Isa. 49:1-13, Servant Song #2

Servant Song #2, Isa. 49:1-13

This second song is packed with insight concerning the Servant (Messiah): His nature, His ministry and His reward.  First, the Servant is speaking at the beginning of the Song and note that He is addressing the “coastlands (49:1a),” which we have noted is a reference to the Gentiles.  What does He say to the peoples?  He tells them of their wonderful Savior (v1b-2).  He was called while in the womb and the LORD has made Him to be an effective weapon. 

This brings to mind a couple of NT passages.  First is Luke 1:31-33, when Gabriel told Mary about the Child she was going to bear.  Second is Heb. 10:5-10 which is built on a prophecy in Ps. 40:6-8.  Again, Jesus the Messiah is speaking and says “sacrifices and offerings You did not desire but a body you have prepared for Me.”  Jesus did not come to take over the priestly duties in the temple of Jerusalem.  Instead, His Father had another plan, and He provided the body that Jesus would need to accomplish that plan.  Jesus “became” flesh, coming in the likeness of man. 

The next two verses are profound.  It seems that the LORD now is speaking to the Messiah, and says ‘You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.’  You have two possibilities here.  Some might think the LORD is not talking to Messiah but to Israel.  In Isaiah the nation of Israel is also referred to as God’s servant.  But it is consistent with Scripture that the LORD is still speaking to Messiah (that fits the flow of the passage) and that the LORD is calling Messiah “Israel.” 

As I said, this is consistent with Scripture.  There is a strong identification between Israel and the Messiah.  An example of this is in Matt. 2:15 where we read, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”  Clearly in Matthew this refers to Jesus coming out of Egypt with Mary and Joseph when they had fled from Herod.  But these words are actually a quote from Hosea 11:1 where God’s “son” is Israel.  In Exodus 4:22-23 the LORD told Moses to tell Pharaoh that Israel was His “firstborn son,” and that he was to let them go from Egypt.  The Messiah is the LORD’s Servant that Israel failed to be. 

As evidence of this, look at the Messiah’s response 49:4.  In essence He says, “If Israel is my reward then I have labored in vain.  Nevertheless, I will trust the LORD for My reward.”  And immediately the LORD assures Messiah in 49:5 that His mission will be, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him.  And then, in 49:6, the LORD adds to the reward of His Servant: not only will He rule over Jacob; He will also bring salvation to the nations. 

If, like me, you are a Gentile, these words should bring joy to your heart.  If, unlike me, you are Jewish, these words should also bring joy to your heart.  Your being set aside by the LORD (Rom. 11:25-27) is not the end of the story.  Even today, to all, the good news of the gospel of Jesus is offered.  Through the cross and the empty tomb of Jesus there is forgiveness for sin and the promise of eternal life.