1 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.
2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
5 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:
6 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;
7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
8 I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
10 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.
11 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.
12 Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.
13 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.
14 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.
15 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.
16 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.
17 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.
18 Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
19 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?
20 Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.
21 The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make [it] honourable.
22 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.
23 Who among you will give ear to this? [who] will hearken and hear for the time to come?
24 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.
25 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.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 42
Isaiah Chapter 42 is a significant passage within the book of Isaiah, presenting themes of justice, hope, and the role of the servant of the Lord. This chapter introduces the concept of the “Servant,” who is often interpreted as a prophetic figure representing Israel or the Messiah. The chapter emphasizes God’s commitment to justice and the transformative power of His servant.
Key Themes
- The Servant of the Lord: The chapter introduces the servant, described as chosen and upheld by God, who will bring justice to the nations.
- Justice and Righteousness: A recurring theme in this chapter is the establishment of justice, not only for Israel but for all nations.
- Hope for the Gentiles: The passage highlights that the servant’s mission extends beyond Israel, promising hope and light to the Gentiles.
- God’s Sovereignty: The chapter emphasizes God’s control over history and His commitment to fulfill His promises.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verses 1-4: The Introduction of the Servant
- Verses 5-9: God’s Declaration of Purpose
- Verses 10-13: A Call to Praise
- Verses 14-17: God’s Assurance
- Verses 18-25: A Call to Listen and Observe
These verses describe the servant’s character and mission. He is chosen by God, filled with His Spirit, and tasked with bringing forth justice. The gentle nature of the servant is emphasized, as he does not break a bruised reed or extinguish a dimly burning wick, symbolizing his compassion and care for the weak and marginalized.
In these verses, God speaks about His creation and the purpose behind the servant’s mission. He declares that the servant will be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles. This section underscores the universal scope of the servant’s work, indicating that God’s plan includes all humanity, not just Israel.
This segment shifts to a call for praise and worship. It encourages the heavens and earth, as well as the wilderness and cities, to sing and rejoice in the Lord’s new thing. This reflects the joy and hope that the servant’s mission brings to creation.
Here, God expresses His long-suffering and patience. He assures His people that despite their struggles, He will act on their behalf. The promise of deliverance is reiterated, and the blind and deaf metaphorically represent those who are spiritually lost. God promises to lead them in a new way, emphasizing His role as a guide and protector.
The final verses serve as a warning to Israel. God calls His people to listen and observe, highlighting their spiritual blindness and deafness. The chapter concludes with a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God’s covenant.
Theological Implications
Isaiah 42 has profound theological implications regarding the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. It emphasizes God’s justice and mercy, illustrating how He cares for the marginalized and oppressed. The servant’s role as a light to the nations foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this prophecy, bringing salvation to all people.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 42 encapsulates the hope and promise of God’s redemptive plan through the servant. It challenges readers to reflect on their own spiritual blindness and encourages them to embrace the justice and light that God offers through His chosen one. The chapter serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering commitment to His creation and His desire for all to experience His love and salvation.
