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.
This inaugurates the first of four Servant Songs (42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12), revealing the Messiah's character and mission. 'Behold my servant' uses the Hebrew 'ebed (עֶבֶד), signifying both submission and intimate relationship—the same word describing Moses, David, and the prophets. Yet this Servant is unique: 'mine elect' (bachir, בָּחִיר) means chosen, selected by divine purpose before time. God's soul 'delighteth' (ratsah, רָצָה) in Him—expressing pleasure, favor, and complete satisfaction. This finds fulfillment at Jesus's baptism when the Father declares, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased' (Matthew 3:17), echoing Isaiah's language precisely. The promise 'I have put my spirit upon him' describes the Spirit's anointing without measure (John 3:34), equipping Him for mission. 'He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles' (mishpat la-goyim) reveals the Servant's global scope—not merely Israel but all nations. Mishpat encompasses justice, righteousness, and God's revealed will. Christ came to establish God's kingdom of righteousness for all peoples.
Historical Context
Written around 700 BC during Isaiah's ministry to Judah under kings Uzziah through Hezekiah. The 'Servant Songs' puzzled Jewish interpreters—was the Servant Israel collectively, a remnant, or an individual? The suffering described seemed incompatible with messianic expectations of a conquering king. The Septuagint (Greek translation, 250 BC) rendered this passage carefully, preserving its messianic potential. Jesus explicitly applied the Servant identity to Himself (Luke 22:37). The early church saw unmistakable fulfillment: Matthew quotes verse 1 regarding Jesus's ministry (Matthew 12:18-21), identifying Him as the prophesied Servant who would proclaim justice to Gentiles.
Questions for Reflection
How does the Father's delight in His Servant Jesus challenge you to seek God's approval over human recognition?
What does it mean that the Messiah would bring 'judgment to the Gentiles'—how does this reveal God's inclusive salvation plan from the beginning?
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Analysis & Commentary
This inaugurates the first of four Servant Songs (42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12), revealing the Messiah's character and mission. 'Behold my servant' uses the Hebrew 'ebed (עֶבֶד), signifying both submission and intimate relationship—the same word describing Moses, David, and the prophets. Yet this Servant is unique: 'mine elect' (bachir, בָּחִיר) means chosen, selected by divine purpose before time. God's soul 'delighteth' (ratsah, רָצָה) in Him—expressing pleasure, favor, and complete satisfaction. This finds fulfillment at Jesus's baptism when the Father declares, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased' (Matthew 3:17), echoing Isaiah's language precisely. The promise 'I have put my spirit upon him' describes the Spirit's anointing without measure (John 3:34), equipping Him for mission. 'He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles' (mishpat la-goyim) reveals the Servant's global scope—not merely Israel but all nations. Mishpat encompasses justice, righteousness, and God's revealed will. Christ came to establish God's kingdom of righteousness for all peoples.