favor, then finally be “despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (Isaiah 53:3). There are surprising references to crucifixion by a writer who had never witnessed such a thing (see Psalm 22). Isaiah would conclude, “He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed” (Isaiah 53:5). The people of Israel could hope for a better time, including forgiveness by the God they had abandoned. The coming