Isaiah 42:1

CHAPTER XLII

The prophet sets forth the meekness of Messiah's character, and

the extent and blessings of his kingdom, particularly among the

Gentiles, 1-9.

In consequence of this he calls on the whole creation to join

him in one song of praise to God, 10-12.

After which he seems again to glance at the deliverance from

the captivity; although the words may full as well apply to the

deliverance vouchsafed to the Church; to the overthrow of her

must powerful enemies; and to the prevalency of true religion

over idolatry and error, 13-17.

The prophet then reproves the Jews for their blindness and

infidelity in rejecting the Messiah, and gives intimations of

these judgments which their guilt would draw on them, 18-25.

The prophet, having opened his subject with the preparation for the return from captivity at Babylon, and intimated that a much greater deliverance was covered under the veil of that event, proceeded to vindicate the power of God, as Creator and disposer of all things; and his infinite knowledge, from his prediction of future events, and in particular of that deliverance. He went still farther, and pointed out the instrument by which he should effect the redemption of his people the Jews from slavery; namely, a great conqueror, whom he would call forth from the north and the east to execute his orders. In this chapter he proceeds to the greater deliverance; and at once brings forth into full view, without throwing any veil of allegory over the subject, the Messiah. "Behold my servant, Messiah," says the Chaldee. St. Matthew has applied it directly to Christ; nor can it with any justice or propriety be applied to any other person or character whatever. - L

NOTES ON CHAP. XLII

Verse Isaiah 42:1. Behold my servant, whom I uphold] אתמך בו ethmach bo, on whom I lean. Alluding to the custom of kings leaning on the arm of their most beloved and faithful servant. All, both Jews and Christians, agree, that the seven first verses of this chapter belong to Christ. Now, as they are evidently a continuation of the prophecy in the preceding chapter, that prophecy cannot belong to Cyrus, but to Christ.

He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles - "He shall publish judgment to the nations"] Four MSS. two ancient, add the conjunction ומשפט vemishpat. See Matthew 12:18.

The word משפט mishpat, judgment, like צדקה tsedakah, righteousness, is taken in a great latitude of signification. It means rule, form, order, model, plan; rule of right, or of religion; an ordinance, institution; judicial process, cause, trial, sentence, condemnation, acquittal, deliverance, mercy, c. It certainly means in this place the law to be published by Messiah, the institution of the Gospel.