Quarto carme del Servo del Signore (Is 52,13–53,12). Composizione, dinamiche e prospettive

In order to clarify the numerous problems of the Fourth Song of the Servant of the Lord (Is 53:13-53:12), it is necessary to evaluate the dynamics of the passage, to identify the speakers of the different sections and the perspective of the whole text on the basis of a correct analysis of the verbal forms, which as always constitute le vehicle of the information. The author proposes a chiastic division of the text: A) 52:13-15 // Aʼ) 53:10-12 Exaltation of the Servant, with God as the speaker in both units; B) 53:1-3 // Bʼ 53:7-9 Recalling his destiny, with the prophet and/or the community of believers as the speakers; C) 53:4-6 Final understanding on the part of the community. After examining problems of detail, particularly in 52:10-15, 53:1-2, 53:9 and 53:10b, the author tries to define the perspective of the whole text by evaluating the verb forms of the future in relationship to the verb forms of the past, especially the yiqtol in 53:7 and 53:10-12. The fact that the beneficial role of the Servant for both Israel and the “many / many nations” becomes effective after his death, even because of his death, opens astonishing horizons toward the future.