The Suffering Servant of the Lord

When the risen Lord explained Isaiah 53 to his Emmaus Road disciples, their hearts burned within them; and his disciples today who read Professor MacLeod's explanation of this priceless text will have their hearts rekindled. David MacLeod is heir to the ages of study on this princely text. And now he has lavished the Church with a splendid exposition of it that is rich in content and felicitous in style. Those who hunger for the Word of God and those who thirst for the Gospel will be filled. Not all will agree with all of MacLeod's interpretations, such as his understanding of healing and the atonement, but all will profit from his research.
--Bruce K. Waltke, Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, Regent College
Among the 100 or more books now in print devoted to the key chapter of Isaiah 53, this work is outstanding. It is scholarly and reverent; devotional and evangelistic. It is a stout defense of the prophecy of Jesus as the suffering servant. The exposition deals with the theological issues and provides illustrations for the reader. Each page has footnotes (810 in all)! These provide grammatical, lexical, and interpretive support for the exposition. Alternative views are reviewed. Five appendices cover Jewish views, Handel's Messiah and other hymnody, and issues concerning the atonement. The Hebrew text is printed and transliterated as well as translated. Major Christian scholars' expositions and commentaries are regularly cited including leading figures of Church history. For your devotions, your apologetics and your teaching, this is the book to own. Buy one for your pastor.
--Edwin A. Blum, General Editor, Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Isaiah 53 is one of the most magnificent chapters in the Bible. But because it is so detailed and profound, expositors need as much help as they can get to understand and explain the text. David MacLeod has provided such an indispensable work. It will be clear to any reader that this book represents a lifetime of careful research in the text that has been refined through regular teaching and preaching. For those who want to understand this Servant Song, every expression and every statement, but may not have the time or the tools to do it, this work will be a rich and rewarding addition to their libraries.
--Allen P. Ross, Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School
David MacLeod has written a remarkably helpful and thorough exposition of Isaiah 52:13-53:12, one of the most amazing and important biblical prophecies of the Messiah Jesus. From the carefully researched details of each verse to the valuable appendices of related topics at the end of the book, Dr. MacLeod relates the theological significance and apologetic value of this crucial passage. Most importantly, he demonstrates, in the words of F. B. Meyer, ""There is only one brow upon which this crown of thorns will fit,"" namely, Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth, the Messiah of Israel and the world.
--Michael Rydelnik, Professor of Jewish Studies and Bible, Moody Bible Institute
The Suffering Servant of the Lord is both a study of messianic prophecy and a unique portrait of our Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. David MacLeod has produced an outstanding biblical and theological exposition. His gifts and commitment shine through. This is a book for your life, your ministry, and your library.
--Barry R. Leventhal, Distinguished Senior Professor and Director of the Graduate School of Church Ministry and Missions, Southern Evangelical Seminary


David MacLeod was born in Sydney on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. At the age of eleven he moved with his family to Massachusetts. Five years later he was converted to faith in Jesus Christ. After graduating from Worcester State University (B.S.Ed. [1965]), he received his theological education at Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M. [1969], Ph.D. [1987]). He has taught at Western Bible College (now Colorado Christian University) and Dallas Theological Seminary.

Since 1983 he has taught