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8 May. Isaiah chapters 42-44
This section of Isaiah is particularly complicated, continually switching as it does from condemnation of Israel’s past sins, to encouragement for those now in exile, to predictions of the return to the promised land, and then the Servant Songs of which the first starts this passage (42:1-9). It may have been intended to refer to Cyrus, the Persian king who released the captives, but in that case why portray him in such meek terms (“ He will not cry or lift up his voice … a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench”) while at eh same time declaring his mission to bring justice, not just to Israel but the whole earth? For that reason, Christians have traditionally seen this as one of the genuine prophecies of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Throughout these chapters God reminds his hearers of his own power and glory (the creator of all things, 42:5; the one who saves, comforts and protects (43:1-3); their father (43:6); the only real God (43:10-13); the King who brought his people out of Egypt (43:15-21); the one who forgives sins (43:25); the one who knows us before we are born (45:1-2); “the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts, the first and the last” (43:6, echoed by Jesus’ words in the book of Revelation). Yes, they would be rescued, but that rescue would only flourish into a revived nation of Israel if they never again forgot that they were God’s chosen people, and who it was that saved them. In our own lives it is the same: there is always the promise of forgiveness, healing and restoration from whatever afflicts us, but it can only bear fruit if we honour the one who brings it about.