Thanks for this posting.
One thing, though...
the Bible is contrary to that interpretation. Specifically, God repeatedly and consistently refers to His people (Israel/Judea) as His “servant”.... and this is especially clear in Isaiah itself. For instances,
“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, you whom I have chosen, offspring of Abraham who loved Me…and to whom I shall say: ‘You are my servant’ – I have chosen you and not rejected you.” (Isaiah 41:8-9)
“But hear now Jacob, My servant, and Israel whom I have chosen!” (Isaiah 44:1)
“Remember these things, Jacob and Israel, for you are My servant: I fashioned you to be My servant: Israel do not forget Me!” (Isaiah 44:21)
“..for the sake of My servant Jacob and Israel, My chosen one: I have proclaimed you by name…” (Isaiah 45:4)
“…say, ‘God has redeemed His servant Jacob.” (Isaiah 48:20)
“…You are my servant, Israel, in whom I take glory.” (Isaiah 49:3)
“But as for you, do not fear My servant Jacob, the word of God and do not be afraid, Israel…” (Jeremiah 30:10)
“A heritage for Israel, His (God’s) servant, for His kindness endures forever.” (Psalms Chapter 136:22)
===========In short, Isaiah here refers very clearly to the people Israel/Judea/the Jewish people...indeed this is the subject of his entire local discourse. Isaiah did not here allude to any particular individual (whether alive or to come in centuries future). This fact is further made clear by reading the passages IN THEIR CONTEXT, and for their plain stated meaning.
Nothing above contradicts any Christian faith, certainly not....just to keep to the Scripture as accurately as possible. Thank you.
Jesus is the Servant He refers to as well as Israel. How do I know? Because Matthew tells us Jesus is the fulfillment of the Servant songs, Matthew 12:15-20 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
16 And charged them that they should not make him known:
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.