Isaiah 42 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments
  • Isaiah 42:1 open_in_new

    My servant] On the conception of these Chapter s see Intro. Judgment] or 'right.' The Servant's office is to teach the world true religion.

    2, 3. He will not be ostentatious nor unduly severe. How Christ corresponded to the ideal is noted in Matthew 12:17-21;

  • Isaiah 42:1-25 open_in_new

    The Ideal Servant

    1-9. The characteristics and functions of Israel as the ideal Servant of Jehovah.

    10-17 A song of praise to Jehovah.

    18-25. The deficiencies of the actual Israel, considered as Jehovah's Servant.

  • Isaiah 42:4 open_in_new

    The v. implies that the Servant's work will be attended with difficulty, which he will face and overcome. Set judgment] established true religion.

  • Isaiah 42:6 open_in_new

    Two purposes of the Servant's call indidicated, (a) to be the embodiment of a new covenant with Israel (the people), (b) to be the instrument of a revelation to the Gentiles.

    In righteousness] i.e. in faithfulness to My purpose as declared in My promises (Isaiah 41:2; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 45:13).

  • Isaiah 42:7 open_in_new

    The thought of enlightenment continued, the imagery being suggested by the condition of the Jews in exile.

    8, 9. A return to the thought of Jehovah's superiority to heathen gods. He shows His control of events by foretelling them.

  • Isaiah 42:14 open_in_new

    Holden my peace] leaving prayers unanswered (Psalms 28:1; Habakkuk 1:13). Refrained myself] not interposing by miracles or mighty acts. During the period of the exile there had been no divine interposition on behalf of Israel. Destroy and devour] RV 'gasp and pant.'

    15, 16. The difficulties in the way of the returning exiles will disappear.

    18-20. Israel, though called to be Jehovah's Servant, cannot comprehend Has message given through the prophet. Note the contrast to the ideal Servant (Isaiah 42:1-4), which suggests that, in the end, the Servant will be an Israel within Israel.

  • Isaiah 42:21 open_in_new

    RV 'It pleased the Lord, for his righteousness' sake, to magnify,' etc. In accordance with His purpose, Jehovah had sent prophetic teachers: their teaching had been great and glorious, both in itself and in its fulfilment. The law] RM 'the teaching,' given through His prophets. Jehovah, on His part, graciously taught His people, but their insensibility (Isaiah 42:18-20) has brought them to their present condition of misery and exile (Isaiah 42:22-25).