Isaiah 42
BSB1 “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. 3 A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope." 5 This is what God the LORD says— He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it: 6 “I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, 7 to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. 8 I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols. 9 Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you." 10 Sing to the LORD a new song— His praise from the ends of the earth— you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who dwell in them. 11 Let the desert and its cities raise their voices; let the villages of Kedar cry aloud. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them cry out from the mountaintops. 12 Let them give glory to the LORD and declare His praise in the islands. 13 The LORD goes forth like a mighty one; He stirs up His zeal like a warrior. He shouts; yes, He roars in triumph over His enemies: 14 “I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant. 15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes. 16 I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. 17 But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame. 18 Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see! 19 Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD? 20 Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear." 21 The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious. 22 But this is a people plundered and looted, all trapped in caves or imprisoned in dungeons. They have become plunder with no one to rescue them, and loot with no one to say, “Send them back!" 23 Who among you will pay attention to this? Who will listen and obey hereafter? 24 Who gave Jacob up for spoil, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned? They were unwilling to walk in His ways, and they would not obey His law. 25 So He poured out on them His furious anger and the fierceness of battle. It enveloped them in flames, but they did not understand; it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart.
Study Notes — Isaiah 42
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 42
- Themes from Isaiah 42
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 42
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah chapter 42 begins by introducing the Servant of the Lord, who will be empowered by God to bring justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1-4). The chapter then describes the Servant's character and mission, emphasizing His gentle and compassionate nature (Isaiah 42:2-3). The Lord then addresses His people, Israel, calling them to faith and obedience (Isaiah 42:5-9). The chapter concludes with a hymn of praise, celebrating God's power and redemption (Isaiah 42:10-13). Throughout the chapter, Isaiah emphasizes God's sovereignty and His plan to redeem His people and bring light to the nations.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah chapter 42 is part of the larger section of Isaiah known as the 'Servant Songs' (Isaiah 42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12). This section presents the theme of God's Servant, who will bring redemption to Israel and be a light to the nations. The chapter is also part of the larger narrative of the book of Isaiah, which presents God's plan to redeem His people and bring them back to Himself.
Heart Application
The chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and His plan to redeem His people should encourage believers to trust in Him and have faith in His power. The chapter's call to faith and obedience should also motivate believers to follow God's commands and seek to live a life that honors Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah chapter 42 is about God's plan to redeem His people and bring them back to Himself. The chapter introduces the concept of the Servant of the Lord, who will be empowered by God to bring justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1-4). The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and His plan to use His Servant to accomplish His will. As seen in Isaiah 42:5-9, God calls His people to faith and obedience, and promises to deliver them and bring them back to Himself.
Voices from the Church
“The Servant of the Lord is a beautiful type of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to bring light to those in darkness and to redeem His people.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and His plan to redeem His people should encourage believers to trust in Him and have faith in His power.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Introduction of the Servant (Isaiah 42:1-4) — The chapter introduces the concept of the Servant of the Lord, who will be empowered by God to bring justice to the nations.
- The Character and Mission of the Servant (Isaiah 42:2-3) — The chapter describes the Servant's character and mission, emphasizing His gentle and compassionate nature.
- God's Address to His People (Isaiah 42:5-9) — The Lord addresses His people, Israel, calling them to faith and obedience.
- The Hymn of Praise (Isaiah 42:10-13) — The chapter concludes with a hymn of praise, celebrating God's power and redemption.
- The Conclusion (Isaiah 42:14-17) — The chapter concludes with a description of God's power and His plan to redeem His people.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and His plan to redeem His people, highlighting His power and ability to accomplish His will.
- The Deity of Christ
- The concept of the Servant of the Lord in Isaiah 42 is closely tied to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Servant of the Lord in Matthew 12:18.
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, calling God's people to trust in Him and follow His commands.
- The Doctrine of Redemption
- The chapter presents the theme of redemption, highlighting God's plan to deliver His people and bring them back to Himself.
Lessons from Isaiah 42
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and His plan to redeem His people.
- The Need for Faith and Obedience — The chapter teaches that faith and obedience are essential for a right relationship with God.
- The Power of God's Redemption — The chapter presents the theme of redemption, highlighting God's power and ability to deliver His people and bring them back to Himself.
- The Character of the Servant of the Lord — The chapter describes the Servant's character and mission, emphasizing His gentle and compassionate nature.
- The Call to Worship and Praise — The chapter concludes with a hymn of praise, celebrating God's power and redemption.
Themes from Isaiah 42
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and His plan to redeem His people.
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter teaches that faith and obedience are essential for a right relationship with God.
- The Theme of Redemption — The chapter presents the theme of redemption, highlighting God's power and ability to deliver His people and bring them back to Himself.
- The Character of the Servant of the Lord — The chapter describes the Servant's character and mission, emphasizing His gentle and compassionate nature.
- The Call to Worship and Praise — The chapter concludes with a hymn of praise, celebrating God's power and redemption.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the concept of the Servant of the Lord mean to you, and how does it relate to your understanding of Jesus Christ?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and His plan to redeem His people encourage you to trust in Him and have faith in His power?
- What does the chapter teach about the importance of faith and obedience, and how can you apply this to your life?
- How does the chapter's presentation of the theme of redemption relate to your understanding of the gospel and God's plan to save His people?
- What does the chapter's description of God's power and His ability to accomplish His will mean to you, and how can you apply this to your life?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Introduction of the Servant (Isaiah 42:1-4)
| 42:1 | The chapter introduces the concept of the Servant of the Lord, who will be empowered by God to bring justice to the nations. |
| 42:2 | The Servant is described as gentle and compassionate, with a mission to bring justice to the nations. |
| 42:3 | The Servant will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, but will bring forth justice to the nations. |
| 42:4 | The Servant will not falter or be discouraged, but will establish justice in the earth. |
2. God's Address to His People (Isaiah 42:5-9)
| 42:5 | God addresses His people, Israel, calling them to faith and obedience. |
| 42:6 | God promises to be their God and to guide them, and to give them as a covenant to the people. |
| 42:7 | God promises to open the eyes of the blind and to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon. |
| 42:8 | God promises to be glorified and to not give His glory to another. |
| 42:9 | God promises that the former things have come to pass, and that He will declare new things. |
3. The Hymn of Praise (Isaiah 42:10-13)
| 42:10 | The chapter concludes with a hymn of praise, celebrating God's power and redemption. |
| 42:11 | The nations are called to sing a new song to the Lord, and to declare His glory among the nations. |
| 42:12 | The Lord's name is to be declared in the islands, and His praise is to be heard. |
| 42:13 | The Lord will go forth like a mighty man, and will stir up His zeal like a man of war. |
4. The Conclusion (Isaiah 42:14-17)
| 42:14 | The Lord will not hold His peace, but will cry out like a woman in labor. |
| 42:15 | The Lord will dry up the rivers and will wither the grass. |
| 42:16 | The Lord will lead the blind by a way they do not know, and will turn the darkness into light before them. |
| 42:17 | The Lord will turn the back of those who trust in idols, and will deliver those who trust in Him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the concept of the Servant of the Lord in Isaiah 42?
The concept of the Servant of the Lord in Isaiah 42 refers to God's plan to use His Servant to bring justice to the nations and to redeem His people. As seen in Isaiah 42:1-4, the Servant is empowered by God and will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick.
How does the chapter emphasize God's sovereignty?
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty by highlighting His power and ability to accomplish His will, as seen in Isaiah 42:5-9. God addresses His people, calling them to faith and obedience, and promises to deliver them and bring them back to Himself.
What is the theme of redemption in the chapter?
The theme of redemption in the chapter is highlighted in Isaiah 42:1-4, where God promises to deliver His people and bring them back to Himself. The chapter presents the theme of redemption as a central aspect of God's plan to save His people.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 42:1 → Matthew 12:18 | The concept of the Servant of the Lord in Isaiah 42:1 is closely tied to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Servant of the Lord in Matthew 12:18. |
| 2 | Isaiah 42:2-3 → Matthew 11:29 | The description of the Servant as gentle and compassionate in Isaiah 42:2-3 is similar to the description of Jesus Christ as gentle and lowly in heart in Matthew 11:29. |
| 3 | Isaiah 42:4 → Philippians 2:8 | The statement that the Servant will not falter or be discouraged in Isaiah 42:4 is similar to the statement that Jesus Christ humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death in Philippians 2:8. |
| 4 | Isaiah 42:5-9 → Romans 11:25-26 | The theme of redemption in Isaiah 42:5-9 is similar to the theme of redemption in Romans 11:25-26, where Paul writes about God's plan to save His people. |
| 5 | Isaiah 42:10-13 → Revelation 15:3-4 | The hymn of praise in Isaiah 42:10-13 is similar to the hymn of praise in Revelation 15:3-4, where the saints sing a new song to the Lord. |
| 6 | Isaiah 42:14-17 → Psalm 27:1 | The statement that the Lord will lead the blind by a way they do not know in Isaiah 42:14-17 is similar to the statement that the Lord is the light of His people in Psalm 27:1. |
| 7 | Isaiah 42:1 → John 1:1 | The concept of the Servant of the Lord in Isaiah 42:1 is closely tied to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word of God in John 1:1. |
| 8 | Isaiah 42:2-3 → Hebrews 2:14-15 | The description of the Servant as gentle and compassionate in Isaiah 42:2-3 is similar to the description of Jesus Christ as the merciful and faithful high priest in Hebrews 2:14-15. |
| 9 | Isaiah 42:4 → 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 | The statement that the Servant will not falter or be discouraged in Isaiah 42:4 is similar to the statement that Jesus Christ's power is made perfect in weakness in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. |
| 10 | Isaiah 42:5-9 → Ephesians 1:3-10 | The theme of redemption in Isaiah 42:5-9 is similar to the theme of redemption in Ephesians 1:3-10, where Paul writes about God's plan to save His people. |
Sermons on Isaiah 42
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Beware of Dog's - Part 3 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the unbreakable covenant between God and His Son, Jesus Christ, where God promises to hold, protect, and deliver Jesus through perfect obedience. This covena |
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(Belarus) God Has Risen to Defend His Name by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's promises of provision and protection for his people. He highlights that God has promised that his people will never have to beg for br |
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The Timelessness of God by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of our sinful condition and the consequences it brings. He highlights that God, in His kindness a |
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A Golden Prayer by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the inner conflicts and troubles of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the complexity of Jesus' person and the need to approach the topic with caution and |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Dealing With Spiritual Problems by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage from 2nd Timothy where the apostle Paul writes to his young coworker Timothy. Paul urges Timothy to stir up the gift of God that |
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The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor Wilkinson calls on the congregation to come forward and seek deliverance and strength from the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and ke |
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God Is Doing a New Thing in His Church by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying connected to God and seeking Him with hunger and passion. He warns against allowing apathy and lukewarmness to ent |
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(Reformation Within Protestantism): Preserve the Truth and Go With God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for reformation among Protestant churches. He speaks to a serious-minded and responsible adult audience, urging them to be deeply c |
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The God Who Devastates by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by urging the audience to humble themselves before God and seek His guidance. He mentions that his books, available in the foyer, are more compre |
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He Will Not Break a Bruised Reed by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who is going through a difficult time and is feeling hopeless. Despite his despair, God patiently waits for 40 days and 40 |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 42
Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah 42 emphasizes the theme of God's sovereignty and His plan to redeem His people. Henry notes that the concept of the Servant of the Lord is closely tied to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Servant of the Lord in the New Testament. Henry also emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, highlighting God's call to His people to trust in Him and follow His commands. The commentary concludes by noting the hymn of praise in Isaiah 42:10-13, which celebrates God's power and redemption. As Henry writes, 'The Lord will go forth like a mighty man, and will stir up His zeal like a man of war' (Isaiah 42:13), highlighting God's power and ability to accomplish His will. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Emphasis on God's Sovereignty
Throughout the chapter, Isaiah emphasizes God's sovereignty and His plan to redeem His people. This is seen in verses such as Isaiah 42:5-9, where God addresses His people and calls them to faith and obedience.
The Contrast between God's Power and Human Weakness
The chapter highlights the contrast between God's power and human weakness, emphasizing God's ability to accomplish His will despite human limitations (Isaiah 42:4).
The Importance of Faith and Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, calling God's people to trust in Him and follow His commands (Isaiah 42:5-9).