Isaiah 42:1-43:13
Dear RTB’ers,
For the remainder of our readings in Isaiah I recommend that you first read the STS introduction, then the text, then the introduction again and the text again, then my comments, then the 2023 posts. It’s not easy to follow Isaiah when you just read his words; it requires a bit of digging, but it’s worth it. That’s why he is the most quoted prophet by Jesus and in the other New Testament writings.
Today’s STS intro suggests that much of today’s reading refers to Israel as God’s servant: Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. (v. 42:1) As I have mentioned before, the ESV (quoted) does not capitalize deific pronouns (in bold above). However, the same verse in the NASB (and the NKJV and others) has the words my, him and he capitalized. Obviously, with “my” God is speaking in the first person, but the “he” and “him” are Messianic references in that verse and the next three. These first four verses in Isaiah 42 are quoted in Matthew 12:18-21 as a direct reference to Jesus. My Study Bible notes three other “Servant” passages later in Isaiah in chapters 49, 50, and 52-53. So while Isaiah was likely referring to Israel as God’s servant, many scholars see Messianic references.
And with reference to Israel, two verses today show God’s intent: Who gave up Jacob to the looter, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned, in whose ways they would not walk, and whose law they would not obey? So He poured on him the heat of his anger and the might of battle; it set him on fire all around, but he did not understand; it burned him up, but he did not take it to heart. (vv. 42:24-25) It was the Lord, not the advancing nations who were defeating Israel and taking them into captivity; it was His retribution for their sins. But His love also prevailed and He would bring them home: But now thus says the LORD, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. … I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. I will say to the north, give up, and to the south, do not withhold; bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made. (vv. 43:1, 5b-7)
As we read these verses, with Isaiah referencing Israel, we might want to put ourselves “into the story” – where Isaiah is referencing Israel (My servant), maybe we are that servant? His discipline and His salvation for Israel – and for us? Those past (or current) difficult times – God knows what He is doing, to us and for us. We need to keep that in mind.
Blessings!
See also: August 19 (2023) / Isaiah 42-43.