Isaiah 49
Chapter 49 contains what is considered the second of four servant songs in the book of Isaiah. This is important for us to know as we read this chapter as church history encourages us to read this chapter with the Gospel story of Jesus in the front of our minds.
V. 1 Coastlands are included so that this message of salvation will include even the foreigners and those not immediately assumed to be connected to the message of grace.
V. 2 The servant is both a sword and an arrow, meaning he has the ability to reach both near and far.
V. 3 The servant is the fulfillment of Israel, not Israel the broken nation.
V. 6 Salvation is for the whole world, redemption will be poured out on all people to show the power of God.
V. 7 The servant finds success not by his own workings but by being the chosen one of God. The kings, with all their earthly power and glory, give honor to the servant though he is one who is despised.
V. 8 The servant is seen as the embodiment of the covenant.
V. 9-10 The Lord in his grace pours out both freedom and provision to the world through this servant.
V. 13 The earth is able to experience joy because of the servant and his victory.
V. 14 There is a shift in the story. Whereas chapter 49 began with the joy that will come with the servant of the Lord, we see Zion express that the feel forgotten seeing themselves in disrepair.
Vv. 15-18 Isaiah places the relationship of the Lord and Israel into the perspective of a child and mother. Just as a mother cherishes her child, so does God. And just as a mother will not forget her child whom she nursed, neither will God. And just like a mother dresses her child for their wedding day, so will God dress his children with the destruction of their enemies and restoration of the Lord.
Vv. 19-21 God promises to his people amazing growth in which the land they came from will be to small for them to live together in.
Vv. 22-23 All nations and people of every status will come to serve the Lord as a large and diverse family.
Vv. 24-26 God sends promise to his people that those under persecution will be granted freedom while their oppressors will find their destruction.
Homework: Spend some time looking at Isaiah 49, especially vv. 1-13. In this chapter, mark the places you are able to see Jesus. Which verses stick out to you most strongly?