Bible Study – Isaiah 41-42

/ Just Add Water. Chris Bonham

S – 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. 2  He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, 

or make it heard in the street; 3  a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice

Isaiah 42:1–3 ESV

O – Commentary:

Some Bible students say My Servant here refers to Israel, which is clearly the case in verse 19. True, Israel was upheld and chosen by the Lord, and was His delight. However, the statements in verses 1b–4 suggest that here the Servant is the Messiah. This One has the Spirit of God on Him (cf. 11:2), and He will bring justice to the nations (cf. 9:7; 11:3–4; 16:5). He will be gentle (42:2–3a)—most people would break a weak, useless reed, but He will not do so-and He will be faithful (v. 3b) and not … discouraged (v. 4). He gave the Law in which the islands (i.e., people in remote parts; cf. 41:1) will … hope. Matthew 12:18–21 quotes Isaiah 42:1–4 with some minor variations, relating it to Jesus and His ministry in Israel. As God’s Servant, Jesus did what Israel could never do. He perfectly carried out the will of the father so that people everywhere may believe in the Holy One of Israel.

 John A. Martin, “Isaiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1095.

A – This is the “gentle” Messiah that will bring care and his presence to the nations.  Jesus fulfilled this by bringing value and compassion while he walked the earth.  He brought justice to those who were neglected and cast away by culture.  In his second coming, he comes as a conquering king and his judgement is more absolute.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Jesus came inviting us into a relationship with you. He exposed injustice while forgiving us of sins that we couldn’t eliminate on our own.  Thank you for loving us through kindness and the power of the invitation to you.