Isaiah 42
A plain-spoken deep dive on the whole chapter. Read the chapter →
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Johanan and the remnant of the people desire Jeremiah to ask counsel of God what they should do, Jer 42:1-3. The prophet assures them of safety in Judea, but destruction in Egypt, Jer 42:4-18; and reproves their hypocrisy in asking counsel with which they had no intention to comply, Jer 42:19-22.
Open source ↗MESSIAH THE ANTITYPE OF CYRUS. (Isa. 42:1-25) my servant--The law of prophetic suggestion leads Isaiah from Cyrus to the far greater Deliverer, behind whom the former is lost sight of. The express quotation in Mat 12:18-20, and the description can apply to Messiah alone (Psa 40:6; with which compare Exo 21:6; Joh 6:38; Phi 2:7). Israel, also, in its highest ideal, is called the "servant" of God (Isa 49:3). But this ideal is realized only in the antitypical Israel, its representative-man and Head, Messiah (compare Mat 2:15, with Hos 11:1). "Servant" was the position assumed by the Son of God throughout His humiliation. elect--chosen by God before the foundation of the world for an atonement (Pe1 1:20; Rev 13:8). Redemption was no afterthought to remedy an unforeseen evil (Rom 16:25-26; Eph 3:9, Eph 3:11; Ti2 1:9-10; Tit 1:2-3). In Mat 12:18 it is rendered "My beloved"; the only beloved Son, beloved in a sense distinct from all others. Election and the love of God are inseparably joined. soul--a human phrase applied to God, because of the intended union of humanity with the Divinity: "I Myself." delighteth--is well pleased with, and accepts, as a propitiation. God could have "delighted" in no created being as a mediator (compare Isa 42:21; Isa 63:5; Mat 3:17). spirit upon him-- (Isa 11:2; Isa 61:1; Luk 4:18; Joh 3:34). judgment--the gospel dispensation, founded on justice, the canon of the divine rule and principle of judgment called "the law" (Isa 2:3; compare Isa 42:4; Isa 51:4; Isa 49:6). The Gospel has a discriminating judicial effect: saving to penitents; condemnatory to Satan, the enemy (Joh 12:31; Joh 16:11), and the wilfully impenitent (Joh 9:39). Mat 12:18 has, "He shall show," for "He shall bring forth," or "cause to go forth." Christ both produced and announced…
Open source ↗Behold my servant, whom I uphold,.... The Targum is, "behold my servant the Messiah;'' and Kimchi on the place says, this is the King Messiah; and so Abarbinel (f) interprets it of him, and other Jewish writers, and which is right; for the prophet speaks not of himself, as Aben Ezra thinks; nor of Cyrus, as Saadiah Gaon; nor of the people of Israel, as Jarchi; but of Christ, as it is applied, Mat 12:17 who is spoken of under the character of a "servant", as he is; not as a divine Person, for as such he is the Son of God; but as man, and in his office as Mediator; a servant of the Lord, not of angels, or men, but of his divine Father; who chose him, called and sent him, and assigned him his work; which was principally the redemption of his people, and which he diligently, faithfully, and fully performed; in which he was "upheld" as man and Mediator by his Father, not only in his being as man, but was strengthened and helped in his mediatorial service so that he did not sink under the mighty weight of the sins of his people, or of the wrath of God: or, "whom I lean upon" (g); as a master on his servant, so Kimchi; he relied on him to do the work he undertook; he trusted him with his own glory, and the salvation of his people. This prophecy is ushered in with a "behold"; exciting attention to what is said concerning Christ, as of the greatest importance; directing the eye of faith to him for righteousness and salvation; and as expressive of admiration at him, that he who was the Son of God should become a servant, and undertake the salvation of men: mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth: this character of "elect" may respect the choice of the human nature to the grace of union with the Son of God; which was chosen out from among the people, and separated from them for tha…
Open source ↗The hēn (behold) in Isa 41:29 is now followed by a second hēn. With the former, Jehovah pronounced sentence upon the idolaters and their idols; with the latter, He introduces His "servant." In Isa 41:8 this epithet was applied to the nation, which had been chosen as the servant and for the service of Jehovah. But the servant of Jehovah who is presented to us here is distinct from Israel, and has so strong an individuality and such marked personal features, that the expression cannot possibly be merely a personified collective. Nor can the prophet himself be intended; for what is here affirmed of this servant of Jehovah goes infinitely beyond anything to which a prophet was ever called, or of which a man was ever capable. It must therefore be the future Christ; and this is the view taken in the Targum, where the translation of our prophecy commences thus: "Hâ' ‛abhdı̄ Meshı̄châ." Still there must be a connection between the national sense, in which the expression "servant of Jehovah" was used in Isa 41:8, and the personal sense in which it is used here. The coming Saviour is not depicted as the Son of David, as in chapters 7-12, and elsewhere, but appears as the embodied idea of Israel, i.e., as its truth and reality embodied in one person. The idea of "the servant of Jehovah" assumed, to speak figuratively, the from of a pyramid. The base was Israel as a whole; the central section was that Israel, which was not merely Israel according to the flesh, but according to the spirit also; the apex is the person of the Mediator of salvation springing out of Israel. And the last of the three is regarded (1.) as the centre of the circle of the promised kingdom - the second David; (2.) the centre of the circle of the people of salvation - the second Israel; (3.) the centre of…
Open source ↗We are sure that these verses are to be understood of Christ, for the evangelist tells us expressly that in him this prophecy was fulfilled, Mat 12:17-21. Behold with an eye of faith, behold and observe, behold and admire, my servant, whom I uphold. Let the Old Testament saints behold and remember him. Now what must we behold and consider concerning him? I. The Father's concern for him and relation to him, the confidence he put and the complacency he took in him. This put an honour upon him, and made him remarkable, above any other circumstance, Isa 42:1. 1. God owns him as one employed for him: He is my servant. Though he was a Son, yet, as a Mediator, he took upon him the form of a servant, learned obedience to the will of God and practised it, and laid out himself to advance the interests of God's kingdom, and so he was God's servant. 2. As one chosen by him: He is my elect. He did not thrust himself into the service, but was called of God, and pitched upon as the fittest person for it. Infinite Wisdom made the choice and then avowed it. 3. As one he put a confidence in: He is my servant on whom I lean; so some read it. The Father put a confidence in him that he would go through with his undertaking, and, in that confidence, brought many sons to glory. It was a great trust which the Father reposed in the Son, but he knew him to be par negotio - equal to it, both able and faithful. 4. As one he took care of: He is my servant whom I uphold; so we read it. The Father bore him up, and bore him out, in his upholding him; he stood by him and strengthened him. 5. As one whom he took an entire complacency in: My elect, in whom my soul delights. His delight was in him from eternity, when he was by him as one brought up with him, Pro 8:30. He had a particular satisfaction in h…
Open source ↗42:1-4 The servant here is not the people Israel (as in 41:8-28 and elsewhere in chs 41–48; see 49:5-6) 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; 49:1-13; 50:4-11; 52:13–53:12). He brings in an era of universal justice. For the connection of the servant with Jesus Christ, see Matt 12:18-21. 42:1 who pleases me: God used similar language at Jesus’ baptism (Matt 3:17). • 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, 24-29). • Establishing justice is the responsibility of a king (see Isa 9:6-7; Ps 72:1). • This king’s mission will be a greater mission to the nations than simply governing the small nation of Judah.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant תָּמַךְ (tâmak, H8551) — to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close בָּחִיר (bâchîyr, H972) — select נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… רָצָה (râtsâh, H7521) — to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy adebt נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) רוּחַ (rûwach, H7307) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively,… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… מִשְׁפָּט (mishpâṭ, H4941) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a… גּוֹי (gôwy, H1471) — a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight…
Open source ↗צָעַק (tsâʻaq, H6817) — to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly) נָשָׂא (nâsâʼ, H5375) — to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative קוֹל (qôwl, H6963) — a voice or sound שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… חוּץ (chûwts, H2351) — properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors
Open source ↗רָצַץ (râtsats, H7533) — to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively קָנֶה (qâneh, H7070) — a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem,… שָׁבַר (shâbar, H7665) — to burst (literally or figuratively) כֵּהֶה (kêheh, H3544) — feeble, obscure פִּשְׁתָּה (pishtâh, H6594) — flax; by implication, a wick כָּבָה (kâbâh, H3518) — to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger) יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… מִשְׁפָּט (mishpâṭ, H4941) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a… אֶמֶת (ʼemeth, H571) — stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
Open source ↗כָּהָה (kâhâh, H3543) — to be weak, i.e. (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye)… רָצַץ (râtsats, H7533) — to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… מִשְׁפָּט (mishpâṭ, H4941) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) אִי (ʼîy, H339) — properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island יָחַל (yâchal, H3176) — to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh, H8451) — a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אֵל (ʼêl, H410) — strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God בָּרָא (bârâʼ, H1254) — (absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative… שָׁמַיִם (shâmayim, H8064) — the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds… נָטָה (nâṭâh, H5186) — to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used… רָקַע (râqaʻ, H7554) — to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering); by… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) צֶאֱצָא (tseʼĕtsâʼ, H6631) — issue, i.e. produce, children נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) נְשָׁמָה (nᵉshâmâh, H5397) — a puff, i.e. wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely)… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… רוּחַ (rûwach, H7307) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively,… הָלַךְ (hâlak, H1980) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… צֶדֶק (tsedeq, H6664) — the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), נָצַר (nâtsar, H5341) — to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal,… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) בְּרִית (bᵉrîyth, H1285) — a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh) עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… אוֹר (ʼôwr, H216) — illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.) גּוֹי (gôwy, H1471) — a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight…
Open source ↗פָּקַח (pâqach, H6491) — to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant עִוֵּר (ʻivvêr, H5787) — blind (literally or figuratively) עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… אַסִּיר (ʼaççîyr, H616) — {bound, i.e. a captive} מַסְגֵּר (maçgêr, H4525) — a fastener, i.e. (of a person) a smith, (of a thing) a prison יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… חֹשֶׁךְ (chôshek, H2822) — the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death,… כֶּלֶא (keleʼ, H3608) — a prison בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority,… כָּבוֹד (kâbôwd, H3519) — properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) אַחֵר (ʼachêr, H312) — properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc. תְּהִלָּה (tᵉhillâh, H8416) — laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn פְּסִיל (pᵉçîyl, H6456) — an idol
Open source ↗רִאשׁוֹן (riʼshôwn, H7223) — first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun) בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) חָדָשׁ (châdâsh, H2319) — new נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… צָמַח (tsâmach, H6779) — to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative) שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,…
Open source ↗שִׁיר (shîyr, H7891) — to sing יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God חָדָשׁ (châdâsh, H2319) — new שִׁיר (shîyr, H7892) — a song; abstractly, singing תְּהִלָּה (tᵉhillâh, H8416) — laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn קָצֶה (qâtseh, H7097) — an extremity אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… יָם (yâm, H3220) — a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the… מְלֹא (mᵉlôʼ, H4393) — fulness (literally or figuratively) אִי (ʼîy, H339) — properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to…
Open source ↗מִדְבָּר (midbâr, H4057) — a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert; also… עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… נָשָׂא (nâsâʼ, H5375) — to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative חָצֵר (châtsêr, H2691) — a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls) קֵדָר (Qêdâr, H6938) — Kedar, a son of Ishmael; also (collectively) Bedouin (as his descendants or… יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… סֶלַע (çelaʻ, H5553) — a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress) רָנַן (rânan, H7442) — properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e. to shout (usually for joy) צָוַח (tsâvach, H6681) — to screech (exultingly) רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… הַר (har, H2022) — a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Open source ↗שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… כָּבוֹד (kâbôwd, H3519) — properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… תְּהִלָּה (tᵉhillâh, H8416) — laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn אִי (ʼîy, H339) — properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… גִּבּוֹר (gibbôwr, H1368) — powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant עוּר (ʻûwr, H5782) — to wake (literally or figuratively) קִנְאָה (qinʼâh, H7068) — jealousy or envy אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… מִלְחָמָה (milchâmâh, H4421) — a battle (i.e. the engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare) רוּעַ (rûwaʻ, H7321) — to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout… צָרַח (tsârach, H6873) — to be clear (in tone, i.e. shrill), i.e. to whoop גָּבַר (gâbar, H1396) — to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently אֹיֵב (ʼôyêb, H341) — hating; an adversary
Open source ↗עוֹלָם (ʻôwlâm, H5769) — properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or… חָשָׁה (châshâh, H2814) — to hush or keep quiet חָרַשׁ (chârash, H2790) — to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to… אָפַק (ʼâphaq, H662) — to contain, i.e. (reflex.) abstain פָּעָה (pâʻâh, H6463) — to scream יָלַד (yâlad, H3205) — to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show… נָשַׁם (nâsham, H5395) — properly, to blow away, i.e. destroy שָׁמֵם (shâmêm, H8074) — to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e. devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both… שָׁאַף (shâʼaph, H7602) — to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten יַחַד (yachad, H3162) — properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,
“You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may consider and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, and after Me none will come.
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.
While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.
As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight,
“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend—
to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.