The Preparation of Yahweh's Servant, and its Purpose (the second Servant Song). The Servant of Yahweh speaks, bidding the far lands hearken; for them he has a glorious message, which is, however, not uttered at once but forms the climax of the song (Isaiah 49:6). Yahweh has from my earliest days ordained and nominated me to be His Servant. My mouth He has made like a keen blade, for I am to speak for Him a piercing word. Like an arrow saved in the quiver for a special quarry He has made me ready against the time. But when He told me that He would use me to His glory I answered, - With no result have I exhausted my strength: yet my right and reward are in Yahweh's keeping.-' But now the moment has come. Yahweh purposes to bring His exiles home, and I am glorified in His sight, and He is become my strength. Nor will this task suffice Him: He will make me a light for the nations to achieve a world-wide deliverance.
Isaiah 49:4. judgement: render right, i.e. what is due to me.
Isaiah 49:5. This very difficult and certainly corrupt verse has been variously construed and emended. Read perhaps, And now Yahweh that formed. servant, promiseth to bring Jacob again to him and to gather Israel. It is Yahweh, not the Servant, who brings back Jacob.
Isaiah 49:6. that thou shouldest be my servant: delete as an incorrect gloss. salvation: i.e. deliverance; read mg.