Isaiah 42:1
Summary for Isa 42:1-4: 42:1-4 a The servant here is not the people Israel (as in 41:8-28 b and elsewhere in chs 41–48 c; see 49:5-6 d) but is a royal figure who accomplishes his mission with care for people, especially for those who are hurting. The passage is the first of four songs about this servant (42:1-4 e; 49:1-13 f; 50:4-11 g; 52:13–53:12 h). He brings in an era of universal justice. For the connection of the servant with Jesus Christ, see Matt 12:18-21 i. 42:1 j who pleases me: God used similar language at Jesus’ baptism (Matt 3:17 k).• I have put my Spirit upon him: Any leader might be called a servant, but the presence of the Spirit suggests a king of David’s line or a prophet like Moses (see Num 11:17 l, 24-29 m).
• Establishing justice is the responsibility of a king (see Isa 9:6-7 n; Ps 72:1 o).
• This king’s mission will be a greater mission to the nations than simply governing the small nation of Judah.
Copyright information for
TNotes