The Forbidden Passage of Isaiah 53
The Old Testament, known in Hebrew as the Tanakh, contains a treasure of wisdom, knowledge, and – even – prophesy. Countless people value the Old Testament beyond measure. But there is one chapter that is purposefully ignored by some – even by very religious people. One could go as far as to say that some even consider a certain Bible passage forbidden! The chapter in question: Isaiah 53.
Isaiah is a most important prophet and chapter 53 of Isaiah is often seen as a prophecy of the coming Messiah. But this chapter is ignored by many who do not consider Jesus as the Messiah. Why would folks ignore such an important prophet as Isaiah and his writings? Very simply, the description of the prophesied Messiah in Isaiah 53 is clearly a depiction of Jesus. And, for the most part, some do not consider Jesus as the Messiah. Here’s how this “forbidden” bible verse reads …
Isaiah 53:3
"He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows,” and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide
their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed
him not.
a man of sorrows,” and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide
their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed
him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that
made us whole,
and with his stripes we are healed.
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that
made us whole,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all."
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all."
On Jesus, The Messiah, And Cognitive Dissonance
Psychologists have a term called “Cognitive Dissonance” and it clearly explains why it is hard for folks who are not Christian to read Isaiah 53. Here’s a definition:
Cognitive Dissonance: The state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs,
or attitudes, especially as relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change.
It’s just hard to hold one belief while considering information that contradicts your original belief. The easy solution is to dismiss the information that disagrees with your preexisting belief. And this is why Isaiah 53 is avoided.
or attitudes, especially as relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change.
It’s just hard to hold one belief while considering information that contradicts your original belief. The easy solution is to dismiss the information that disagrees with your preexisting belief. And this is why Isaiah 53 is avoided.
Don’t Ignore One Chapter.
The Bible – both the Old Testament and New Testament – has wisdom, knowledge, and truth waiting for you on every page. Don’t ignore one chapter or even one word to grow in your walk with God!
