Bible Commentary

Isaiah 42:1

The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Behold. "Behold," as Mr. Cheyne says, "invites the attention of the world—both of the Jews and of the nations—to a new revelation." It looks back to the similar expression of and 29 of the preceding chapter, which draw down the curtain upon the idol-gods, while this "behold" reveals One who is to occupy their place, and to be a worthy object of the worship of mankind, My Servant; i.

e. my true and perfect servant, utterly obedient (; ); not, like Israel, my rebellious and faithless servant; not, even, like my prophets, yielding an imperfect obedience, Whom I uphold.

"As the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself" (). As the fount or origin of Divinity ( πηγὴ θεότητος), the Father supports and sustains even the Son and the Spirit.

Mine Elect. Christ was "chosen" from all eternity in God's counsels to the great work of man's redemption, and to be the Mediator between God and man. I have put my Spirit upon him (see ; ; and for the fulfilment, comp.

; ; ; ). He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles; i.e. "he shall publish," or "cause to be published, to the Gentiles, the true Law of God—religion on its practical side."

The publication of Christianity throughout all the world has abundantly fulfilled this promise or prophecy. The call of the Gentiles had been already declared by Isaiah in his earlier preaching (; ; ; ; , etc.

).

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Isaiah 42:1-4This prophecy was fulfilled in Christ, Matt. 12:17. Let our souls rely on him, and rejoice in him; then, for his sake, the Father will be well-pleased with us. The Holy Spirit not only came, but rested upon him, and wit…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Messiah's Approach. (b. c. 708.)THE MESSIAH'S APPROACH. (B. C. 708.) 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, Matthew 12:17-21. Behold with an eye of f…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-8ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SERVANT OF THE LORD, AND THE WORK WHICH HE WILL PERFORM. There are comparatively few who deny that, in this place at any rate, the "Servant of the Lord" is the Messiah. (So the Targum on the passage;…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-7The servants of God, and the one true Servant. It must be admitted By all that the expression "Servant of God" or "Servant of Jehovah," is used in Scripture in various senses. All who work out God's purposes, however un…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-4The characteristics of the true Leader. Taking these words as applicable to the Anointed of the Lord, and then, secondarily, to every one who is equipped and sent of him to lead and save men, we have the following featu…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-7The Servant of Jehovah. "Behold!" Let all the world hearken and attend to the new revelation. It is admitted that the conception is substantially that of Christ in the Gospels. According to one critic, indeed, the proph…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1The Lord's Servant. Various suggestions have been made by way of explanation of this term. Some regard the Lord's servant as the Hebrew nation, distinguished from the heathen; or as a new Israel opposed to the old; or a…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-25EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors