Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.
Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare his praise in the islands.
The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.
I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant?
Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.
The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.
But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.
Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come?
Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the Lord, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law.
Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.
Isaiah 42 is a powerful chapter that unveils the identity and mission of the Lord’s Servant, while also addressing the spiritual blindness of Israel. It's a passage rich in prophecy, pointing towards both the near future and the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Understanding this chapter provides insight into God's plan for salvation and the consequences of disobedience.
The Chosen Servant (Isaiah 42:1-4)
The chapter opens by introducing the Lord's chosen servant, a figure of immense significance. While King Cyrus of Persia would serve as a human instrument to free the Jews from captivity in the near future, the passage ultimately points to a greater, preeminent Servant. This is the one upon whom God will place His Spirit to bring justice to the nations. Isaiah had hinted at this figure earlier, speaking of a ruler who would "reign on the throne of David…with justice" (Isaiah 9:7) and upon whom "The Spirit of the LORD will rest" (Isaiah 11:2). This Servant is none other than God's Messiah, His anointed one, Jesus Christ. Matthew 12:15-21 confirms the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus.
These verses present a dual perspective, encompassing both the first and second advents of Christ. During His earthly ministry, Jesus embodied humility and gentleness, dealing compassionately with the broken and the marginalized. He "will not cry out or shout or make his voice heard in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not put out a smoldering wick; he will faithfully bring justice" (Isaiah 42:2-3). This speaks to His tender heart and unwavering commitment to justice. However, the prophecy also looks forward to His second coming, when He will return in power and glory to defeat His enemies and establish His kingdom. At that time, Jesus "will not grow weak or be discouraged. He will establish justice on earth" (Isaiah 32:4). His reign will be characterized by swift and sure justice emanating from His throne in Jerusalem.
A Light to the Nations (Isaiah 42:5-9)
God's purpose for His Messiah is inherently righteous (Isaiah 42:6). He is to be "a light to the nations" (Isaiah 42:6), extending God’s offer of salvation to all people and opening blind eyes, both literally and spiritually (Isaiah 42:7). Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus purchased salvation from sin, offering righteousness to all who trust in Him. This profound act of redemption is orchestrated by the LORD, the one true God, who alone can foretell future events and bring them to pass (Isaiah 42:8-9). He declares, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another" (Isaiah 42:8). God's glory is unique and indivisible; He alone deserves all praise and adoration.
A Call to Praise and a Warning (Isaiah 42:10-17)
The appropriate response to the good news of salvation is universal praise and glory to the LORD (Isaiah 42:10, 12). The passage makes it clear that there is no neutral ground; those who reject Him as King will face Him as their enemy. God, like a warrior, wages war against those who oppose Him (Isaiah 42:13). Those who foolishly worship idols are urged to turn away from their false gods (Isaiah 42:17). God promises, "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them" (Isaiah 42:16). The only remedy for spiritual blindness is to turn to the One who can illuminate the heart. As 2 Corinthians 4:6 states, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ."
Israel's Blindness and Judgment (Isaiah 42:18-25)
Tragically, Israel, despite being God's chosen servant, was spiritually blind (Isaiah 42:19). Despite their unique privileges and witnessing God's mighty acts, they remained inattentive and disobedient (Isaiah 42:20). This led to severe judgment. The question is asked, "Who handed Jacob over to become loot, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned?" (Isaiah 42:24). Their refusal to listen to His instruction (Isaiah 42:24) resulted in God pouring out His furious anger upon them (Isaiah 42:25). They faced a critical choice between God's blessings and exile, and they chose exile due to their disobedience.
Isaiah 42 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the dire consequences of spiritual blindness and disobedience. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are not like Israel, who failed to recognize and respond to God's grace. Instead, may we embrace Jesus as the Light of the world and live lives of praise and obedience, reflecting His glory to all nations.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.
Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare his praise in the islands.
The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.
I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant?
Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.
The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.
But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.
Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come?
Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the Lord, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law.
Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.
Isaiah 42 is a powerful chapter that unveils the identity and mission of the Lord’s Servant, while also addressing the spiritual blindness of Israel. It's a passage rich in prophecy, pointing towards both the near future and the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Understanding this chapter provides insight into God's plan for salvation and the consequences of disobedience.
The Chosen Servant (Isaiah 42:1-4)
The chapter opens by introducing the Lord's chosen servant, a figure of immense significance. While King Cyrus of Persia would serve as a human instrument to free the Jews from captivity in the near future, the passage ultimately points to a greater, preeminent Servant. This is the one upon whom God will place His Spirit to bring justice to the nations. Isaiah had hinted at this figure earlier, speaking of a ruler who would "reign on the throne of David…with justice" (Isaiah 9:7) and upon whom "The Spirit of the LORD will rest" (Isaiah 11:2). This Servant is none other than God's Messiah, His anointed one, Jesus Christ. Matthew 12:15-21 confirms the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus.
These verses present a dual perspective, encompassing both the first and second advents of Christ. During His earthly ministry, Jesus embodied humility and gentleness, dealing compassionately with the broken and the marginalized. He "will not cry out or shout or make his voice heard in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not put out a smoldering wick; he will faithfully bring justice" (Isaiah 42:2-3). This speaks to His tender heart and unwavering commitment to justice. However, the prophecy also looks forward to His second coming, when He will return in power and glory to defeat His enemies and establish His kingdom. At that time, Jesus "will not grow weak or be discouraged. He will establish justice on earth" (Isaiah 32:4). His reign will be characterized by swift and sure justice emanating from His throne in Jerusalem.
A Light to the Nations (Isaiah 42:5-9)
God's purpose for His Messiah is inherently righteous (Isaiah 42:6). He is to be "a light to the nations" (Isaiah 42:6), extending God’s offer of salvation to all people and opening blind eyes, both literally and spiritually (Isaiah 42:7). Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus purchased salvation from sin, offering righteousness to all who trust in Him. This profound act of redemption is orchestrated by the LORD, the one true God, who alone can foretell future events and bring them to pass (Isaiah 42:8-9). He declares, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another" (Isaiah 42:8). God's glory is unique and indivisible; He alone deserves all praise and adoration.
A Call to Praise and a Warning (Isaiah 42:10-17)
The appropriate response to the good news of salvation is universal praise and glory to the LORD (Isaiah 42:10, 12). The passage makes it clear that there is no neutral ground; those who reject Him as King will face Him as their enemy. God, like a warrior, wages war against those who oppose Him (Isaiah 42:13). Those who foolishly worship idols are urged to turn away from their false gods (Isaiah 42:17). God promises, "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them" (Isaiah 42:16). The only remedy for spiritual blindness is to turn to the One who can illuminate the heart. As 2 Corinthians 4:6 states, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ."
Israel's Blindness and Judgment (Isaiah 42:18-25)
Tragically, Israel, despite being God's chosen servant, was spiritually blind (Isaiah 42:19). Despite their unique privileges and witnessing God's mighty acts, they remained inattentive and disobedient (Isaiah 42:20). This led to severe judgment. The question is asked, "Who handed Jacob over to become loot, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned?" (Isaiah 42:24). Their refusal to listen to His instruction (Isaiah 42:24) resulted in God pouring out His furious anger upon them (Isaiah 42:25). They faced a critical choice between God's blessings and exile, and they chose exile due to their disobedience.
Isaiah 42 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the dire consequences of spiritual blindness and disobedience. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are not like Israel, who failed to recognize and respond to God's grace. Instead, may we embrace Jesus as the Light of the world and live lives of praise and obedience, reflecting His glory to all nations.