Isaiah 42:3-4 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment to truth.… It is to be noticed that in verse 4 we have an echo of these metaphors. The word translated "fail" is the same as that rendered in the previous verse, "smoking," or "dimly burning"; and the word "discouraged" is the same as that rendered in the previous verse, "bruised." So then this "servant of the Lord," Who is not to break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, is fitted for His work because He Himself has no share in the evils which He would heal, and none in the weaknesses which He would strengthen. His perfect manhood knows no flaws nor bruises; His complete goodness is capable of and needs no increase. Neither outward force nor inward weakness can hinder His power to heal and bless; therefore His work can never cease till it has attained its ultimate purpose. "He shall not fail nor be discouraged," shall neither be broken by outward violence, nor shall the flame of His saving energy burn faint until He hath "set judgment in the earth," and crowned His purposes with complete success. (A. Maclaren, D. D Parallel Verses KJV: A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. |
    |