Isaiah 42:1-4

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

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 42:1

Behold my servant, whom I uphold - בו אתמך ethmach bo , on whom I lean. Alluding to the custom of kings leaning on the arm of their most beloved and faithful servant. All, both Jews and Christians, agree, that the seven first verses of this chapter belong to Christ. Now, as they are evidently a continuation of the prophecy in the preceding chapter, that prophecy cannot belong to Cyrus, but to Christ. He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles "He shall publish judgment to the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail nor be discouraged "His force shall not be abated nor broken" - Rabbi Meir ita citat locum istum, ut post ירוץ yaruts , addat כוחו cocho , robur ejus , quod hodie Ilon comparet in textu Hebraeo, sed addendum videtur, ut sensus fiat planior . "Rabbi Meir cites this passage so as to add after ירוץ yarats כוחו cocho , his force, which word is not found in the present Hebrew text, but seems necessary to be added to make the sense more distinct."... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 42:1

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 Isaiah 42:24 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 ( John 4:34 ; Hebrews 3:2 ); not,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 42:1

The 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 as the righteous part of the Hebrew nation; or as the Israel which suffered for its religious testimony to the heathen; or as an i, teal Israel; or as the order of the Hebrew prophets. Bishop Wordsworth says, "The 'Servant of Jehovah,' as represented by Isaiah, is a Person; he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 42:1-4

The 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 features indicated. I. THE SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE . "My Servant "( Isaiah 42:1 ). Jesus Christ was the Servant of Jehovah; he was "about his Father's business" from the beginning. He came "to work the work of him that sent him." It was his "meet to do the Father's will,... read more

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