Isaiah 42:1-7
Chapter 42
First Song of the Servant: Introduction
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. I have put my spirit upon him, and he will bring justice to the nations.He does not shout or raise his voice. Proclamations are not heard in the streets.
A broken reed he will not crush, nor will he snuff out the light of the wavering wick. He will make justice appear in truth.
He will not waver or be broken until he has established justice on earth; the islands are waiting for his law.
Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread the earth and all that comes from it, who gives life and breath to those who walk on it:
I, the Lord, have called you for the sake of justice; I will hold your hand to make you firm; I will make you a Covenant to the people, and as a light to the nations,
to open eyes that do not see, to free captives from prison, to bring out to light those who sit in darkness.
Commentaries
First Song of the Servant: Introduction.
This is the first of the so-called songs of the servant (49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12) dedicated to an enigmatic figure who sometimes appears as an individual and sometimes seems to represent the entire people of Israel. Like David, the servant in this poem is chosen by God and anointed for a mission (cf. Mt 3:16-17). The servant acts as a mediator of God’s revelation (the law) and will not use violence or coercion but will strengthen the poor and oppressed (3-4) and offer them salvation (7 cf. Lk 4:17-19). This mission is initiated by the one God, creator of the universe (5), and is meant for all nations (6). From its beginning, the Church’s tradition has applied these songs to Christ (cf. Mt 12:18-21).