Isaiah 42

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 42

The prophet seems here to launch out yet further into the prophecy of the Messiah and his kingdom under the type of Cyrus; and, having the great work of man's salvation by him yet more in view, he almost forgets the occasion that led him into it and drops the return out of Babylon; for indeed the prospect of this would be a greater comfort and support to the believing pious Jews, in their captivity, than the hope of that. And (as Mr. Gataker well observes) in this and similar prophecies of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 42:1-4

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, Matt. 12:17-21. Behold with an eye of faith, behold and observe, behold and admire, my servant, whom I uphold. Let the Old-Testament saints behold and remember him. Now what must we behold and consider concerning him? I. The Father's concern for him and relation to him, the confidence he put and the complacency he took in him. This put an honour upon him,... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 42:5-12

Here is I. The covenant God made with and the commission he gave to the Messiah, Isa. 42:5-7, which are an exposition of Isa. 42:1; Behold my servant, whom I uphold. 1. The royal titles by which the great God here makes himself known, and distinguishes himself from all pretenders, speak very much his glory (Isa. 42:5): Thus saith God the Lord. And who are thou, Lord? Why, he is the fountain of all being and therefore the fountain of all power. He is the fountain of being, 1. In the upper... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 42:13-17

It comes all to one whether we make these verses (as some do) the song itself that is to be sung by the Gentile world or a prophecy of what God will do to make way for the singing of that song, that evangelical new song. I. He will appear in his power and glory more than ever. So he did in the preaching of his gospel, in the divine power and energy which went along with it, and in the wonderful success it had in the pulling down of Satan's stronghold, Isa. 42:13, 14. He had long held his... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 42:18-25

The prophet, having spoken by way of comfort and encouragement to the believing Jews who waited for the consolation of Israel, here turns to those among them who were unbelieving, for their conviction and humiliation. Among those who were in captivity in Babylon there were some who were as the evil figs in Jeremiah's vision, who were sent thither for their hurt, to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth, for a reproach and a proverb, Jer. 24:9. In them there was a type of the Jews who... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 42

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 42 This chapter begins with a prophecy concerning the Messiah, under the character of the servant of the Lord, and his elect, whom he supported, and was well pleased with; whose work is pointed at, and for which he was well qualified with the Spirit without measure, Isaiah 42:1 and is described by his humility and meekness, Isaiah 42:2 , by his tenderness to weak and ignorant persons, Isaiah 42:3 and by his courage and resolution, Isaiah 42:4 then follow his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 42:1

Behold my servant, whom I uphold ,.... The Targum is, "behold my servant the Messiah;' and Kimchi on the place says, this is the King Messiah; and so Abarbinel F6 Mashmiah Jeshuah, fol. 9. col. 1. 2. Chizzuk Emunah, p. 299. interprets it of him, and other Jewish writers, and which is right; for the prophet speaks not of himself, as Aben Ezra thinks; nor of Cyrus, as Saadiah Gaon; nor of the people of Israel, as Jarchi; but of Christ, as it is applied, Matthew 12:17 who is spoken... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 42:2

He shall not cry ,..... According to Aben Ezra and Kimchi, as a judge in court is obliged to extend his voice that he may be heard: the Evangelist Matthew renders it, "he shall not strive"; or contend in a disputatious way, about mere words and things to no profit, or litigate a point in law; he shall bring no complaints, or enter an action against any, but rather suffer wrong, as he advises his followers, Matthew 5:40 , for this does not respect the lowness of his voice in his ministry;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 42:3

A bruised reed shall not break ,.... The tenderness of Christ to weak and ignorant persons is here and in the next clause expressed; by whom young converts or weak believers seem to be designed; who are compared to a "reed", because worthless with respect to God, whom they cannot profit; and in the view of men, who reckon them as nothing; and in themselves, and in their own view, who judge themselves unworthy of the least of mercies; and because they are weak, not only as all men are, of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail ,.... For want of strength to go through the work of redemption: or, "grow dim" F9 לא יכהה , "non caligabit", Pagninus, Montanus. and dark, as a lamp for want of oil, or as the wick of a candle ready to go out. Hence the Septuagint version, "he shall shine F11 αναλαμψει , Sept. "; in the glory of his person, as the Son of God; in the fulness of his grace, as Mediator, which shall never fail; and in the hearts of his people by his Spirit; and in his Gospel... read more

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