Isaiah 42:1

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold, &c.] The Targum is, “behold my servant the Messiah;” and Kimchi on the place says, this is the King Messiah; and so Abarbinelf807 interprets it of him, and other Jewish writers, and which is right; for the prophet speaks not of himself, as Aben Ezra thinks; nor of Cyrus, as Saadiah Gaon; nor of the people of Israel, as Jarchi; but of Christ, as it is applied, (<401217>Matthew 12:17,18) who is spoken of under the character of a “servant”, as he is; not as a divine Person, for as such he is the Son of God; but as man, and in his office as Mediator; a servant of the Lord, not of angels, or men, but of his divine Father; who chose him, called and sent him, and…”

“MESSIAH THE ANTITYPE OF CYRUS. (Isa. 42:1-25) my servant--The law of prophetic suggestion leads Isaiah from Cyrus to the far greater Deliverer, behind whom the former is lost sight of. The express quotation in Mat 12:18-20, and the description can apply to Messiah alone (Psa 40:6; with which compare Exo 21:6; Joh 6:38; Phi 2:7). Israel, also, in its highest ideal, is called the "servant" of God (Isa 49:3). But this ideal is realized only in the antitypical Israel, its representative-man and Head, Messiah (compare Mat 2:15, with Hos 11:1). "Servant" was the position assumed by the Son of God throughout His humiliation. elect--chosen by God before the foundation of the world for an atonement…”

“Behold - This word is designed to call attention to the person that is immediately referred to. It is an intimation that the subject is of importance, and should command their regard. My servant - This phrase denotes properly anyone who acknowledges or worships God; anyone who is regarded as serving or obeying him. It is a term which may be applied to anyone who is esteemed to be a pious man, or who is obedient to the commands of God, and is often applied to the people of God Gen 50:17; 1 Chronicles 6:49; 2 Chronicles 24:9; Daniel 6:20; Daniel 9:2; Titus 1:1; James 1:1; 1 Peter 2:16; Revelation 7:3; Revelation 15:3. The word ‘servant’ may be applied either to Isaiah, Cyrus, or the Messiah;…”

“Behold - The prophet having given one eminent instance of God's certain fore - knowledge, in the deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus, now adds another more eminent example of it, by foretelling the coming of the Messiah. This place therefore is expressly interpreted of Christ, Mat 12:18, &c. And to him, and to him only, all the particulars following, truly and evidently belong. Whom - Whom I will enable to do and suffer all those things which belong to his office. Elect - Chosen by me to this great work. Delighteth - Both for himself and for all his people, being fully satisfied with that sacrifice, which he shall offer up to me. Bring forth - Shall publish or shew, as this word is translated,…”

“42:1-4 The servant here is not the people Israel (as in 41:8-28 and elsewhere in chs 41–48; see 49:5-6) but is a royal figure who accomplishes his mission with care for people, especially for those who are hurting. The passage is the first of four songs about this servant (42:1-4; 49:1-13; 50:4-11; 52:13–53:12). He brings in an era of universal justice. For the connection of the servant with Jesus Christ, see Matt 12:18-21. 42:1 who pleases me: God used similar language at Jesus’ baptism (Matt 3:17). • I have put my Spirit upon him: Any leader might be called a servant, but the presence of the Spirit suggests a king of David’s line or a prophet like Moses (see Num 11:17, 24-29). •…”

“my servant: Isa 43:10, Isa 49:3-6, Isa 52:13, Isa 53:11; Mat 12:18-20; Phi 2:7 whom I: Isa 49:7, Isa 49:8, Isa 50:4-9; Joh 16:32 mine elect: Psa 89:19, Psa 89:20; Joh 6:27; Pe1 2:4, Pe1 2:6 my soul: Mat 3:17, Mat 17:5; Mar 1:11; Luk 3:22; Eph 1:4, Eph 1:6; Col 1:13 \*marg. I have: Isa 11:2-5, Isa 59:21, Isa 61:1; Mat 3:16; Mar 1:10; Luk 3:22; Joh 1:32-34, Joh 3:34; Act 10:38 he shall: Isa 32:16, Isa 49:6; Mal 1:11; Mat 12:18; Act 9:15, Act 11:18, Act 26:17, Act 26:18, Act 28:28; Rom 15:8-16; Eph 3:8 Isaiah 42:2”

“The hēn (behold) in Isa 41:29 is now followed by a second hēn. With the former, Jehovah pronounced sentence upon the idolaters and their idols; with the latter, He introduces His "servant." In Isa 41:8 this epithet was applied to the nation, which had been chosen as the servant and for the service of Jehovah. But the servant of Jehovah who is presented to us here is distinct from Israel, and has so strong an individuality and such marked personal features, that the expression cannot possibly be merely a personified collective. Nor can the prophet himself be intended; for what is here affirmed of this servant of Jehovah goes infinitely beyond anything to which a prophet was ever called, or…”