Isaiah 42:2-4

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 42:2

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 42:4

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 42:1-4

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 42:1-7

The 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 unconsciously or even unwillingly, are called by the sacred writers "God's servants," in respect of the service, albeit unconscious or unwilling, which they render him. Thus Jeremiah calls Nebuchadnezzar "God's servant" ( Jeremiah 25:9 ; Jeremiah 27:6 , etc.), and Ezekiel... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 42:1-7

The 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 prophetic passage springs from the time of Herod II . Let us think, then, of Jesus and his mission. I. THE ELECT OF GOD . Six times does the word occur in this portion of Isaiah; it is found also in Psalms 89:3 ; Psalms 105:6 , Psalms 105:43 ; Psalms 106:5 , ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 42:1-8

ANNOUNCEMENT 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; so Abar-barnel; so, among moderns, Oehler, Delitzsch, and Mr. Cheyne.) The portraiture has "so strong an individuality and such marked personal features, that it cannot possibly be a mere personified collective;" and it goes so "infinitely ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 42:2

He shall not cry, nor lift up . Supply, after "lift up," "his voice" from the next clause. His methods shall be quiet and gentle. He shall not seek to recommend his teaching by clamour or noisy demonstrations. There shall be a marked unobtrusiveness in all his doings (comp. Matthew 8:4 ; Matthew 9:30 ; Matthew 12:15 ; Matthew 14:13 ; John 5:13 ; John 6:15 ; John 7:3 , John 7:4 ; John 8:59 ; John 10:40 , etc.). read more

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