Comment on Isa. 53:9 by James Edson White

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 29, 1914

Comment on Isa. 53:9

By James Edson White

J. E. WHITE

“And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.”

In the earlier editions of “Coming King” this text was treated in the following manner:—

“Seven hundred years before the crucifixion, Isaiah testified that the Saviour would make his grave ‘with the rich in his death.’”

“To make ‘his grave with the wicked,’ would have been to cast him out without burial, with criminals. But they [the Jews] were foiled in this design by one of their wealthy rulers, Joseph of Arimathea, who, in this darkest hour for the followers of Christ, stepped out boldly and took his stand for the crucified Saviour.”

“Joseph had great influence with Pilate, and begged from him permission to take the body from the cross to give it honorable burial. Pilate, who was conscience-stricken because of the weak and wicked part he had acted, readily gave Joseph the desired permission.

“Tender, loving hands took the Saviour from the cruel cross, and bore his body to the new tomb, which had never before been used, and there he was laid, thus literally fulfilling the statement of the prophet. Although poor while in life, in death his body was laid in the new, rock-hewn tomb of the wealthy ruler of Israel. No greater honor could have been shown to the dead than was accorded to Jesus by Joseph and Nicodemus.”

The foregoing comment has been questioned by some, as it does not seem to accord with the reading of the text. But in Clarke’s Commentary, edition of 1837, is quoted the translation of the verse by Bishop Lowth, which he considers “very satisfactory,” and which accords with the treatment in “Coming King:” —

“And his grave was appointed with the wicked; But with the rich man was his tomb.”

Jesus was crucified with thieves. All such criminals were refused burial, and were burned in the Valley of Hinnom. The enemies of Jesus intended that his body should receive this ignominious treatment, but the Father protected carefully the sacred body of his Son. The designs of the murderers of Jesus were frustrated by the prompt action of the wealthy rulers of Israel, Joseph and Nicodemus.

The most careful protection of the body of Jesus was foretold in prophecy. David wrote, “Thou wilt not . . . suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Ps. 16:10. And John testifies regarding the thrust of the spear, “For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.” John 19:36. See Ps. 34:20.

Says Paul, “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” 1 Cor. 5:7. The Passover lamb was the type of Christ, and it is significant that in preparing the lamb for the Passover celebration, the Hebrews were carefully instructed that not a bone of it should be broken. See Ex. 12:46; Num. 9:12.