Bible Commentary

Isaiah 42:4

The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:4

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

He shall not fail nor be discouraged; literally, he will not burn dimly nor be bruised. He will himself show no signs of that weakness which he will compassionate in others. As a "Light" (; ), he will burn brightly and strongly; as a Reed, or Rod, he will be firm and unbroken.

Till he have set judgment in the earth; i.e. till he has succeeded in establishing true religion upon the earth (compare the last clause of ). The isles; or, the countries (comp. , ).

Shall wait for his Law; or, shall long for his Law. Yakhal is "to wait longingly." It is, as Delitzsch observes, "an actual fact that the cry for redemption runs through the whole human race." They are possessed by "an earnest longing, the ultimate object of which is, however unconsciously, the Servant of Jehovah, and his instruction from Zion".

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Matthew Henry on Isaiah 42:1-4Isaiah 42:1-4 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThis prophecy was fulfilled in Christ, Matt. 12:17. Let our souls rely on him, and rejoice in him; then, for his sake, the Father will be well-pleased with us. The Holy Spirit not only came, but rested upon him, and wit…The Messiah's Approach. (b. c. 708.)Isaiah 42:1-4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE MESSIAH'S APPROACH. (B. C. 708.) We are sure that these verses are to be understood of Christ, for the evangelist tells us expressly that in him this prophecy was fulfilled, Matthew 12:17-21. Behold with an eye of f…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-8Isaiah 42:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SERVANT OF THE LORD, AND THE WORK WHICH HE WILL PERFORM. There are comparatively few who deny that, in this place at any rate, the "Servant of the Lord" is the Messiah. (So the Targum on the passage;…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-7Isaiah 42:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe servants of God, and the one true Servant. It must be admitted By all that the expression "Servant of God" or "Servant of Jehovah," is used in Scripture in various senses. All who work out God's purposes, however un…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-7Isaiah 42:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe Servant of Jehovah. "Behold!" Let all the world hearken and attend to the new revelation. It is admitted that the conception is substantially that of Christ in the Gospels. According to one critic, indeed, the proph…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-4Isaiah 42:1-4 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe characteristics of the true Leader. Taking these words as applicable to the Anointed of the Lord, and then, secondarily, to every one who is equipped and sent of him to lead and save men, we have the following featu…
commentaryMatthew Henry on Isaiah 42:1-4This prophecy was fulfilled in Christ, Matt. 12:17. Let our souls rely on him, and rejoice in him; then, for his sake, the Father will be well-pleased with us. The Holy Spirit not only came, but rested upon him, and wit…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Messiah's Approach. (b. c. 708.)THE MESSIAH'S APPROACH. (B. C. 708.) We are sure that these verses are to be understood of Christ, for the evangelist tells us expressly that in him this prophecy was fulfilled, Matthew 12:17-21. Behold with an eye of f…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-8ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SERVANT OF THE LORD, AND THE WORK WHICH HE WILL PERFORM. There are comparatively few who deny that, in this place at any rate, the "Servant of the Lord" is the Messiah. (So the Targum on the passage;…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-7The servants of God, and the one true Servant. It must be admitted By all that the expression "Servant of God" or "Servant of Jehovah," is used in Scripture in various senses. All who work out God's purposes, however un…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-4The characteristics of the true Leader. Taking these words as applicable to the Anointed of the Lord, and then, secondarily, to every one who is equipped and sent of him to lead and save men, we have the following featu…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-7The Servant of Jehovah. "Behold!" Let all the world hearken and attend to the new revelation. It is admitted that the conception is substantially that of Christ in the Gospels. According to one critic, indeed, the proph…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-25EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:4Divine persistency. "He shall not fail nor be discouraged." "He shall not burn dimly nor be crushed." The figure prominent in the mind of the prophet is not the actual Israel, the ideal Israel, Cyrus, or Judas Maccabaeu…Joseph S. Exell and contributors