Isaiah 42:1-2

Context

The Lord Commissions His Special Servant

42:1 ¹“Here is my servant whom I support,

my chosen one in whom I take pleasure.

I have placed my spirit on him;

he will make just decrees² for the nations.³

42:2 He will not cry out or shout;

he will not publicize himself in the streets.⁴

[42:1] ¹sn Verses 1-7 contain the first of Isaiah’s “servant songs,” which describe the ministry of a special, ideal servant who accomplishes God’s purposes for Israel and the nations. This song depicts the servant as a just king who brings justice to the earth and relief for the oppressed. The other songs appear in 49:1-13; 50:4-11; and 52:13-53:12.

[42:1] ²tn Heb “he will bring out justice” (cf. ASV, NASB, NRSV).

[42:1] ³sn Like the ideal king portrayed in Isa 11:1-9, the servant is energized by the divine spirit and establishes justice on the earth.

[42:2] ⁴tn Heb “he will not cause his voice to be heard in the street.”