- this is a reference to Gentile nations and is a prophetic message from Messiah "Lisen to Me" (NASB and KJV capitalize Me)
- Jesus was called before His incarnation, before the foundations of the world
- His Word carries authority
- The Messiah prophetically proclaims that He is like a carefully made and polished arrow in the service of the LORD, ready to be used at the right time. [The Messiah was a mystery that would be revealed at the right time]
- it is best to regard Israel as a reference to the Messiah.
“On the surface, the statement ‘You are my servant, Israel,’ explicitly identifies Yahweh’s Servant as the nation Israel. But if that were the case, an apparent contradiction would arise in verses 5-6, in which the Servant’s task is to bring Israel back to Yahweh and to the land… the view that ‘Israel’ is a title of the individual messianic Servant harmonizes most satisfactorily with the passage and context.” (Lindsey)
vs 4 - NASB and KJV have consistently capitalized "Me" in the previous passages but here KJV does not
- regardless the point is that [whether a reference to Jesus or Isaiah himself?] ministering in difficult circumstances can be discouraging. But whoever this reference is pointing to, they never gave into discouragement, but always put their trust in the LORD
The LORD will bring back the exiled and captive sons of Zion to the Promised Land, and this will be an ornament (vs 18) for God’s people. The LORD’s love and faithfulness for Zion is also shown by His promise for their future. It isn’t just demonstrated by the past and the present, but also by His future plans for them.
Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed (vs 23c)
Sadness, loss and grief never have the final say in our lives.
Then all mankind will know that I, the Lord am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob (vs 25b)
First5:
God never fails. We see in Isaiah 49 that in Jesus Christ, God keeps every single promise He makes to His children.
The people in Isaiah's time looked forward to the time when the promises of Isaiah 49 would be fulfilled by the Servant of God. We look backward and see how God has fulfilled each of these promises through His Son, Jesus Christ.
He says, "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth."
-- Isaiah 49:6
- Jesus is a light for the nations. God says He will make His Servant's light shine for the salvation of all nations. (Isaiah 49:6) Jesus is the light of the world. (John 8:12) After Jesus's life, death and resurrection, He sent His disciples to spread the good news of the gospel "to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
- Jesus is our salvation and freedom. Through the Servant, God saves His people by bringing them out of bondage. (Isaiah 49:8-9) Jesus has set us free from bondage to sin and shame so we can walk in the light as God's children. (Galatians 5:1; John 8:32-36) Because of Him, today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)
[I was watching a Christmas movie "A Christmas Snow" and the following Scripture was read which reminded me of this verses in Isaiah 49:
Simeon took Him (baby Jesus) in his arms and priased God saying:
Sovereign Lord as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations,; a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
-- Luke 2:28-32 - Jesus is our compassionate guide. The Servant will lead His people by springs of water where they will never hunger or thirst. (Isaiah 49:10) Jesus had compassion on the crowds He encountered because they were like sheep in need of a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36) One day, the Lamb of God will guide us by living water. (Revelation 7:16-17)
- Jesus remembers us forever. God knew the exiled Israelites would wonder if God had forgotten His people. (Isaiah 49:14-16) As nails pierced Jesus' hands, He proved His love for His sheep whom He knows and can never forget. (Isaiah 49:16) The permanent scars from the nails that were driven into Jesus' hands were shown to Thomas, (John 20:27) revealing to us that no one can remove the engraving of our name on His hands.
- Jesus gives joy after sorrow. As the Israelites endured the destruction of Jerusalem and desperation of exile in Babylon, God wanted them to know the glorious future ahead. (Isaiah 49:17-21) Christ's resurrection guarantees that sadness, loss and grief never have the final say in our lives. (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)
- Jesus is victorious over every enemy. God told His people that He would rescue them from the strong grip of the Babylonians by the power of His hand. (Isaiah 49:22-26) When we put our hope in Christ for deliverance from our enemies, we will never be disappointed. (Isaiah 49:23; Psalm 23:5; Romans 5:5)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for how You've kept every promise to me in Christ Jesus. You are faithful even when I am fearful and doubting. Thank You for engraving my name on Your hands. Fill me with Your peace and help me to trust in Your promises no matter what I face. In Jesus' name, amen.