Ibn Ezra

Therefore will I divide him, etc. All commentators agree that in this verse the prophet speaks of those that die for the unity of God, explaining the expression ברבים with the great—comp. רב chief (Est. 1:8)—to signify the prophets, and understand by עצומים the strong the patriarchs. According to this explanation the meaning of the whole verse is, The merit of those that die for the unity of God, is equal to the merit of the prophets and patriarchs. We know that this is true, but the subject has no connection with the context of this chapter. I explain it as follows: I will certainly give to Israel a portion of the spoil and booty taken from many nations; מן עצומים = את עצומים of the strong; comp. את העיר from the city (Exod. 9:29). תחת For. The reward for having poured out, etc. הערה He poured out. Some render it, he has discovered; that is, he has done publicly. I think it is to be compared with ותער and she emptied (Gen. 24:20), though of a different conjugation, and especially with אל תער נפשי do not pour out my soul (Psalm 141:8), and to be rendered he poured out. ואת And with. פשעים Transgressors of the word of God. And with the transgressors he was numbered, etc. Israel was considered like people that transgress the will of God. And he bare the sin of many. In consequence of the troubles of Israel, the other nations had peace; the punishment which the latter deserved was inflicted upon the former. And made intercession for the transgressors. He prayed to God for the transgressors. Comp. Jer. 29:7. By the transgressors, the heathen nations are meant. I have thus explained the whole passage, on the supposition that it refers to Israel; but my opinion is, that my servant, mentioned here (52:13), is the same as that of 42:1, 49:3, 53:11, the same who says of himself, I gave my back to the smiters, etc. (50:6). In my commentary on chap. xl., I mentioned briefly the leading principle of my opinion, which considers all these chapters (from xl.) as connected with each other.