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Isaiah 42:3
Verse
Context
Here Is My Servant
2He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. 3A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. 4He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.”
Sermons
Paul WasherPaul Washer
Dennis Kinlaw
William MacDonald
Gayle Erwin
Stephen FentonSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
With this unassuming appearance there is associated a tender pastoral care. "A bruised reed He does not break, and a glimmering wick He does not put out: according to truth He brings out right." "Bruised:" râtsūts signifies here, as in Isa 36:6, what is cracked, and therefore half-broken already. Glimmering: kēheh (a form indicative of defects, like עוּר), that which is burning feebly, and very nearly extinguished. Tertullian understands by the "bruised reed" (arundinem contusam) the faith of Israel, and by the "glimmering wick" (linum ardens) the momentary zeal of the Gentiles. But the words hardly admit of this distinction; the reference is rather a general one, to those whose inner and outer life is only hanging by a slender thread. In the statement that in such a case as this He does not completely break or extinguish, there is more implied than is really expressed. Not only will He not destroy the life that is dying out, but He will actually save it; His course is not to destroy, but to save. If we explain the words that follow as meaning, "He will carry out right to truth," i.e., to its fullest efficacy and permanence (lxx εἰς ἀλήθειαν; instead of which we find εἰς νῖκος, "unto victory," in Mat 12:20, (Note: "Ad victoriam enim kri'sin perducit qui ad veritatem perducit." - Anger.) as if the reading were לנצח, as in Hab 1:4), the connection between the first and last clauses of Isa 42:3 is a very loose one. It becomes much closer if we take the ל as indicating the standard, as in Isa 11:3 and Isa 32:1, and adopt the rendering "according to truth" (Hitzig and Knobel). It is on its subjective and practical side that truth is referred to here, viz., as denoting such a knowledge, and acknowledgement of the true facts in the complicated affairs of men, as will promote both equity and kindness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
bruised--"It pleased the Lord to bruise Him" (Isa 53:5, Isa 53:10; Gen 3:15); so He can feel for the bruised. As Isa 42:2 described His unturbulent spirit towards His violent enemies (Mat 12:14-16), and His utter freedom from love of notoriety, so Isa 42:3, His tenderness in cherishing the first spark of grace in the penitent (Isa 40:11). reed--fragile: easily "shaken with the wind" (Mat 11:7). Those who are at best feeble, and who besides are oppressed by calamity or by the sense of sin. break--entirely crush or condemn. Compare "bind up the broken-hearted" (Isa 50:4; Isa 61:1; Mat 11:28). flax--put for the lamp-wick, formed of flax. The believer is the lamp (so the Greek, Mat 5:15; Joh 5:35): his conscience enlightened by the Holy Ghost is the wick. "Smoking" means "dimly burning," "smouldering," the flame not quite extinct. This expresses the positive side of the penitent's religion; as "bruised reed," the negative. Broken-hearted in himself, but not without some spark of flame: literally, "from above." Christ will supply such a one with grace as with oil. Also, the light of nature smouldering in the Gentiles amidst the hurtful fumes of error. He not only did not quench, but cleared away the mists and superadded the light of revelation. See JEROME, To Algasia, Question 2. truth--Mat 12:20 quotes it, "send forth judgment unto victory." Matthew, under the Spirit, gives the virtual sense, but varies the word, in order to bring out a fresh aspect of the same thing. Truth has in itself the elements of victory over all opposing forces. Truth is the victory of Him who is "the truth" (Joh 14:6). The gospel judicial sifting ("judgment") of believers and unbelievers, begun already in part (Joh 3:18-19; Joh 9:39), will be consummated victoriously in truth only at His second coming; Isa 42:13-14, here, and Mat 12:32, Mat 12:36, Mat 12:41-42, show that there is reference to the judicial aspect of the Gospel, especially finally: besides the mild triumph of Jesus coming in mercy to the penitent now (Isa 42:2), there shall be finally the judgment on His enemies, when the "truth" shall be perfectly developed. Compare Isa 61:1-3, where the two comings are similarly joined (Psa 2:4-6, Psa 2:8; Rev 15:2, Rev 15:4; Rev 19:11-16). On "judgment," see on Isa 42:1.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 which weakness they are sensible; but they are weak in grace, especially in faith, and have but little hope, their love is the strongest; and because they are wavering like the reed, tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, and shaken with the temptations of Satan, and disturbed with many doubts and fears; and are like a "bruised" reed that is squeezed, and almost broke to pieces, and so of no use; these are broken in heart, under a sense of sin and unworthiness; whose spirits are bruised and wounded with it, and whose hearts are contrite on account of it. On these Christ does not lay his iron rod, but holds out the golden sceptre of his grace to them; he does not call them to service and sufferings beyond their strength; but strengthens, supports, and upholds them with the right hand of his righteousness; he binds up their broken hearts, having poured in the balm of Gilead, his own blood, and the wine and oil of his love; he encourages them in their application to him for salvation, and manifests his pardoning grace, and restores comforts to them, and revives their souls: and the smoking flax shall he not quench; or, "the wick of a candle; (h)" which just going out, has some heat, a little light, smokes, and is offensive; so the persons intended by it are fired or lighted by the divine word; have some heat of affection in them to spiritual things, but have but little light; into the corruption of nature into the glories of Christ's person; into the doctrines of the Gospel; into the everlasting love of God, and the covenant of grace; and but little light of joy and comfort, and this almost gone, and seemingly ready to go out; and yet Christ will not extinguish it, or suffer it to be extinct; he does not discourage small beginnings of grace, or despise the day of small things; he blows up their light into a flame; he increases their spiritual light and knowledge; supplies them with the oil of grace; trims, snuffs, and causes their lamps to burn brighter. The Targum is, "the meek, who are like to a bruised reed, shall not be broken; and the poor, who are as obscure as flax (or a lamp ready to go out), shall not be extinct:'' he shall bring forth judgment unto truth; which some understand of Christ's severity to wicked men, in opposition to his tenderness to his own people; see Isa 11:4, others of the Gospel, as preached by him in truth, as in Isa 42:1, but rather it designs the power of his Spirit and grace accompanying the word, to the carrying on of his own work in the hearts of his people; which, though attended with many difficulties and discouragements, shall go on, and be performed; grace will break through all obstructions, and prove victorious at last; see Mat 12:20. (h) "ellychnium fumigans", Junius & Tremellius; "fumans", Piscator.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
42:3 The royal servant will be gentle with the oppressed and discouraged (see 3:15; 41:17).
Isaiah 42:3
Here Is My Servant
2He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. 3A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. 4He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Dealing With Spiritual Problems
By A.W. Tozer6.4K36:05Religious RutPSA 77:6PSA 119:11PSA 119:15PSA 119:28ISA 42:32TI 1:5In 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 is within him, as he is in danger of getting into a rut. The preacher emphasizes that many Christians are in a spiritual rut and not making progress. He encourages the audience to not be ashamed of the cross and to actively stir up the gift of God within them. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to personally engage with the Lord through prayer and Bible study to experience a transformative week.
Practical Holiness
By Paul Washer4.0K1:06:19ISA 42:3MAT 6:33ROM 1:28ROM 12:1PHP 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of retaining the knowledge of God and making dedicated efforts to know Him. He challenges the audience to examine their commitment to God and warns against engaging in activities that go against His teachings. The preacher highlights the consequences of not valuing the knowledge of God, which leads to a depraved mind and a life filled with wickedness and disobedience. He urges the audience to renew their minds and not conform to the patterns of the world, but instead be transformed by God's truth.
Se Pt5 - Practical Holiness
By Paul Washer3.8K1:06:19ISA 6:3ISA 42:3MAT 6:33MAT 12:20ROM 3:23ROM 12:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of guarding one's mind and making decisions based on what is true. He warns against allowing sinful influences, such as television programs promoting sex outside of marriage, to enter one's mind, as it goes against God's teachings. The preacher also highlights the consequences of not retaining the knowledge of God, as described in Romans 1:28, where people become filled with wickedness and depravity. He encourages the audience to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives and reminds them of the vastness of God's love.
The Secret of Holiness
By Dennis Kinlaw1.5K57:08HolinessISA 5:1ISA 42:3ISA 59:1ISA 59:4ISA 59:9ISA 59:15EZK 22:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding just one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth in order to bring salvation and forgiveness to a city. The speaker refers to several passages from the book of Isaiah to illustrate this point. The sermon also touches on the idea of how one person's salvation can be found in another, highlighting the need for individuals to pursue and support each other. The speaker concludes by discussing the pain and challenges that may arise in the process of God's redemptive work, but encourages Christians not to shy away from it.
Yosemite Bible Conference 1996-02 More Like Christ
By William MacDonald1.3K47:52Christ LikenessPSA 30:11ISA 42:3MAT 5:4MAT 19:14ROM 9:252CO 3:181PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher, Robert Chapman, emphasizes the importance of having a servant's attitude. He acknowledges that serving others is not our natural inclination, but as believers, we are called to serve. The preacher shares a personal anecdote about being interrupted while writing a book to take care of his sick son, highlighting the unexpected opportunities for service that arise in our lives. He also mentions examples of other individuals, like a wealthy man doing dishes at a skid row mission and a Bible school professor cleaning up a mess in the men's room, who demonstrate a humble and servant-hearted approach to life. The sermon encourages listeners to follow the example of Jesus, who served others selflessly, and challenges them to consider if they are willing to change and embrace a servant's heart.
The Nature of Jesus - Part 3
By Gayle Erwin95351:42Nature Of JesusISA 42:3MAT 20:26MAT 23:11MRK 10:42LUK 22:26JHN 13:14PHP 2:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of Jesus and how it contrasts with our natural self-centered tendencies. He emphasizes the importance of being others-centered and not driven by selfish ambition or conceit. The preacher then reflects on the humility of Jesus, who made himself of no reputation in order to reach out to humanity. He highlights the incredible love and sacrifice of Jesus, who came to Earth to communicate with and save humanity. The sermon concludes with a heartfelt declaration of following Jesus and praising His name.
February 09, 2003, Am
By Stephen Fenton77641:41ISA 42:3MAT 7:1LUK 23:43JHN 3:15ROM 2:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the portrayal of Jesus in movies and how it can be difficult to truly understand his character. He emphasizes that it is easier for us to define evil than it is to define good, as we are naturally drawn to evil. The speaker then encourages the audience to reflect on their own lives and what they are attracted to on a daily basis. The sermon concludes with a focus on John 3:16, highlighting the profound love of God for the world and the importance of accepting his provision for salvation.
Rev. 3:16. the Charity of the Lord Jesus
By Horatius Bonar0LukewarmnessFaith and CommitmentISA 42:3MAT 10:32MAT 12:30MRK 9:40LUK 9:62ROM 14:41CO 10:212TI 1:7JAS 4:4REV 3:16Horatius Bonar emphasizes the grave danger of spiritual lukewarmness in his sermon on Revelation 3:16, warning that being neither cold nor hot is an abomination to Christ. He contrasts the indecisive with those who are genuinely for Christ, highlighting that even the timid and weak in faith are accepted by Him. Bonar encourages believers to be vigilant in their spiritual temperature, urging them to avoid complacency and to recognize that even small acts of faith are valued by the Lord. He reassures the faint-hearted that Christ's charity extends to all who do not openly oppose Him, offering hope and encouragement to those struggling with their faith. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a passionate commitment to Christ, warning against the dangers of a diluted faith.
Matthew 12:14-21. Isaiah's Description of the Gentle and Compassionate Savior.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 22:27PSA 40:8ISA 42:3MRK 3:6HEB 7:25Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about Jesus facing the enmity of hearts despite silencing his enemies, emphasizing the importance of God's grace in benefiting the soul during public worship. Jesus retreats from his enemies to do good, allowing his followers to flee from persecution while still seeking to serve God. The prophecy reveals the everlasting covenant between the Father and the Son for our salvation, showcasing Christ's role as the compassionate Servant who pleads for the salvation of sinners and will ultimately prevail.
Behold, God Is Mighty, and Despiseth Not Any.
By F.B. Meyer0God's Care for the MarginalizedThe Power of PrayerJOB 36:5ISA 42:3MAT 11:28LUK 15:4F.B. Meyer emphasizes the might and attentiveness of God, who does not despise any individual, regardless of their circumstances. He reassures us that God's infinite nature ensures that He cares for the overlooked and marginalized, making prayer a personal and intimate communication with a powerful deity. Meyer illustrates that those whom society neglects are especially cherished by God, who acts as their Champion and Saviour. This divine attention transforms our understanding of God's relationship with humanity, highlighting His commitment to the helpless and despised. Ultimately, God's greatness guarantees that no one is beyond His reach or care.
Gentle Leading
By Charles E. Cowman0GEN 33:14JOS 3:4PSA 103:14ISA 42:31CO 10:13Charles E. Cowman preaches about the compassionate and thoughtful leadership of Jacob towards his cattle and children, ensuring they were not overdriven but led softly according to their ability to endure. He draws parallels to how the Lord Jesus, who has gone before us, knows the challenges and struggles of the journey we face, leading us gently and lovingly through uncharted territories. Cowman emphasizes that Jesus, who was wearied with His journey and understands our weaknesses, will never push us beyond what we can bear, strengthening us for each step or providing a sudden halt when needed.
The Great Separation
By J.C. Ryle0Separation of Believers and UnbelieversThe Urgency of FaithPSA 149:4ISA 42:3NAM 1:7MAT 3:12MAT 25:46JHN 5:23JHN 10:28EPH 5:271TH 4:17REV 22:20J.C. Ryle's sermon 'The Great Separation' emphasizes the ultimate division of humanity into two classes: the 'wheat' representing true believers in Christ and the 'chaff' symbolizing those without faith. He warns that a day of reckoning is coming when Christ will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, and only those who have genuinely accepted Him will be gathered into His barn, while the rest will face eternal punishment. Ryle urges listeners to examine their own hearts and recognize the reality of their spiritual state, as neutrality is impossible. He reassures believers of Christ's unwavering care and the promise of eternal life, while also solemnly warning the unrepentant of the dire consequences of their choices. The sermon serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the urgency of faith in Christ.
Liii. to James Bautie, Theological Student
By Samuel Rutherford0PSA 23:5ISA 42:3JHN 3:82CO 9:71JN 4:19Samuel Rutherford preaches about the New Covenant, emphasizing that Christ accepts sincere offerings according to one's means, not demanding perfection but valuing authenticity and sincerity. He encourages believers not to be discouraged by their imperfections, as Christ is patient and understanding, gradually working in their hearts. Rutherford reminds that true love for God can coexist with gratitude for His blessings, urging believers to seek comfort in prayer even in the presence of known idols, as genuine comfort and conviction can align in the Christian journey.
Justice for the Nations
By Robert B. Thompson0GEN 22:182CH 7:14ISA 42:1ISA 42:3ROM 6:23ROM 12:4GAL 3:29EPH 4:13HEB 4:10JAS 1:221PE 2:92PE 3:13Robert B. Thompson preaches about the importance of Christ, the Servant of the Lord, who will bring justice to the nations at His return. The sermon emphasizes that all members of the Body of Christ are called to participate in bringing justice to the world. It highlights the urgency for Christians to discover and utilize their spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ and prepare for the coming of Jesus. The sermon also stresses the need for believers to focus on unity of faith, deepening knowledge of Christ, developing His moral image, and finding rest in God.
Thoughts on the Assurance of Faith
By A.M. Toplady0ISA 42:3MAT 8:8MAT 10:22JHN 1:12ROM 15:13Augustus Montague Toplady, a minister in the Church of England during the Great Awakening, delves into the distinctions between faith, assurance, and full assurance of faith. He emphasizes that while faith is essential for salvation, assurance brings comfort and happiness, and full assurance adorns the believer with love, joy, and peace. Toplady highlights the importance of communion with God in maintaining assurance and encourages believers to seek the gift of fullest assurance through strong faith, giving glory to God in both word and deed.
Letter 53
By James Bourne0ISA 42:3James Bourne shares a personal testimony of feeling cast down and trembling in spirit, but finding comfort and hope in God's Word. Through Psalms and the story of Hezekiah, he experiences moments of enlightenment, encouragement, and divine assurance, alternating between hope and despondency. Despite the changes and struggles, he clings to the promise that God will not break a bruised reed, finding solace in the Lord's kind favor and the certainty of better days ahead.
The Amen
By C.H. Spurgeon0Promises Of GodComfort in ChristPSA 119:89ISA 42:3MAT 11:28JHN 10:11ROM 8:382CO 1:20HEB 13:8C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate 'Amen,' affirming all His promises and providing comfort to the weary and broken-hearted. He reassures sinners that if they come to Christ, they will find His promises true, as He never retracts His words. Spurgeon highlights Jesus' roles as Priest, King, and Prophet, affirming that He remains steadfast in His commitments and support for His people. The sermon encourages believers to trust in the unchanging nature of Christ's promises, which stand firm through all circumstances. Ultimately, Jesus is portrayed as the source of hope, strength, and assurance in every aspect of life.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
With this unassuming appearance there is associated a tender pastoral care. "A bruised reed He does not break, and a glimmering wick He does not put out: according to truth He brings out right." "Bruised:" râtsūts signifies here, as in Isa 36:6, what is cracked, and therefore half-broken already. Glimmering: kēheh (a form indicative of defects, like עוּר), that which is burning feebly, and very nearly extinguished. Tertullian understands by the "bruised reed" (arundinem contusam) the faith of Israel, and by the "glimmering wick" (linum ardens) the momentary zeal of the Gentiles. But the words hardly admit of this distinction; the reference is rather a general one, to those whose inner and outer life is only hanging by a slender thread. In the statement that in such a case as this He does not completely break or extinguish, there is more implied than is really expressed. Not only will He not destroy the life that is dying out, but He will actually save it; His course is not to destroy, but to save. If we explain the words that follow as meaning, "He will carry out right to truth," i.e., to its fullest efficacy and permanence (lxx εἰς ἀλήθειαν; instead of which we find εἰς νῖκος, "unto victory," in Mat 12:20, (Note: "Ad victoriam enim kri'sin perducit qui ad veritatem perducit." - Anger.) as if the reading were לנצח, as in Hab 1:4), the connection between the first and last clauses of Isa 42:3 is a very loose one. It becomes much closer if we take the ל as indicating the standard, as in Isa 11:3 and Isa 32:1, and adopt the rendering "according to truth" (Hitzig and Knobel). It is on its subjective and practical side that truth is referred to here, viz., as denoting such a knowledge, and acknowledgement of the true facts in the complicated affairs of men, as will promote both equity and kindness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
bruised--"It pleased the Lord to bruise Him" (Isa 53:5, Isa 53:10; Gen 3:15); so He can feel for the bruised. As Isa 42:2 described His unturbulent spirit towards His violent enemies (Mat 12:14-16), and His utter freedom from love of notoriety, so Isa 42:3, His tenderness in cherishing the first spark of grace in the penitent (Isa 40:11). reed--fragile: easily "shaken with the wind" (Mat 11:7). Those who are at best feeble, and who besides are oppressed by calamity or by the sense of sin. break--entirely crush or condemn. Compare "bind up the broken-hearted" (Isa 50:4; Isa 61:1; Mat 11:28). flax--put for the lamp-wick, formed of flax. The believer is the lamp (so the Greek, Mat 5:15; Joh 5:35): his conscience enlightened by the Holy Ghost is the wick. "Smoking" means "dimly burning," "smouldering," the flame not quite extinct. This expresses the positive side of the penitent's religion; as "bruised reed," the negative. Broken-hearted in himself, but not without some spark of flame: literally, "from above." Christ will supply such a one with grace as with oil. Also, the light of nature smouldering in the Gentiles amidst the hurtful fumes of error. He not only did not quench, but cleared away the mists and superadded the light of revelation. See JEROME, To Algasia, Question 2. truth--Mat 12:20 quotes it, "send forth judgment unto victory." Matthew, under the Spirit, gives the virtual sense, but varies the word, in order to bring out a fresh aspect of the same thing. Truth has in itself the elements of victory over all opposing forces. Truth is the victory of Him who is "the truth" (Joh 14:6). The gospel judicial sifting ("judgment") of believers and unbelievers, begun already in part (Joh 3:18-19; Joh 9:39), will be consummated victoriously in truth only at His second coming; Isa 42:13-14, here, and Mat 12:32, Mat 12:36, Mat 12:41-42, show that there is reference to the judicial aspect of the Gospel, especially finally: besides the mild triumph of Jesus coming in mercy to the penitent now (Isa 42:2), there shall be finally the judgment on His enemies, when the "truth" shall be perfectly developed. Compare Isa 61:1-3, where the two comings are similarly joined (Psa 2:4-6, Psa 2:8; Rev 15:2, Rev 15:4; Rev 19:11-16). On "judgment," see on Isa 42:1.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 which weakness they are sensible; but they are weak in grace, especially in faith, and have but little hope, their love is the strongest; and because they are wavering like the reed, tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, and shaken with the temptations of Satan, and disturbed with many doubts and fears; and are like a "bruised" reed that is squeezed, and almost broke to pieces, and so of no use; these are broken in heart, under a sense of sin and unworthiness; whose spirits are bruised and wounded with it, and whose hearts are contrite on account of it. On these Christ does not lay his iron rod, but holds out the golden sceptre of his grace to them; he does not call them to service and sufferings beyond their strength; but strengthens, supports, and upholds them with the right hand of his righteousness; he binds up their broken hearts, having poured in the balm of Gilead, his own blood, and the wine and oil of his love; he encourages them in their application to him for salvation, and manifests his pardoning grace, and restores comforts to them, and revives their souls: and the smoking flax shall he not quench; or, "the wick of a candle; (h)" which just going out, has some heat, a little light, smokes, and is offensive; so the persons intended by it are fired or lighted by the divine word; have some heat of affection in them to spiritual things, but have but little light; into the corruption of nature into the glories of Christ's person; into the doctrines of the Gospel; into the everlasting love of God, and the covenant of grace; and but little light of joy and comfort, and this almost gone, and seemingly ready to go out; and yet Christ will not extinguish it, or suffer it to be extinct; he does not discourage small beginnings of grace, or despise the day of small things; he blows up their light into a flame; he increases their spiritual light and knowledge; supplies them with the oil of grace; trims, snuffs, and causes their lamps to burn brighter. The Targum is, "the meek, who are like to a bruised reed, shall not be broken; and the poor, who are as obscure as flax (or a lamp ready to go out), shall not be extinct:'' he shall bring forth judgment unto truth; which some understand of Christ's severity to wicked men, in opposition to his tenderness to his own people; see Isa 11:4, others of the Gospel, as preached by him in truth, as in Isa 42:1, but rather it designs the power of his Spirit and grace accompanying the word, to the carrying on of his own work in the hearts of his people; which, though attended with many difficulties and discouragements, shall go on, and be performed; grace will break through all obstructions, and prove victorious at last; see Mat 12:20. (h) "ellychnium fumigans", Junius & Tremellius; "fumans", Piscator.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
42:3 The royal servant will be gentle with the oppressed and discouraged (see 3:15; 41:17).