Bruised For You

“Bruise Him”? How easily we can read words like these and never really consider the depth of their meaning. On the surface, this can seem like a polite phrase that sounds somewhat serious. But how serious?

When we explore the original Hebrew, we are confronted with words with explosive meanings and profound implications.

For example, the word here translated “pleased” doesn’t indicate a modest desire. In fact, this is a strong word that means to delight or find pleasure in. To like something very, very much! There is nothing weak or indecisive. On the contrary, this is intentional and indicates no hesitation or doubt.

What was it that the Lord liked “very, very much”? What gave Him such pleasure? It was to bruise Him —His suffering servant, universally considered the picture of Jesus, the Messiah. His Son.

This “bruising” was painful and intense. In his Hebrew dictionary, William Wilson says that the Hebrew word here “designates the most severe inward and outward suffering.” It suggests crushing. Humbling! Breaking into small pieces! Afflicting!

This is what the Lord wanted to do to Jesus “very, very much.” Why would the Father desire these things for His Son? We find the answer throughout this chapter.

It was through this bruising that Jesus was to bear our griefs and carry our sorrow. Because of this, He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. He took upon Himself the chastisement that we rightfully deserved. He received painful stripes to His body, but by them we are healed. Furthermore, God literally put our iniquities upon Him, and He took them away.

Only a loving Son would do this for His Father, and for His people. And, because of His obedience, we can be redeemed and forgiven. Healed and delivered. Totally set free!