Isaiah 42:1-17 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit on him… I. THE CHARACTER HE SUSTAINS. "Behold, My Servant," etc. In this capacity God sustained and protected Him. He is also set forth as the object of His special choice and affection. "Mine elect," etc. He delighted in Him on account — 1. Of the close relationship that existed between them. Not merely was He Jehovah's Servant, but His only-begotten Son. 2. The resemblance He bore to Him. 3. His having engaged to execute the Divine purposes. II. THE WORK HE HAD TO ACCOMPLISH. 1. For this work He was endowed with every requisite qualification. "I have put My Spirit upon Him." 2. The work assigned to Him was very extensive in its range. "He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles." 3. The character of His work is here intimated. He was to bring forth "judgment"; for the religion He would establish was to be pre-eminently distinguished truth and righteousness. III. THE MANNER IN WHICH IT WAS TO BE EFFECTED. 1. The absence of all ostentation and clamour. It is invariably found that it is not the most noisy that do the most work. 2. He was to evince great tenderness and compassion. "A bruised reed," etc. These words were verified in His conduct towards two classes — (1) The humble penitent. (2) His bitterest foes. This passage is thus. applied by Matthew (chap. 12.). 3. Perseverance in the face of all difficulties and discouragements. He shall not fail nor be discouraged," etc. (Anon.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
    |