In Isaiah, chapter fifty-three, verse one, “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?” Nowhere in all the Old Testament is it so plainly and fully prophesied that Christ ought to suffer, and then to enter into His glory, as in this chapter. But to this day, few discern, or will acknowledge, that Divine power which goes with the word. The authentic and most important report of salvation for sinners, through the Son of God, is disregarded.
However, the Servant-Messiah suffered and was crucified, and many have found God’s message in Him difficult to believe and accept, as in John twelve, verse thirty-eight, and Romans ten, verse sixteen, respectively. Some believe Christ died for their sins, but find it difficult to believe the whole message of full life made possible by His atoning death, as in verses four to five of this theme chapter, Matthew eight, verse seventeen, John ten, verse ten, and Acts five, verses twelve through sixteen, and verse twenty, respectively.
The theme title, “Who hath believed our report?” is one of the two questions presented in this key verse. What is the cause of unbelief? John twelve, verse thirty-seven, states, “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him.” The people could not believe because their decisions about Jesus brought God’s action of hardening.
The gospel never leaves unchanged, the person who refuses to listen, repent, and believe. The Apostle Paul says the people of Israel were broken off because of their unbelief. Yet the hardening was not permanent for every individual in that nation. Anyone who humbled themself and believed would receive eternal life. Who hath believed our report? It is no different to say, Who hath believed the Word of God?