Isaiah 53 Explained

by Mitch Glaser

Do you have questions about the meaning of life and spirituality? Maybe it is time to go right to the source and rethink your relationship with the Creator? Isaiah 53 Explained will help start your personal pilgrimage and introduce you to a chapter in the Scriptures that has the potential to revolutionize your life! Isaiah 53 Explained makes the story of the Bible understandable, practically and simply explaining how you can have a soul-satisfying relationship with God and revealing the surprising key that makes this relationship possible.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Spirituality, Biblical Studies, Faith, Israel

164 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Devin Pena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I was not the intended audience for this book, this book really blessed me, sharing a point of view that I would have otherwise never known. It is written for Jewish people, and though I am a Christian, there was just too many gems to count that encouraged my own faith and belief in Jesus. I recommend this book for anyone who is curious about Messianic Judaism or even for Christians who have ever been curious about why Jewish people don’t believe in Jesus.

[VICTORIA VAN VLEAR · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not the intended audience for this book. This was written mostly for non-practicing Jews, and I am a practicing Christian Gentile. That said, it was still a god read, and I'll keep it around in case I come across someone who would get better use out of it.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by a Jew, who converted to Christianity, for Jews. However, it is for anyone who wants to understand the prophecies of the bible. Isaiah chapter 53 in the old testament predicts and describes the coming of the Jewish Messiah.

The author Mitch Glaser makes a compelling argument that Isaiah 53 can only be describing the life and death of Jesus Christ and his second coming.

Great book for Jews, Christians, Agnostics and Atheist who are seeking truth.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful, user-friendly introduction to this pivotal chapter of the Bible. It is aimed primarily at Jewish readers but is useful to anyone seeking the only things that God can provide.

It isn't very in-depth, but it doesn't claim to be. For what it intends to be, something to give to your Jewish or otherwise thirsty friends to introduce them to the Lord and to the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus), it is very good. It is conversational, not intimidating or forceful. It strikes a good balance, I think, between being informative and being approachable an easy to read (perhaps it emphasizes the latter a bit much). Its arguments aren't always perfect, but for the typical layperson, it seems like a very good way to touch upon the subject.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Gentile who read this, wondering if it was "preaching to the choir", but I enjoyed it & learned a few things I didn't already know. I also liked the story-testimonials toward the end of the book. Not all of them are just "honky-dory happy endings", which gives a more realistic view of how it applied to actual people.

[Rock Conner · Rating 1 out of 5]

An effort to convince Jews that Jesus is Messiah. Relies on the assumption that the New Testament must be true since it was written so soon after Jesus died, and that whatever of the story doesn't make sense to the Jewish mind must be accepted on faith. Well-intended, but poorly argued.

[Brian Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good study of Isaiah 53, which provides a detailed picture, centuries in advance, of the Messiah, fulfilled by Jesus. It is written specifically for those who are Jewish to explain and reason that Jesus is, indeed, the awaited Messiah. The study is also valuable for "gentiles" like me to get a better appreciation and understanding from a Jewish perspective.

I have often wondered how a specific prophecy Scripture like Isaiah 53 could be ignored, glossed over, or rationalized. One explanation that I was unaware of is that although it is in the Prophets for Jews as well as Christians, it is skipped in the Haftarah - the weekly readings in Jewish synagogues. So, many Jews are unaware of it. Glaser documents this as follows.

"The _Haftara_ portion refers to the weekly section of Scripture read in synagogue that was selected because the Jewish sages believed there to be a congruence of the passage with the one read from the Torah. These points of connection can be thematic, lexical, or grow out of a particular Jewish tradition related to the passage. Since not every passage from the Writings or the Prophets is read, it cannot be claimed with certainty that Isaiah 53 was intentionally left out.

However, it does seem unusual to end one week of readings at Isaiah 52:12 and then pick up the next week at Chapter 54. When one accepts the Messianic interpretation of Isaiah 53 as fulfilled in the person of Yeshua, then the rationale for leaving out the passage is obvious. The following are readings over the two-week period:

_Parashah Shoftim_: Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9
_Haftarah_: Isaiah 51:12-52:12

_Parashah Ki Tetze_: Deuteronomy 21:10-25:10
_Haftarah_: Isaiah 54:1-10"

This is why we should dig deeper than just what is fed to us by leaders, whether they be Jewish, Christian, or secular. We should respect authority, but not trust blindly.

I recommend this readable work to any who are seeking the truth.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an in-depth study of the 53rd chapter of the Book of Isaiah. I dug into this well-written book and have come to treasure it. I came to understand the type of relationship that God had with the fathers of the Jewish faith and what He desires with each of us. Mitch Glaser has a great love and a deep breadth of knowledge about the Word of God, especially, the Old Testament.

The other topic that is delved into is eschatological in nature. The concept of the Messiah of Judaic prophecies and the reality of the Messiah is examined. My concept and expectation of the Messiah is was confirmed as I read this book. While Judaic in tradition, the concept of Messiah was embodied in Jesus (Yeshua), the Messiah.

The author, a Messianic Jew believes that Jesus (Yeshua) is the Messiah of Israel and the fulfillment of the prophecies set forth in Isaiah 53. He sets forth a strong and scripturally supported statement that Jesus is the Messiah expected by the Jewish people and the savior of mankind.

This is a book of faithful hope fulfilled. It is a book that should be read by all who worship God - Christian and Jewish, alike.

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise. This is an excellent introduction to the Isaiah 53 debate by a Messianic Jewish writer to the Isaiah 53 debate. Not only does it give a defense of the reliability and trustworthiness of both OT & NT, and goes through how Isaiah 53 is clearly about the Messiah. It even covers some modern Jewish and non Jewish objections to the idea of Isaiah 53 being about Jesus and it's atonement aspects. It's not an in depth scholarly work, though it doesn't neglect doing academic work as needed, it presents everything in a pop level way and is very digestible and undersetandable.

[Kimberly Erskine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as a Christian expecting a deep dive into Isaiah 53 and I was kind of disappointed. This book is more geared towards Jews to show them that Jesus is the messiah based off of the contents of Isaiah 53. While it was fascinating in some parts to see what Jews do and don’t believe and why they don’t think Jesus is the messiah, this book just wasn’t what I was expecting or hoping for. Some parts dragged on too much and focused too much on becoming a Christian and not enough on the subject of Isaiah 53.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book further explained what I already believed about Jesus being the Messiah. I enjoyed learning about the fulfillment of prophecy in the old testament. I do know all things that happened was already spoke about by the prophets many years before they happened. It is sad that not all Jewish can see and believe in the fulfillment of the Messiah, their lives would have more meaning and hope.

[Rachel Grepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written from the perspective of a Messianic Jew, you will find this book easy to read, easy to follow and good knowledge. While I did not learn a ton of new information myself, I appreciated his writing style and how he went about explaining certain Jewish laws and rituals. Jesus is the Messiah, without a doubt. If you know someone who is Jewish, or if you want to equip yourself to better evangelize to people of the Jewish faith, this book is a must read.

[Brian McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isaiah 53 Explained is written by a Messianic Jew and the primary target audience is Jewish people who do not believe or have never considered Jesus of Nazareth as the Jewish Messiah.

As a Christian I found the approach of this book enlightening. While I'm not of Jewish faith, to see this very familiar material presented from a Jewish point of view was refreshing. A good read whether Jew or Gentile!

[Ross Heinricy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book although not how I thought it would be written. The first 40 pages were a bit dry and laborious as the author elaborates on the Jewishness of Christ and His link and tie in to being the Messiah and suffering a servant of Isaiah 52 and 53. The rest of the book was absolutely informative, engaging and explanatory. The appendix was a wonderful connection of Christ and the Messianic prophecy of the Old Testament. Great read only took 2 days.

[Perssis Namour · Rating 5 out of 5]

GRACE, is the only word that comes to mind. This book blew me away. I never realized the spiritual struggle the Jews go through. To be a jew and not believe in jesus is standard as kosher meals. Thank God for Isaiah who leads Jews even now towards the light that is Jesus. He United the Jewish man of Jesus and the divine of the messiah as One.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book on Isaiah 53 focuses oddly enough on Isaiah 53. This is a book written by a messianic Jew and it gives the argument for Jews to believe that Jesus is the messiah. It does not shy away from the promises to Abraham or chosen ness but shows how they are revealed. There is a lot of focus on personal experience and the writers conversion.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent exposition of Isaiah 53 with great teaching on the atonement, the Suffering Servant and why Glaser identifies Jesus as the Servant of the Lord. Wonderful usage/explanations of numerous prophetic words from the Old Testament with the corresponding fulfillments in the New.

[Marta B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, as it talks about all the messianic prophecies in the Old Testament and I didn't know there were so many. Obviously some of the text was too detailed and repetitive and I as a gentile was not the subject of the purpose of this book but found this book informative nevertheless.

[Nathan Ellzey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good introductory level discussion of a frequently overlooked passage that really has significant meaning, written for people with a basic understanding of the Jewish scriptures.

[Kim Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a Jewish believer in Jesus as the Messiah, this book would also be helpful in any missionary work. It’s a short, easy read. I would recommend it for anyone in ministry work.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple read from a Messianic Jewish Perspective. Easy to work through. Might be a useful tool for both young Christians and someone looking at their Jewish backgraound.

[Darrah Grays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read...

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received a s a gift and learned a lot reading it.
Lower rating is because the reader must already accept certain beliefs about Jesus as the Messiah for the book to make sense.

[Miki · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was nothing mind blowing and didn't even give much detail about Isaiah 53 and how prophecy was fulfilled. I could take it or leave it. I sort of feel like it wasted my time.

[Deborah Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent explanation of the messianic prophecy of Isaiah 53 with explanations about spirituality and faith for those who come from a materialist worldview. Includes some personal testimonies.

[Sharon Snider · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written for those of Jewish heritage, which I am not. I wish there would have been some indication of this before I purchased the book.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to understand and good read! Recommend for Jews and new Christians

[CalebA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really Intended for Christians.

I bought this book looking to dig deeper into Isaiah 53. However, whet I found was more of an evangelistic tool to reach Jewish people. I read the whole book however to try and gain a better perspective of the jewish worldview. The book is mostly fluff. There is one chapter towards the end with the meat in it on Isaiah 53, and it wasn't any deeper than my Bible commentaries went. The book spent a lot of time trying to convince the reader that the Christian Bible was accurate, instead of focusing on the scripture.

My favorite part of the book was the extra fulfilled prophecies tucked away in the end of the book. The truth is, Isaiah 53 is just the tip of the iceberg regarding Messianic prophecy. I consider it difficult to choose one prophesy and say, "This one is the best of them all."

The Messianic Jewish testimonies at the end were great as well! Very inspiring to find some jewish friends and confront them with fulfilled prophesies from their own book!

An easy read, but I wouldn't recommend this for deep studies on Isaiah 53.

[Jimmy]

Book written for a general audience to explain the Messianic prophecy as found in Isaiah 53. This is a good introduction for anyone interested in Messianic prophecies that Jesus has fulfilled. The author does begin the book by pointing to other works for other more basic apologetic questions and these books are of classical and evidential method of defending the faith. Again, given that this book serves largely as an introduction to general readers about Isaiah 53 (with the assumption that little is known about Christianity and the Hebrew Bible on the part of readers), the work might not address other Jewish counter-missionary objections which the author has covered elsewhere. I enjoyed the testimonials in the end of the book of those who have found Jesus through Isaiah 53. I'm glad that Chosen People Ministries have been so generous to make this as a free offer.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Isaiah 53 Explained” is written for the Jewish non-believer. It is well done & is useful for the new believer as well. You need to know that the author does not get to explaining Isaiah 53 until page 100. The main point of the author is Jesus is the only person or thing (some say this is Israel is the fulfillment of this passage) that Isaiah 53 could be speaking about.

The author does a nice job of briefly covering the credibility of the OT & the NT as well. He also includes a very good discussion on the presuppositions of atonement. Overall this a very profitable little book. Would also make a good study for new believers, and/or a high school class.