Isaiah 42:2-4
The Voice
This poem is the first of several Servant Songs. God’s special Servant is described in various ways. In this song (42:1–9), the Servant is portrayed as one who faithfully establishes justice in the world and serves as a light for the nations. In the second song (49:1–13), the Servant is called from the womb and ordained to restore the nation of Israel and take salvation to the ends of the earth. In the third song (50:4–9), the Servant is portrayed as a teacher, intimately in touch with God, yet brutally beaten and disgraced by his enemies. In the fourth song (52:13–53:12), the suffering and rejection of God’s Servant takes priority over his other tasks; yet even in his suffering God is working to repair the world from the harm done by sin and evil.
2 Eternal One: He will not scream or yell,
crying out for all to hear.
3 What is bruised and bent, he will not break;
he will not blow out a smoldering candle.
Rather, he will faithfully turn his attention to doing justice.
4 And though he faces obstacles, resistance, and great pressure,
he will not crack; he will not give up until things are set right.
Even the coastlands wait patiently for his instruction.
Isaiah 42:2-4
New International Version
2 He will not shout or cry out,(A)
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed(B) he will not break,(C)
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.(D)
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;(E)
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice(F) on earth.
In his teaching(G) the islands(H) will put their hope.”(I)
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