Isaiah 42:6

“I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, &c.] Not the Prophet Isaiah, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret it; nor the people of Israel, as Kimchi; but the Messiah, whom Jehovah called to the office of Mediator, in a righteous way and manner, consistent with his own perfections; and not against the will of Christ, but with his full consent: or, “unto righteousness”, as somef814; so the Arabic version; to fulfil his righteous purposes, concerning the welfare and salvation of his people; to perform his righteous promises of his coming, and of good things by him; to show his strict vindictive justice against sin, in the punishment of it; and to bring in an everlasting righteousness for his…”

“in righteousness--rather, "for a righteous purpose" [LOWTH]. (See Isa 42:21). God "set forth" His Son "to be a propitiation (so as) to declare His (God's) righteousness, that God might be just, and (yet) the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Rom 3:25-26; compare see on Isa 41:2; Isa 45:13; Isa 50:8-9). hold . . . hand--compare as to Israel, the type of Messiah, Hos 11:3. covenant--the medium of the covenant, originally made between God and Abraham (Isa 49:8). "The mediator of a better covenant" (Heb 8:6) than the law (see Isa 49:8; Jer 31:33; Jer 50:5). So the abstract "peace," for peace-maker (Mic 5:5; Eph 2:14). the people--Israel; as Isa 49:8, compared with Isa 42:6, proves (Luk…”

“I the Lord have called thee in righteousness - The phrase ‘in righteousness’ has been very differently understood by different expositors (see the note at Isaiah 41:10). The most probable meaning may be, ‘I have done it as a righteous and just God, or in the accomplishment of my righteous purposes. I am the just moral governor of the universe, and to accomplish my purposes of justice and fidelity, I have designated thee to this work.’ Lowth has well rendered it, ‘For a righteous purpose.’ In this work all was righteousness. God was righteous, who appointed him; it was because he was righteous, and could not save without a mediator and an atonement, that he sent him into the world; he…”

“Called thee - To declare my righteousness, or faithfulness. With - hold - Will give thee counsel and strength for the work. Give thee - To be the mediator in whom my covenant of grace is confirmed with mankind. The people - Of all people, not only of Jews but Gentiles. A light - To enlighten them with true and saving knowledge. Isaiah 42:8”

“42:6 my people, Israel . . . my covenant with them (literally a covenant for the people): It is also possible that “the people” referred to all the peoples/nations of the earth (see 49:6). • light to guide the nations: See also 51:4; Acts 13:47.”

“called: Isa 32:1, Isa 43:1, Isa 45:13, Isa 49:1-3; Psa 45:6, Psa 45:7; Jer 23:5, Jer 23:6, Jer 33:15, Jer 33:16; Rom 3:25, Rom 3:26; Heb 1:8, Heb 1:9, Heb 7:2, Heb 7:26 and will hold: Isa 42:1, Isa 41:13 and give: Isa 49:8; Mat 26:28; Luk 1:69-72; Rom 15:8, Rom 15:9; Co2 1:20; Gal 3:15-17; Heb 8:6, Heb 9:15, Heb 12:24, Heb 13:20 a light: Isa 49:6, Isa 51:4, Isa 51:5, Isa 60:1-3; Luk 2:32; Joh 8:12; Act 13:47, Act 26:23; Pe1 2:9 Isaiah 42:7”