A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace

S4: Week 38 Day 1 — Annotating Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Date: September 15, 2025
Hosts: Beth & Alexa (The Daily Grace Co.)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Beth and Alexa begin their in-depth study of Isaiah 52:13–53:12, a pivotal Old Testament passage known as the "Suffering Servant" prophecy. The hosts guide listeners through a careful annotation of the text, highlighting vivid descriptions of the servant and drawing connections to Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy. Their aim is to illustrate how Christ is clearly foreshadowed in the Old Testament and to equip listeners to see Jesus as the central figure throughout Scripture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to the Passage

• The passage, Isaiah 52:13–53:12, is described as “particularly lengthy,” possibly the longest studied so far this year ([01:15]).
• Beth and Alexa read the entire section aloud, dividing it into two halves for clarity.

2. Reading & Annotation (Isaiah 52:13–53:12)

Beth reads Isaiah 52:13–53:5 ([01:15]–[02:52]), Alexa continues 53:6–53:12 ([02:52]–[04:00]).

Notable Verses Highlighted:

• "See, my servant will be successful. He will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted." ([01:19])
• "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was." ([01:48])
• "But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds." ([02:19])
• "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth..." ([02:52])
• "He was assigned a grave with the wicked, but he was with a rich man at his death because he had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully." ([03:26])
• "Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely… My righteous servant will justify many, and he will carry their iniquities." ([03:38])
• "He willingly submitted to death and was counted among the rebels; yet he bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels." ([03:53])

3. Annotation Technique & Insights

• Beth explains her process for annotating the passage: focusing on the fourth prompt (descriptions of the servant) to set up the week's study ([04:05]).
• She lists all the servant’s attributes in order as they appear, encouraging listeners to follow along in their Bibles.

Key Attributes of the Servant (as listed by Beth, [04:11]):

• Successful, raised and greatly exalted
• Disfigured, lacking impressive form or majesty
• Despised, rejected, a man of suffering
• Bore others’ sicknesses and pains, regarded as afflicted by God
• Pierced for rebellion, crushed for iniquities, punished for our peace, heals by his wounds
• Oppressed, afflicted, silent under suffering
• Cut off from the land of the living
• Assigned a grave with the wicked, but with a rich man in death
• Had done no violence or spoken deceitfully
• Made a guilt offering, will justify many, carry iniquities
• Willing submission to death, counted among rebels, bore the sin of many, interceded for rebels

Memorable Quote:

“I think it’s just so important that we highlight all of these things in detail because they really tell us the nature of the servant that Isaiah promises.”
— Beth ([05:25])

4. The Obvious Christ Connection

• Beth notes that the connection to Christ is “a bit more obvious from the beginning this week” ([04:05]).
• Alexa affirms the importance of recognizing what the servant experienced and accomplished, setting the stage for deeper exploration in the coming days ([05:32]).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Beth (on the servant’s experience):

  “He was despised and rejected... He was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities… We are healed by his wounds.” ([01:48]–[02:21])

• Alexa (on detailed annotation):

  “I think you did a great job of pointing out all that this servant experienced and completed. That’s really important for us as we dive in.” ([05:32])

• Beth (on the study’s focus):

  “These things in detail… really tell us the nature of the servant that Isaiah promises.” ([05:25])

Important Timestamps

• 00:26 — Hosts introduce the week’s theme and passages.
• 01:15–04:00 — Full reading of Isaiah 52:13–53:12 (split between Beth and Alexa).
• 04:05–05:32 — Beth shares her annotation process and servant descriptions.
• 05:32–05:41 — Alexa and Beth discuss excitement for deeper study.

Closing & Next Steps

The hosts set the foundation for the week, inviting listeners to continue the journey by going deeper into Isaiah in the next episode. Their careful attention to the servant’s suffering underscores how this ancient prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

For Listeners

This episode offers a careful, meditative walkthrough of a key Messianic prophecy, highlighting how every detail points to Christ. It’s ideal for listeners seeking to see Jesus throughout all of Scripture—and to deepen their appreciation for the unity of the biblical story.