The Chosen Key Word in this Chapter is “Covenant” it comes from the Hebrew Word “beriyth” which means “covenant.”
Isaiah introduces a remarkable, gentle servant figure who brings justice to the nations. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Chapter Reviews, I am Chris and this is Isaiah 42.
Isaiah declares, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth,” a description of gentle, genuine strength that Matthew’s gospel directly applies to Christ.
Isaiah describes this servant as given for a “covenant,” “beriyth” in Hebrew, of the people, for a light to the Gentiles, to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison house, declaring, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images,” urging everyone to sing a new song to the Lord, and His praise from the end of the earth.
Isaiah describes how the Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war, He shall cry, yes, roar, He shall prevail against His enemies, describing Israel as blind, though having eyes, and deaf, though having ears, since they would not walk in His ways, nor obey His law, describing how He poured upon Israel the fury of His anger, and the strength of battle, yet Israel did not lay it to heart, closing with the observation that though Israel is robbed and spoiled, snared in holes, and hidden in prison houses, there being none to deliver, and none who says restore, this sobering close showing how far the nation had drifted despite this beautiful vision of the coming, gentle Servant.
Isaiah’s tender description of the servant’s gentle strength, not breaking a bruised reed nor quenching smoking flax, offers a beautiful portrait of genuine power expressed through compassion rather than crushing force, later fulfilled precisely in Christ’s own ministry. This chapter’s sobering closing contrast, Israel’s own blindness and deafness despite having eyes and ears, shows how easily people can miss what is genuinely, plainly available right before them.
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