffering of our Lord. Though He had His own griefs (v. 3), He bore ours, as well (v. 4). Most amazingly, He bore the wrath from God in our place. He was afflicted not only by men, but by God the Father (v. 4b), bearing the punishment that our sins deserve (v. 5). Though we are wandering, rebellious sheep, Christ has borne our iniquities and the penalty they incur (v. 6).

Verse 3. Isaiah 52:7-9 changes the sheep metaphor. Sinners are like sheep in our rebellion; Christ was like a lamb in His silence amidst oppression (v. 7). Though innocent, He was condemned by unholy men and holy God alike (v. 8). Though guiltless, He died with sinners and was buried in a rich man’s grave (v. 9).

Verse 4. Isaiah 52:10-12 explains that although Christ was guiltless and His murder by men was unjust, it was ordained by God as an offering for sinners (v. 10). Jesus’ cross work was infinitely successful—He lives again, is satisfied by what He has accomplished, and many have been declared righteous (v. 10-11). Verse 12 ends the song much like the kenosis hymn from Philippians 2: the suffering Servant triumphs, is honored by God, and will be honored by all creation at His second advent. Until then, He who once bled for sinners now intercedes for them.

The refrain of this hymn is intentionally simple, allowing the worshiper to respond to the meaty stanzas by rejoicing in the summary of Isaiah 53:5. Jesus was wounded for our sins, and we are healed by His stripes. Hallelujah!

(The notes for He Was Wounded were written by Chris Anderson.)