Download Finding Comfort in Beholding the Incomparable

Isaiah 42
The Incomparable Yahweh’s Unimaginable Plan
THIS BIBLE STUDY WILL BE ONE OF THE ONES THAT REQUIRES CAREFUL PONDERING
AND MEDIATION. HOWEVER IT IS NOT THE LONGEST BIBLE STUDY. I WOULD
RECOMMEND SPENDING TIME SIMPLY PONDERING HOW THE PIECES OF ISAIAH “FIT
TOGETHER.” IF YOU SPENT TIME IN IT, IT ALSO SHOULD BE ONE OF THE MOST
REWARDING. YOU MAY NEED TO SPEND SOME TIME IN THE “SPOILER” SECTION AS WELL.
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Goals for this Bible Study
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To know God more through His revelation in the book of Isaiah, especially Isaiah 40-48
To consciously apply the truths which He intended through the Book of Isaiah
To learn how to interpret Old Testament literature like Isaiah. This will be done by example—i.e.
learn by doing and imitating what you see me and your leader doing.
To encourage one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25, accountability)
Memorize, meditate, and apply Isaiah 40:12-31
Homework:
1) Read Isaiah 40-41 once. Read Isaiah 42 twice.
2) Complete the Bible Study below.
3) Continue memorization work (Is 40:12-31, Is 41:10 are great verses)
5) Complete any accountability that your group is doing
6) Come prepared to share at least 1) 2-3 new insights you learned, 2) 2-3 ways you need to apply the
lesson.
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Review:
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Isaiah 40:1-11 is the introduction to Isaiah 40-48
Isaiah 40:5 is the thematic center of the introduction: The glory of Yahweh will be revealed.
The glory of the Yahweh is His work in history and redemption that exalts Him alone as the
only deity. He is The Holy One. The Incomparable God. Understanding this brings comfort.
Isaiah 40:12-27 was Yahweh’s rhetorical questioning of Israel meant to lead them to the
conclusion that Yahweh alone was God. His questioning was meant to help them see His
Incomparable Sovereignty. That is His unlimited power, His unmatched wisdom, and His
uncontested control. As a result of believing this His people were not to fear/worry but they
were to respond in trust. This trust would then result in comfort. This passage could be
summarized as Yahweh’s loving confrontation and preparation of His People to see
Yahweh;alone as God.
Is 41—The gods of the nations on trial byYahweh—The confrontation and preparation of the
nations to see Yahweh alone as God! Three Irrefutable witnesses to the nations to that declare
that Yahweh alone is God, (1) A fear Evoking Force—The Discriminating Cyrus, (2) A Praise
Offering People—The Exalted and Rescued Remnant of Israel, (3) A Mouth Shutting Act-- The
Irreproducible Foretelling of Events
Expectations: 1-2 hours this week of preparation/reading in order to contribute meaningfully to discussion

Important Background
In Isaiah 42:1-9 the reader encounters the first “Servant Song.” Others are found in Isaiah 49, 50,
53 and there are even some in the Psalms. These “Servant Songs” describe a fantastic, righteous
individual who is loyal to God, perseveres in righteousness, suffers for the people, and the result is
that the through His faithful ministry, 1. The world comes to know God, 2. The creation is
transformed and 3. Exuberant Praise to God emerges from the nations and creation

Basic Point of the Servant Songs
Isaiah 40ff begins a message of comfort and rebuke to the exiles. God had not forgotten them. He was
going to redeem them. And He was going to create a people to accomplish His purpose. In order to
help His people see the kind of servant God desired His people to be, the IDEALIZED SERVANT
songs were given by Isaiah. These IDEALIZED SERVANT songs were PORTRAITS of the kind of
individual God has desired all along for His people to be. They distill into perfection an imperfect long
history of fallible spirit anointed men of God that struggled to persevere, be faithful, and bring God’s
reign to creation. Obviously, Israel failed and even these redeemed exiles of Isaiah 40ff failed. The
expectation for the idealized servant then is cast into the messianic hope—i.e. Christ
While these IDEALIZED servant songs indeed point to the messiah, a grand application of all of this
also is that we as God’s people are indeed be “LIKE” the IDEALIZED servant as well. We are to be the
servants that are dependent upon the Lord through the spirit, functioning justly, persevering, suffering
for others, and bringing the light of the IDEALIZED servant (Jesus Christ) to the nations.

Introduction:
INPUT: What could be a purpose for waiting to intervene with a child who might be struggling in
learning to ride a bike? What could be a purpose for a pastor waiting a little bit before intervening in an
individual struggling in a specific area of life? (Like Yahweh was waiting in Is 42:14?)

Presentation of the Text
Read through the text of Isaiah as laid out in the handout (start with A then move to B, C,
D, E)

Question 1 to Ponder (see text handout): What is the relationship between these two
passages? –i.e. the two “servants” (Isaiah 42:1-13 & 42:18-22)

Question 2 to Ponder (see text handout): How did Yahweh’s servant in 42:18-22 get to be
in this condition (Is 42:23-25)?
Ultimate Question: What is Yahweh’s plan for His glory (i.e. the revelation that He is Yahweh
alone) to be revealed and all flesh shall see it?
Answer: The Incomparable Yahweh’s unimaginable plan is to use a BLIND & DEAF
WITNESS to TESTIFY for all flesh to SEE & HEAR that He is God alone!!!
Question to Ponder: What good is a blind & deaf witness? What can a blind & deaf witness
testify to?
The Incomparable Yahweh’s Unimaginable Plan
Yahweh’s using the blind and deaf witness involves these three mind blowing steps…
1) A Miraculous Transformation (The contrast between 42:1-9, and 42:18-22)
INPUT: How would Yahweh transform the blind servant? (Thoughts? Does 43:1 have a possible answer?)
The Miraculous Transformation Resulting in..
2) An Invigorated New Creation (Is 42:1-9)
INPUT: What is the blind servant of Isaiah 42:18-22 transformed into (Is 42:1-9)? One who…(fill in the
blank)
For the purpose of…
3) Influencing all the Nations (42:1-13)
a) Providing Healing (42:7)
b) Engendering Praise of Yahweh from all nations (42:10-13)
INPUT: How does this (point 3 above) relate to God’s plan for us today?
(cf. Gen 1:26-30, Gen 11, Gen 12:1-3, Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 42:1-9; Matt 5:13-16, Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter
2:9-12). Do you see a consistent theme?
INPUT: How easy is it to become tired in doing good (contrast Is 42:9)? What is the incentive to keep at it?
What have we seen in the history of FBC that partially illustrates Is 42:1-9? How should Is 42 help us as we
venture into striving to influence our community more? How do you need to be more like the ideal servant?
INPUT: How does all of this relate to Christ? (cf. Matt 11, 12:1-23; John 9). Who is Christ and what is He an
example of?
Who is He?________________________
Example of? _______________________
Why?____________________________
Why? ____________________________
A.
Isaiah 42:14-17—A Glimpse of the Premeditated and Patient Ponderings of the Planner (Yahweh)
Prepare the Way of
Yahweh…mountains
leveled, rough terrain
smoothed…(Is 40:3-4)
14“I have kept silent for a long time
(Where have you seen “Be silent” before? Is 41:1),
I have kept still and restrained Myself.
Now like a woman in labor I will groan,
I will both gasp and pant.
15“I will lay waste the mountains and hills
(Where have you seen this before? Is 40:3-4
When you see this what do you expect next?)
And wither all their vegetation;
I will make the rivers into coastlands And dry up the ponds.
***16“I will lead the blind by a way they do not know,
***In paths they do not know I will guide them.
***I will make darkness into light before them
***And rugged places into plains.
***These are the things I will do,
***And I will not leave them undone.”
***17They will be turned back and be utterly put to shame,
***Who trust in idols,
***Who say to molten images,
***“You are our gods.”
***The Glory of Yahweh
Shall be revealed
And all flesh will see it
(Is 40:5!)
B.
Isaiah 42:1-9
A Glimpse of the Perfected Product of the Plan
C.
Isaiah 42:10-13
A Glimpse at the Pronounced Praise
From the Plan
1“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold;
10Sing to the Lord a new song,
My chosen one in whom My soul delights.
Sing His praise from the end of the earth!
(Where have you seen this terminology before?
You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it.
Is 41:8-10.
You islands, and those who dwell on them.
What is the difference between then
11Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices,
and this passage?)
The settlements where Kedar inhabits.
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud,
He will bring forth justice to the nations.
Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains.
Question 1
2“He will not cry out or raise His voice,
12Let them give glory to the Lord
Nor make His voice heard in the street.
And declare His praise in the coastlands.
3“A bruised reed He will not break
(What are the coastlands doing now compared to 41)
And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish;
13The Lord will go forth like a warrior,
He will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will arouse His zeal like a man of war.
4“He will not be disheartened or crushed
He will utter a shout, yes,
Until He has established justice in the earth;
He will raise a war cry.
And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.”
He will prevail against His enemies.
(What were the coastlands doing in 41?
(How will He prevail?)
What do you make of the difference now?)
D.
Isaiah 42:18-22
5Thus says God the Lord,
A Glimpse of the Present Player in the Plan
Who created the heavens and stretched them out,
18Hear, you deaf!
Who spread out the earth and its offspring,
And look, you blind, that you may see.
Who gives breath to the people on it
19Who is blind but My servant,
And spirit to those who walk in it,
Or so deaf as My messenger whom I send?
6“I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
Who is so blind as he that is at peace with Me,
I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you,
Or so blind as the servant of the Lord?
And I will appoint you as a covenant to the people,
20You have seen many things,
As a light to the nations,
but you do not observe them;
Question
7To open blind eyes,
Your ears are open, but none hears.
To bring out prisoners from the dungeon
21The Lord was pleased for His righteousness’ sake
And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.
To make the law great and glorious. (cf. 42:4)
(Is this physical or spiritual captivity?
22But this is a people plundered and despoiled;
What is it a result of?)
All of them are trapped in caves,
8“I am the Lord, that is My name;
Or are hidden away in prisons;
I will not give My glory to another,
They have become a prey with none to deliver them,
Nor My praise to graven images.
And a spoil, with none to say, “Give them back!”
9“Behold, the former things have come to pass,
E.
Isaiah 42:23-25
(The former things is the judgment that came upon the people)
A Glimpse of the discipline God orchestrated on the blind/deaf
Now I declare new things;
serventer
(The new things are precisely this plan!)
23Who among you will give ear to this?
Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”
Who will give heed and listen hereafter?
24Who gave Jacob up for spoil,
and Israel to plunderers?
Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned,
And in whose ways they were not willing to walk,
And whose law they did not obey?
25So He poured out on him the heat of His anger
And the fierceness of battle;
And it set him aflame all around,
Yet he did not recognize it;
And it burned him, but he paid no attention.
2
****SPOILERS FOLLOW******

Important Background
In Isaiah 42:1-9 the reader encounters the first “Servant Song.” Others are found in Isaiah 49, 50,
53 and there are even some in the Psalms. These “Servant Songs” describe a fantastic, righteous
individual who is loyal to God, perseveres in righteousness, suffers for the people, and the result is
that the through His faithful ministry, 1. The world comes to know God, 2. The creation is
transformed and 3. Exuberant Praise to God emerges from the nations and creation

Basic Point of the Servant Songs
Isaiah 40ff begins a message of comfort and rebuke to the exiles. God had not forgotten them. He was
going to redeem them. And He was going to create a people to accomplish His purpose. In order to
help His people see the kind of servant God desired His people to be, the IDEALIZED SERVANT
songs were given by Isaiah. These IDEALIZED SERVANT songs were PORTRAITS of the kind of
individual God has desired all along for His people to be. They distill into perfection an imperfect long
history of fallible spirit anointed men of God that struggled to persevere, be faithful, and bring God’s
reign to creation. Obviously, Israel failed and even these redeemed exiles of Isaiah 40ff failed. The
expectation for the idealized servant then is cast into the messianic hope—i.e. Christ
While these IDEALIZED servant songs indeed point to the messiah, a grand application of all of this
also is that we as God’s people are indeed be “LIKE” the IDEALIZED servant as well. We are to be the
servants that are dependent upon the Lord through the spirit, functioning justly, persevering, suffering
for others, and bringing the light of the IDEALIZED servant (Jesus Christ) to the nations.

Introduction:
INPUT: What could be a purpose for waiting to intervene with a child who might be struggling in
learning to ride a bike? What could be a purpose for a pastor waiting a little bit before intervening in an
individual struggling in a specific area of life? (Like Yahweh was waiting in Is 42:14?)
Children riding a bike can never really learn “balance” if the parent is holding on to the bike and
balancing it for them. They must learn how to shift their weight and compensate. They must learn the
pain of not doing this properly—bruises from falls.
Many times as shepherds/disciplers of people we must allow those struggling with idolatry to see the
futility/emptiness of those gods. While we “intervene” and “exhort” it is necessary for people to realize
that there is only one God that satisfies.
God allowed his people to be turned over to their idolatry and the entire emptiness of their ways…and
He waited like a mother laboring to give birth to a beautiful baby. (Is 42:14). God wants to produce
from a blind and deaf servant (Israel, 42:18-22) / the kind of servant in Isaiah 42:1-9. But Israel must
have gone through a refining/purifying process. God wants a servant like (Isaiah 42:1-9)

Presentation of the Text
Read through the text of Isaiah as laid out in the handout (start with A then move to B, C,
D, E). Note my comments below on each section (A/B/C/D/E) of the text
A. God has a plan of redemption to create from a blind and deaf people, a people who are
seeing/hearing witnesses of Yahweh’s glory who will go forth and praise his name as
the ONLY GOD and will bring his name to the world. The metaphors of “Mountains”
and “hills”in v. 15 most likely refers to the nations. When he says that he will lay waste
to the mountains that probably refers to the fact that he will lay waste to the seemingly
immovable, strong, “nations” (i.e. demolish strong Babylon and raise up seemingly
weak Persia) in order to execute a deliverance of His people. Notice the parallel of
“nations/mountains” in Hab 3:6 which denotes equivalence of these concepts.
Habakkuk 3:6 (NASB95)
He stood and surveyed the earth;
He looked and startled the nations.
Yes, the perpetual mountains were shattered,
The ancient hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting.
Thus, the plan of God is to execute a “redemption” or a deliverance not unlike that of
the Exodus. And when his blind and deaf people “see” and “hear” what the only true
God is doing in delivering them, then the blind and deaf people will not be blind and
deaf anymore and they will go forth praising Yahweh as the ONLY GOD who is able to
accomplish this.
B. This text describes the kind of “servant” that God wants to be His faithful, loyal,
persevering servant and the kind of servant He desires to transform His blind and deaf
servant, Israel, by a miraculous redemption from captivity in Babylon.
C. When a servant functions according to God’s plan and brings transformation to the
world, the only response that is befitting of the ONLY GOD is Praise and that is what
we see in Isaiah 42:10-13
D. However, God’s current “servant” is blind and deaf because of their idolatry. They
became blind and deaf like the idols they worshipped. God has always desired to create
a “witness” for himself (i.e. from Gen 1:26 and throughout Scripture). Now He must
“recreate” these witnesses through redemption, turning a blind and deaf individual into
one who has seen and heard that Yahweh alone is God and thus will proclaim this to the
world.
E. Israel might have thought that the gods of Babylon were more “powerful” than Yahweh
since Yahweh seemingly failed to deliver them. Yet it is precisely Yahweh who was in
control all the time and turned Israel over to Babylonian captivity just as he said he
would do if Israel did not obey…if Israel was not typical of the “ideal servant.” Thus,
again, Israel needed to know that it was not the “gods” of Babylon who had prevailed,
all of this had been in Yahweh’s plan from the beginning. Yahweh is the only god and
they were about to see what Yahweh would do to Babylon at the hands of Persia and
then they would see how Yahweh would redeem them. Then all the “world” would see
the way He is in control and understand that He alone is God.
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Question 1 to Ponder (see text handout): What is the relationship between these two
passages? –i.e. the two “servants” (Isaiah 42:1-13 & 42:18-22)
One is the current state of God’s people Israel (Isaiah 42:18-22). One is what Israel should
have been throughout history—an anointed, humbly dependent nation bring God’s light to
the page world and what God wants to turn his people into (Is 42:18-22)
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Question 2 to Ponder (see text handout): How did Yahweh’s servant in 42:18-22 get to be
in this condition (Is 42:23-25)?
Through their idolatry. We become what we worship.
Ultimate Question: What is Yahweh’s plan for His glory (i.e. the revelation that He is Yahweh
alone) to be revealed and all flesh shall see it?
Answer: The Incomparable Yahweh’s unimaginable plan is to use a BLIND & DEAF
WITNESS to TESTIFY for all flesh to SEE & HEAR that He is God alone!!!
Question to Ponder: What good is a blind & deaf witness? What can a blind & deaf witness
testify to?
***Irony: By definition a blind and deaf “witness” can not see and hear anything !!!!
Thus a blind and deaf witness is useless. However, God is going to demonstrate that He
ALONE IS GOD BY THE TRANSFORMATION OF A BLIND AND DEAF
WITNESS INTO A SEEING AND HEARING WITNESS THAT HAS SEEN AND
HEARD THAT HE ALONE IS THE ONLY GOD. GOD CAN EVEN USE A BLIND
AND DEAF “WITNESS” TO GLORIFY HIMSELF
The Incomparable Yahweh’s Unimaginable Plan
Yahweh’s using the blind and deaf witness involves these three mind blowing steps…
1) A Miraculous Transformation (The contrast between 42:1-9, and 42:18-22)
INPUT: How would Yahweh transform the blind servant? (Thoughts? Does 43:1 have a possible answer?)
HE IS GOING TO REDEEM THEM PHYSICALLY FROM CAPTIVITY AND FROM THEIR SINS.
ISAIAH 43 IN NEXT WEEKS LESSON DEALS MORE WITH THIS. GOD WANTS HIS SERVANT
ISRAEL TO BE TRANSFORMED FROM BEING THE KIND OF SERVANT IN 42:18-22 TO THE
KIND OF SERVANT IN 42:1-9.
The Miraculous Transformation Resulting in..
2) An Invigorated New Creation (Is 42:1-9)
INPUT: What is the blind servant of Isaiah 42:18-22 transformed into (Is 42:1-9)? One who…(fill in the
blank)
Is dependent / upon God (God upholds by His spirit)
Brings forth justice
Patiently and quietly dealing righteously with people
Perseveres in the face of persecution
Renders compassionate help and healing
Does not loose heart
Becomes “attractive” because of his justice to the world
Opens spiritually blind eyes
Is a light of the Incomparable God to the nations
Releases spiritually captive people
Etc.
****REMEMBER ALSO WE ARE TO BE LIKE THIS AS WELL****
For the purpose of…
3) Influencing all the Nations (42:1-13)
a) Providing Healing (42:7)
b) Engendering Praise of Yahweh from all nations (42:10-13)
INPUT: How does this (point 3 above) relate to God’s plan for us today?
(cf. Gen 1:26-30, Gen 11, Gen 12:1-3, Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 42:1-9; Matt 5:13-16, Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter
2:9-12). Do you see a consistent theme?
GOD’S PLAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO CREATE FOR HIMSELF A PEOPLE WHO WOULD BE THE
VISIBLE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ONLY INVISIBLE GOD.
Gen 1:26-30 established this purpose,
Gen 11 shows that the people confused their purpose by making a name for themselves rather than God
Gen 12:1-3 shows that God is still calling out a people through Abraham to represent him in this world. The
primary characteristic of His people should be “Abrahamic” type faith as they represent Him
Exodus 19:6 “Kingdom of Priests” i.e. a Kingdom of God representatives
Isaiah 42:1-9—The idealized servant that God wants his people to be
Matthew 5:13-16—God’s people are to be his light
Matthew 28:19-20—God’s people are to make disciples of the world to represent Him
1 Peter 2:9-12…Echos Exodus 19:6…
INPUT: How easy is it to become tired in doing good (contrast Is 42:9)? What is the incentive to keep at it?
What have we seen in the history of FBC that partially illustrates Is 42:1-9? How should Is 42 help us as we
venture into striving to influence our community more? How do you need to be more like the ideal servant?
MOSTLY APPLICATION ANSWERS
Various answers, but one can see in FBC the particular the way we have persevered in Biblical Counseling that
the “world” is coming to us…as in this one area we have tried to be faithful. REALLY DEVELOP HERE
HOW WE ARE TO BE LIKE THE IDEAL SERVANT IN ISAIAH 42:1-9 and not like the blind and deaf
servant
INPUT: How does all of this relate to Christ? (cf. Matt 11, 12:1-23; John 9, John 1:18, Heb 1:3). Who is
Christ and what is He an example of?
CHRIST IS BOTH YAHWEH THE INCOMPARBLE GOD AND AN EXAMPLE OF THE IDEAL
SERVANT
Who is He?YAHWEH THE INCOMPARABLE GOD
Why? HE OPENS BLIND EYES/DEAF EARS/REDEEMS. HE CREATES FROM BLIND AND DEAF AND
CAPTIVE INDIVIDUAL A WITNESS WHO HAS BEEN REDEEMED AND GOES FORTH TO PRAISE
GOD AND DECLARE THAT JESUS IS GOD ALONE.
Example of? IDEAL SERVANT
Why? HE VISIBLELY REPRESENTS GOD IN THE FLESH AND ACCOMPLISHES GOD PURPOSE FOR
MAN. (CF HEB 1:3, John 1:18)
A.
Isaiah 42:14-17—A Glimpse of the Premeditated and Patient Ponderings of the Planner (Yahweh)
14“I have kept silent for a long time
(Where have you seen “Be silent” before? Is 41:1),
I have kept still and restrained Myself.
Now like a woman in labor I will groan,
I will both gasp and pant.
15“I will lay waste the mountains and hills
(Where have you seen this before? Is 40:3-4
When you see this what do you expect next? GLORY OF YAHEH TO BE REVELED,40:5)
And wither all their vegetation;
I will make the rivers into coastlands And dry up the ponds.
***16“I will lead the blind by a way they do not know,
***In paths they do not know I will guide them.
***I will make darkness into light before them
***And rugged places into plains.
***These are the things I will do,
***And I will not leave them undone.”
***17They will be turned back and be utterly put to shame,
***Who trust in idols,
***Who say to molten images,
***“You are our gods.”
Prepare the Way of
Yahweh…mountains
leveled, rough terrain
smoothed…(Is 40:3-4)
B.
***The Glory of Yahweh
Shall be revealed
And all flesh will see it
(Is 40:5!)
YAHWEH IS GOING TO
TRANFORM HIS SERVANT
BY REDEMPTION AND THUS
THEY WILL DELCARE THAT
HE ALONE IS GOD. THUS
HIS GLORY WILL BE
REVEALED THROUGH THIS
ACT
Isaiah 42:1-9
A Glimpse of the Perfected Product of the Plan
C.
Isaiah 42:10-13
A Glimpse at the Pronounced Praise
From the Plan
1“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold;
10Sing to the Lord a new song,
My chosen one in whom My soul delights.
Sing His praise from the end of the earth!
(Where have you seen this terminology before?
You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it.
Is 41:8-10.
You islands, and those who dwell on them.
What is the difference between then
11Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices,
and this passage?In the previous passage it was speaking of Cyrus,)
The settlements where Kedar inhabits.
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud,
He will bring forth justice to the nations.
Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains.
Question 1
2“He will not cry out or raise His voice,
12Let them give glory to the Lord
Nor make His voice heard in the street.
And declare His praise in the coastlands.
3“A bruised reed He will not break
(What are the coastlands doing now compared to 41 PRAISING)
And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish;
13The Lord will go forth like a warrior,
He will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will arouse His zeal like a man of war.
4“He will not be disheartened or crushed
He will utter a shout, yes,
Until He has established justice in the earth;
He will raise a war cry.
And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.”
He will prevail against His enemies.
(What were the coastlands doing in 41? trembling
(How will He prevail? BY BRINGING REDEMPTION/RELEASE
What do you make of the difference now?eagerly waiting for guidance)
FROM CAPTIVITY FOR HIS PEOPLE AND THEY WILL BE
5Thus says God the Lord,
WITNESSES THAT YAHWEH ALONE IS GOD)
Who created the heavens and stretched them out,
D.
Isaiah 42:18-22
Who spread out the earth and its offspring,
A Glimpse of the Present Player in the Plan
Who gives breath to the people on it
18Hear, you deaf!
And spirit to those who walk in it,
And look, you blind, that you may see.
6“I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
19Who is blind but My servant,
I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you,
Or so deaf as My messenger whom I send?
And I will appoint you as a covenant to the people,
Who is so blind as he that is at peace with Me,
As a light to the nations,
Or so blind as the servant of the Lord?
7To open blind eyes,
20You have seen many things,
To bring out prisoners from the dungeon
but you do not observe them;
Question
And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.
Your ears are open, but none hears.
(Is this physical or spiritual captivity?
21The Lord was pleased for His righteousness’ sake
What is it a result of? Physically captive in Babylon in the NT Christ comes
To make the law great and glorious. (cf. 42:4)
and delivers those “spiritually” captive)
22But this is a people plundered and despoiled;
8“I am the Lord, that is My name;
All of them are trapped in caves,
I will not give My glory to another,
Or are hidden away in prisons;
Nor My praise to graven images.
They have become a prey with none to deliver them,
9“Behold, the former things have come to pass,
And a spoil, with none to say, “Give them back!”
(The former things is the judgment that came upon the people)
E.
Isaiah 42:23-25
Now I declare new things;
A Glimpse of the discipline God orchestrated on the blind/deaf
(The new things are precisely this plan!)
serventer
Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”
23Who among you will give ear to this?
Who will give heed and listen hereafter?
24Who gave Jacob up for spoil,
and Israel to plunderers?
Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned,
And in whose ways they were not willing to walk,
And whose law they did not obey?
25So He poured out on him the heat of His anger
And the fierceness of battle;
And it set him aflame all around,
2
Yet he did not recognize it;
And it burned him, but he paid no attention.