Isaiah 49:3
And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂרָאֵ֕ל
O Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֕ל
O Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 8
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Isaiah 42:1Behold 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.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Isaiah 44:23Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.Isaiah 52:13Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.Zechariah 3:8Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.John 17:4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.Isaiah 53:10Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.John 17:1These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
Historical Context
Historically, Israel failed to bring God glory, provoking Him to anger instead. The ideal Israel (faithful remnant) pointed toward the perfect Israelite, Jesus, who fulfills the law and embodies covenant faithfulness (Matthew 2:15, 'Out of Egypt I called my son').
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus succeed as 'true Israel' where the nation failed?
- In what ways should your life as part of Christ's body glorify God before the watching world?
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Analysis & Commentary
God's declaration 'Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified' creates interpretive tension - is the Servant individual (Messiah) or corporate (Israel)? The answer is both - Christ perfectly embodies true Israel's calling, accomplishing what the nation failed. The purpose 'in whom I will be glorified' establishes that the Servant's ultimate aim is divine glory, not mere human benefit.