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Isaiah 42:6
Verse
Context
Here Is My Servant
5This 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, 7to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A covenant of the people "A covenant to the people" - For עם am, two MSS. of Dr. Kennicott's, and of my own, read עולם olam, the covenant of the age to come, or the everlasting covenant; which seems to give a clearer and better sense. But I think the word ברית berith, here, should not be translated covenant, but covenant sacrifice, which meaning it often has; and undoubtedly in this place. This gives a still stronger and clearer sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in righteousness--rather, "for a righteous purpose" [LOWTH]. (See Isa 42:21). God "set forth" His Son "to be a propitiation (so as) to declare His (God's) righteousness, that God might be just, and (yet) the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Rom 3:25-26; compare see on Isa 41:2; Isa 45:13; Isa 50:8-9). hold . . . hand--compare as to Israel, the type of Messiah, Hos 11:3. covenant--the medium of the covenant, originally made between God and Abraham (Isa 49:8). "The mediator of a better covenant" (Heb 8:6) than the law (see Isa 49:8; Jer 31:33; Jer 50:5). So the abstract "peace," for peace-maker (Mic 5:5; Eph 2:14). the people--Israel; as Isa 49:8, compared with Isa 42:6, proves (Luk 2:32).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness,.... Not the Prophet Isaiah, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret it; nor the people of Israel, as Kimchi; but the Messiah, whom Jehovah called to the office of Mediator, in a righteous way and manner, consistent with his own perfections; and not against the will of Christ, but with his full consent: or, "unto righteousness", as some (n); so the Arabic version; to fulfil his righteous purposes, concerning the welfare and salvation of his people; to perform his righteous promises of his coming, and of good things by him; to show his strict vindictive justice against sin, in the punishment of it; and to bring in an everlasting righteousness for his people: or it may be rendered, "I have called thee with righteousness (o)"; Christ came a righteous Person, holy in his nature, harmless in his life, and truly deserved the character of Jesus Christ the righteous: and will hold thine hand: denoting his presence with him, and nearness unto him; his favour and affection for him; his counsel and direction of him; the support and assistance he gave him; and the strength he received from him as man, to go through his work: and will keep thee; as the apple of his eye, being dear unto him; from being hurt by his enemies till the time came to be delivered into their hands; and from miscarrying in his work; and from the power of the grave, so as to be long detained in it: and give thee for a covenant of the people; Christ is a covenantee, a party concerned in the covenant of grace; the representative of his people in it; the surety, Mediator, messenger, and ratifier of it; the great blessing in it; the sum and substance of it; all the blessings and promises of it are in him, and as such he is "given"; it is of God's free grace that he was appointed and intrusted with all this in eternity, and was sent in time to confirm and secure it for "the people"; given him of his Father, redeemed by him and to whom the Spirit applies the blessings and promises of the covenant; even the elect of God, both among Jews and Gentiles, especially the latter, as follows: for a light of the Gentiles; who were in the dark as to the true knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, and the way of righteousness and salvation by him, and of all divine and spiritual things; now Christ, through the ministry of the word by his Spirit, was a light unto them; by which they were enlightened into their own state and condition by nature, and into the knowledge of himself, and the mysteries of grace. (n) "Ad, sive in justitiam", Sanctius. (o) "cum justitia", Piscator, Forerius, Cocceius.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
42:6 my people, Israel . . . my covenant with them (literally a covenant for the people): It is also possible that “the people” referred to all the peoples/nations of the earth (see 49:6). • light to guide the nations: See also 51:4; Acts 13:47.
Isaiah 42:6
Here Is My Servant
5This 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, 7to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Beware of Dog's - Part 3
By David Wilkerson37K15:03PSA 89:27ISA 42:6This 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 covenant extends to all believers who are in Christ, assuring them of God's faithfulness and loving-kindness even in times of failure and sin. The message highlights the importance of understanding righteousness by faith and the assurance that God will never abandon His children, always extending mercy and grace.
The Key to Understanding Righteousness
By David Wilkerson3.9K55:59PSA 40:7PSA 136:26ISA 42:6ROM 8:28ROM 8:38PHP 3:2HEB 12:6In this sermon, the speaker warns the audience to "beware of dogs" based on Philippians 3:2. He emphasizes that when Christians sin, they will be chastened by God, but it will be a rod of love. The speaker reassures the audience that God will never cast them away, no matter what they have done, as long as they trust Him and return to His love. He highlights the incredible covenant that Jesus made on behalf of believers, fulfilling the law and offering a better promise for their lifetime.
God's Purpose for the Jewish People
By Michael L. Brown1.0K57:55GEN 12:1EXO 20:2PSA 105:1ISA 42:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unique history of the Jewish people, which was foretold in detail in the Bible. He highlights how their history includes being divided, sinning against God, being scattered among nations, and even being sold into slavery. Despite great suffering, God promised to bring them back to their homeland and reconstitute them as a people. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments, particularly the first commandment to have no other gods before Him.
Ministry in the Spirit - 7. Prophetic Guidance
By Michael Flowers37626:18PropheticISA 42:62TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not neglecting the spiritual gift within oneself. He refers to the biblical passage in 1 Timothy 4:14, where Timothy is urged to not overlook the gift bestowed upon him through prophetic utterance and the laying on of hands. The speaker also mentions the three streams of Christianity - Charismatic, Catholic, and Evangelical - and highlights the need for them to flow together harmoniously. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with music and worship, including moments of fear and panic, and how seeking God and praying helped him overcome those challenges.
The Everlasting Covenant
By A.W. Pink1Grace and SalvationCovenant TheologyGEN 3:152SA 23:5ISA 42:6MAL 3:1JHN 8:56EPH 2:12PHP 4:19HEB 8:10HEB 9:15REV 13:8A.W. Pink expounds on 'The Everlasting Covenant,' illustrating how God's plan for salvation was established before the foundation of the world, with Christ as the mediator. He emphasizes that the covenants made with figures like Noah, Abraham, and David were manifestations of this eternal covenant, revealing God's grace and mercy. Pink highlights that these covenants were unconditional promises from God, fulfilled through Christ's sacrificial work, ensuring the salvation of the elect. The sermon underscores the significance of understanding the covenant relationship between the Father and the Son, which is foundational to grasping the fullness of God's redemptive plan. Ultimately, Pink calls believers to appreciate their inclusion in this everlasting covenant of grace.
Epistle 304
By George Fox0Jesus' RolesNew CovenantDEU 18:15PSA 147:19ISA 11:9ISA 42:6ISA 45:22MAT 18:20JHN 10:15ACT 4:12EPH 5:27HEB 7:27George Fox expresses joy in the growth of truth among the believers and emphasizes the universal nature of the new covenant, which extends salvation to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles. He highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus in His various roles as prophet, shepherd, counselor, bishop, and priest, urging the congregation to gather in His name and feel His presence among them. Fox encourages the faithful to listen to Jesus' voice and to understand His work in sanctifying and overseeing His people, ensuring they are presented to God without blemish.
"The Blind Begger of John Nine" ch.9
By Charles Alexander0EXO 33:14ISA 42:6MAT 28:20JHN 9:5JHN 12:41Charles Alexander preaches about the profound significance of the blind beggar man in John 9, revealing that his physical blindness symbolizes the spiritual blindness of Israel and all of humanity. The miraculous healing of the blind man by Jesus at the pool of Siloam signifies the divine mission of Christ as the light of the world, sent by the Father to bring salvation and reveal God's glory. Through the prophetic symbolism of Immanuel, God with us, the blind man's restoration of sight represents the spiritual enlightenment and redemption offered to all who believe in Christ, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah and the eternal purpose of God's grace and mercy.
Simeon's Farewell to the World
By John Piper0ISA 42:6ISA 49:6LUK 1:15LUK 2:29ACT 2:3ROM 9:32ROM 11:11ROM 11:19EPH 5:181PE 2:6John Piper preaches on Luke 2:21-40, focusing on Simeon's Farewell to the World as the central theme of the passage. The aged characters like Simeon and Anna symbolize the passing of the era of the law and the prophets, welcoming Jesus as the fulfillment of their faith. Luke emphasizes the importance of continuity between the old and new eras, showing that Jesus came not to abolish but to fulfill the law and the prophets. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts is seen as a continuation of the Spirit's work in the old era, highlighting the unity between the two. Simeon's prophecy reveals that salvation will extend beyond Israel to all nations, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God's plan for redemption.
I the Lord Have Called Thee in Righteousness
By John Calvin0ISA 42:6JHN 8:12ACT 13:47EPH 5:8John Calvin preaches about the calling of the Gentiles through Christ, who is appointed as a light to illuminate those in darkness. The blame for not partaking in this salvation rests on individuals, as Christ is given to all without exception for their enlightenment. By opening our hearts to Christ, He will dispel darkness and bring truth to our minds.
Vision - Acts 10:9-20
By Jon Courson0EXO 3:3PRO 29:18ISA 30:1ISA 42:6JER 32:6MAT 26:40ACT 10:10Jon Courson preaches on how God motivates individuals through visions when He wants to do something new or special. He uses examples like Moses being called through a burning bush and Paul being called through a vision of a man from Macedonia. In Acts 10, God prepares Peter's heart through a vision to bring salvation to the Gentiles, highlighting the importance of having vision in our lives, families, ministries, and country. The sermon emphasizes the three steps to receiving vision: preparation, illumination, and confirmation.
Of the Part the Son of God, the Second Person, Has Taken in the Covenant.
By John Gill0Covenant of GraceChrist's Role in RedemptionPSA 40:6ISA 42:6ISA 49:8John Gill emphasizes the pivotal role of the Son of God in the covenant of grace, asserting that Christ is not only the mediator but also the very essence of the covenant itself. He highlights that Christ's willingness to fulfill the Father's will is expressed in His incarnation and sacrificial death, which were preordained in the covenant. Gill points out that all blessings and promises are realized in Christ, who is the representative head of His people, fulfilling the law and making atonement for sin. The sermon underscores the importance of Christ's consent to the covenant, as seen in His declaration to do the Father's will, which is foundational to the Christian faith. Ultimately, Gill illustrates that Christ's actions confirm His commitment to the covenant, ensuring the redemption of His people.
Epistle 195
By George Fox0Proclamation of PeaceCovenantGEN 3:15ISA 42:6ISA 52:7ISA 61:1MAL 3:1JHN 1:91CO 14:252CO 4:6HEB 13:8REV 5:9George Fox emphasizes the call for believers to be messengers of God's covenant, urging them to preach the gospel with humility and power. He encourages them to remain steadfast on the mountains of faith, proclaiming peace and liberty to the captives while being guided by the light of Christ. Fox warns against engaging with the adversary and stresses the importance of recognizing the divine witness in every person. He highlights the need for believers to dwell in God's power and wisdom to overcome opposition and fulfill their mission. Ultimately, he reassures that Christ, who brings victory, remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Epistle 132
By George Fox0ISA 42:6EZK 37:26MRK 12:30JHN 1:4JHN 6:352CO 10:16EPH 4:15COL 2:2TIT 2:132PE 1:211JN 5:21REV 21:6George Fox preaches about the importance of walking in the truth and knowing one another in the measure of life, guided up to the Father of life, to be kept from idols and feigned love. He emphasizes waiting in the measure of life for hearts to be knit together, and the necessity of not willing anything with our own will but seeking God's will. Fox urges believers to mind their growth, perfecting, and steadfastness in the light of Christ for unity and nourishment, emphasizing the importance of waiting in the light that comes from Christ, the head.
Epistle 252
By George Fox0Unity in ChristHumilityPSA 129:6ISA 40:4ISA 42:6JER 3:9ROM 10:8ROM 13:121CO 1:241CO 9:172CO 5:19EPH 6:12COL 4:61TH 2:191TI 4:12HEB 12:231JN 5:9REV 17:14George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious speech, remaining faithful to God's calling. Fox warns against division and encourages unity among believers, highlighting the need to demonstrate the new life in Christ to those still in darkness. He calls for ministers to be valiant for the truth and to preach the light of Christ to all nations, equipping themselves with the armor of God to stand against unrighteousness. Ultimately, he reminds them that the Lamb will have the victory, and they should be each other's joy in the Lord.
Ministry Qualifications
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 36:9PSA 119:105ISA 42:6MAT 5:14JHN 1:4ACT 26:182CO 4:61JN 1:5REV 22:5Steven Cole delves into the profound truth that God is light, emphasizing the purity, pervasiveness, and power of light as a metaphor for God's holiness, knowledge, and freedom from darkness. John Piper explains that in God, there is no darkness at all, signifying that drawing near to God brings freedom, hope, and joy, with no hidden agenda or disappointments. Robert Candlish beautifully describes God as the Light invading the darkness of this world, taking upon Himself the darkness of sin and offering the promise of eternal joy and safety. The contrast between light and darkness in Scripture highlights the essential nature of God as light, symbolizing moral purity, divine illumination, and the absence of darkness or evil.
The Glory of Jesus
By Zac Poonen0ISA 11:3ISA 42:1ISA 42:6ISA 42:19Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being upheld by God as His true servants, rather than relying on human agencies or material possessions. He emphasizes the ministry of encouragement, reflecting the Lord's compassion towards those who are broken and discouraged. Poonen highlights the need for humility in ministry, warning against seeking glory for oneself and stressing the importance of giving all glory to God. He challenges believers to be blind and deaf to sinful distractions and accusations, focusing instead on living a life that honors God.
Hold on to the Hand
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 37:23PRO 3:5ISA 42:6PHP 4:6JAS 4:8Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on Isaiah 42:6, emphasizes the importance of drawing closer to God and holding onto His hand. She encourages not being content with focusing solely on faults but striving to deepen the relationship with God through constant prayer, desire for His presence, and seeking to please Him in all things. Like a child holding its mother's hand, believers are urged to trust in God's support, boldly moving forward despite stumbling, and finding comfort in His loving embrace when faced with challenges.
Epistle 63
By George Fox0Guidance by God's LightUnity in ChristISA 42:6MAL 2:5JHN 1:9JHN 3:19JHN 14:6ACT 3:222CO 4:61PE 2:252PE 1:212PE 2:17George Fox emphasizes the importance of being guided by the life and light of God, urging believers to remain connected to the source of life to avoid darkness and strife. He encourages the faithful to cultivate patience, righteousness, and brotherly kindness, while warning against divisions and strife that arise from the flesh. Fox calls for a collective awakening to the righteousness of Christ, who is the way to the Father, and stresses the necessity of waiting in the light to receive wisdom and unity. He highlights the covenant of life and peace offered through Christ, urging all to witness and embody this divine gift. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation to remain humble and receptive to God's guidance, ensuring they are preserved from worldly influences.
Epistle 138
By George Fox0ISA 42:6JER 23:16JHN 1:3JHN 8:44ACT 20:28ROM 5:91CO 6:19PHM 1:9HEB 1:3HEB 4:121PE 1:231JN 1:7REV 12:9REV 13:7REV 15:3George Fox preaches to the prisoners of the Lord Jesus Christ, reminding them that they are not their own but purchased with His blood, cleansed, and justified. He encourages them to stand as witnesses for their master, king, and prophet against the powers of darkness, emphasizing victory through being born of the Word and the power that upholds all things. Fox warns against the deceiver, false prophets, and beasts that make war against the Lamb and His saints, urging the children of light to heed the Word of God, which is powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword.
You Are the Servant of the Lord
By John Wesley0Light to the NationsServanthoodISA 42:6John Wesley emphasizes that believers are called to be servants of the Lord, reflecting God's righteousness and covenant relationship. He explains that Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, demonstrating what it means to live under God's guidance. Just as God called Abraham and established Israel in Canaan, He places us in our own communities to shine His light and share hope with those around us. Wesley encourages us to live in a way that radiates Jesus, performing acts of mercy to free those trapped in darkness. Ultimately, we are to be active servants of the Lord in our daily lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A covenant of the people "A covenant to the people" - For עם am, two MSS. of Dr. Kennicott's, and of my own, read עולם olam, the covenant of the age to come, or the everlasting covenant; which seems to give a clearer and better sense. But I think the word ברית berith, here, should not be translated covenant, but covenant sacrifice, which meaning it often has; and undoubtedly in this place. This gives a still stronger and clearer sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in righteousness--rather, "for a righteous purpose" [LOWTH]. (See Isa 42:21). God "set forth" His Son "to be a propitiation (so as) to declare His (God's) righteousness, that God might be just, and (yet) the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Rom 3:25-26; compare see on Isa 41:2; Isa 45:13; Isa 50:8-9). hold . . . hand--compare as to Israel, the type of Messiah, Hos 11:3. covenant--the medium of the covenant, originally made between God and Abraham (Isa 49:8). "The mediator of a better covenant" (Heb 8:6) than the law (see Isa 49:8; Jer 31:33; Jer 50:5). So the abstract "peace," for peace-maker (Mic 5:5; Eph 2:14). the people--Israel; as Isa 49:8, compared with Isa 42:6, proves (Luk 2:32).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness,.... Not the Prophet Isaiah, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret it; nor the people of Israel, as Kimchi; but the Messiah, whom Jehovah called to the office of Mediator, in a righteous way and manner, consistent with his own perfections; and not against the will of Christ, but with his full consent: or, "unto righteousness", as some (n); so the Arabic version; to fulfil his righteous purposes, concerning the welfare and salvation of his people; to perform his righteous promises of his coming, and of good things by him; to show his strict vindictive justice against sin, in the punishment of it; and to bring in an everlasting righteousness for his people: or it may be rendered, "I have called thee with righteousness (o)"; Christ came a righteous Person, holy in his nature, harmless in his life, and truly deserved the character of Jesus Christ the righteous: and will hold thine hand: denoting his presence with him, and nearness unto him; his favour and affection for him; his counsel and direction of him; the support and assistance he gave him; and the strength he received from him as man, to go through his work: and will keep thee; as the apple of his eye, being dear unto him; from being hurt by his enemies till the time came to be delivered into their hands; and from miscarrying in his work; and from the power of the grave, so as to be long detained in it: and give thee for a covenant of the people; Christ is a covenantee, a party concerned in the covenant of grace; the representative of his people in it; the surety, Mediator, messenger, and ratifier of it; the great blessing in it; the sum and substance of it; all the blessings and promises of it are in him, and as such he is "given"; it is of God's free grace that he was appointed and intrusted with all this in eternity, and was sent in time to confirm and secure it for "the people"; given him of his Father, redeemed by him and to whom the Spirit applies the blessings and promises of the covenant; even the elect of God, both among Jews and Gentiles, especially the latter, as follows: for a light of the Gentiles; who were in the dark as to the true knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, and the way of righteousness and salvation by him, and of all divine and spiritual things; now Christ, through the ministry of the word by his Spirit, was a light unto them; by which they were enlightened into their own state and condition by nature, and into the knowledge of himself, and the mysteries of grace. (n) "Ad, sive in justitiam", Sanctius. (o) "cum justitia", Piscator, Forerius, Cocceius.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
42:6 my people, Israel . . . my covenant with them (literally a covenant for the people): It is also possible that “the people” referred to all the peoples/nations of the earth (see 49:6). • light to guide the nations: See also 51:4; Acts 13:47.