Isaiah 42

CHAPTER 42THEME: The Servant of JehovahJesus; the scourge of idolatryimages; the servant of Jehovahthe nationIn each chapter Isaiah is gradually working up to his condemnation of idolatry. We find in this chapter that the nation Israel is called the servant of Jehovah. Also, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Servant of Jehovah and is so called in the Gospel of Mark. He made it very clear: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mar_10:45). And in Mat_12:17-21 there is an application of this prophecy to the Lord Jesus.

Isaiah 42:1

THE SERVANT OF JEHOVAHJESUS"Behold" is a word that is a bugle call to consider the Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 42:3

This verse characterizes the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus when He was here. “A bruised reed shall he not break.” The Lord didn’t move in with a club against sin. He simply let sin bring its own judgment. “The smoking flax shall he not quench"the man who keeps on in sin will find that it will break out in flames finally. The wages of sin is death; it always is that. You can’t change it. This is a marvelous section as it presents the Lord Jesus as God’s Servant.

Isaiah 42:6

Christ performed these miracles as credentials of His Kingship when He was here the first time. He came as the Light of the world. As old Simeon prophesied, “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luk_2:32).

Isaiah 42:8

THE SCOURGE OF IDOLATRYIMAGESNow Isaiah begins God’s polemic against idolatry. God will not share His glory with another. Now he talks about the scourge of idolatry, and the judgment of God which it will bring.

Isaiah 42:15

The physical earth will be affected by His judgment.

Isaiah 42:16

This is the way God leads His own. You and I are blind to the future, but He is not, and He will lead all who put their trust in Him.

Isaiah 42:17

The idolaters, you see, are warned that judgment is coming.

Isaiah 42:19

THE SERVANT OF JEHOVAHTHE NATIONHe identifies the blind servant here as His own people Israel. This is God’s condemnation of His own people

Isaiah 42:22

The nation Israel is the subject in this verse. They are “a people robbed and spoiled.” Why? Because they turned away from God, and they have turned to idols.

Isaiah 42:24

The people and nation are identified as Israel. God scattered thembut He will also regather them.

Isaiah 42:25

The chastening of the Lord did not cause the nation to repent and return to Him. Did this thwart the purposes of God? The answer, of course is no, as we will see in the following chapter.