(Post #4) Substitutionary Work Completed.

Isaiah 53:11 “Of the travail [the laborious effort and great anguish] of his soul he shall see; he shall be satisfied."

Barnes Commentary.- The sense is, he shall see the fruit , or the result of his sufferings, and shall be satisfied. The word here rendered “travail”, denotes properly “labor, toil”; wearisome labor; labor and toil which produced exhaustion; and hence sometimes vexation, sorrow, grief, trouble. The word “travail” with us has two senses, first, labor with pain, severe toil; and secondly, the pains of childbirth.


Consider: ISAIAH 66:7 “Before she [the city of David] travailed, she gave birth; before pain came to her, then she delivered a male [the “Messiah, the “Mighty God”]. Who has heard like this? Who has seen like these? Shall the earth travail in one day? Shall be born a nation (in) one step. For also [afterward] Zion [the city of David] travailed (and) brought forth her sons. Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth? Surely I cause birth, and restrain,’ says your God.”

Adam Clarke Commentary.- His suffering, which included his death, led to life (his resurrection). Satisfied that his substitutionary work was completed. He now can justify (declare righteous) those who believe.

Gaebelein Commentary.- The guilt offering may have special overtones of completeness for it involved restitution as well as an offering to God. Nothing then remained to be done; the work was complete.