Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. How is the Lord’s Servant characterized in Isaiah 42:2 (printed below?) What do you think this means?
He will not shout or cry or raise his voice in the streets. (Isaiah 42:2)
We are told that the Lord’s Servant “will not shout or cry or raise his voice in the streets” (verse 2). That is to say, the Lord’s Servant will not be a political activist or revolutionary who exerts His charismatic power to rouse the masses to violence. When you look at the Lord’s Servant you see that true spiritual victory comes not by self-assertion and reliance upon human strength, but by His cross and submission to His Father’s will.
2. What attribute of the Lord’s Servant is being described in Isaiah 42:3 (printed below?)
He will not break a bruised reed, nor will he snuff out a smoldering wick. He will faithfully bring forth justice. (Isaiah 42:3)
It is further said of the Lord’s Servant, “He will not break a bruised reed, nor will he snuff out a smoldering wick” (verse 3). In other words, the Lord’s Servant is characterized by gentleness, tenderness, patience and compassion. When you look to the Lord’s Servant you find Him to be merciful and compassionate.
3. What is another attribute of the Lord’s Servant that is revealed in Isaiah 42:4 (printed below?)
He will not falter or be discouraged until he has established justice on the earth. Even the distant islands will wait expectantly for his law. (Isaiah 42:4)
The Lord’s Servant “will not falter or be discouraged until he has established justice on the earth. Even the distant islands will wait expectantly for his law. (or, his teaching)”” (verse 4). The Lord’s Servant will persevere in the work God gave Him to do (Luke 9:51-53) and He shall accomplish that work. Note: the fact that the islands shall wait for (or hope in) His law (or, his teaching) testifies to the fact that His redeeming work is not just for Israel and also testifies to the success of His mission: even the remote regions of the world shall hear His teaching (the gospel) and put their hope in Him (note Colossians 1:5b-6a).
4. How does the Lord describe His relationship to His servant? See Isaiah 42:6a (printed below)
I, Jehovah, have called you by my righteousness, and I will hold your hand. I will watch over you…(Isaiah 42:6a)
The Lord testifies to His Servant, “I, Jehovah, have called you”—it is God Himself who has given His Servant a divine commission and task to perform (note the testimony and the prayer of the Lord Jesus recorded in John 17:4). Furthermore, the Lord declares, “I, Jehovah, … will hold your hand”—God assures His Servant that He will support him and sustain him so that he may carry out and accomplish his divine mission (again, note the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ recorded in John 16:32). Finally, the Lord assures His Servant, “I, Jehovah… will watch over you”—the Lord assures His Servant that He will be faithful to him; He will not abandon him. The fulfillment of this promise is to be seen in the resurrection, the ascension, and finally Christ’s return in glory.
5. What has the Lord appointed His Servant to be and to do? See Isaiah 42:6b-7 (printed below)
I will … appoint you to be the covenant representative for the people of Israel and a light for the Gentiles. (7) I have appointed you to open the eyes of the blind, to free the captives from prison, and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:6b-7)
The Lord’s Servant, Jesus Christ, will be the true covenant Representative of Israel: fulfilling the covenantal demand of obedience and taking upon Himself the covenantal curse for the disobedience of God’s people, and thus enabling all those who trust in Him to inherit the covenantal blessing (note Galatians 3:13-14). The Lord’s Servant shall also reveal the light (the truth and glory) of God to the nations, so that they might also be reconciled to God through faith in Him and come to share in the blessings of the covenant (note Acts 26:15-18).
