"The previous nine-chapter section (chaps. 40-48) dealt mainly with Cyrus and his mission in the Jews’ restoration. These nine chapters (49-57) deal primarily with the Servant-Messiah fulfilling His ministry of restoring the covenant people to the land just before the Millennium will begin.
Chapters 49-57 may be divided into four parts: (1) The Servant, being rejected by His people, will take salvation to the Gentiles (chaps. 49-50). (2) The believing remnant will be exalted (51:1-52:12). (3) The Servant, however, will be abased and then exalted (52:13-53:12). (4) Salvation through the Servant will come to Jews and Gentiles in the Millennium (chaps. 54-57)." -BKC
1. Who is speaking in verses 1-6? What verses provide clues? (Feel free to use other passages in scripture to support your answer). The "Suffering Servant"
"And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” Isaiah 49:3
"He says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”" Isaiah 49:6
From BKC:
Why is the Servant here called Israel? This cannot refer to the nation because the Servant is to draw that nation back to God. The Messiah is called Israel because He fulfills what Israel should have done. In His person and work He epitomizes the nation.************************
THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL SERVANT (From BI, F.B. Meyer)
1. A holy motherhood. “The Lord hath called me from the womb.”
2. Incisive speech. “He hath made My mouth like a sharp sword.” Speech is the most God-like faculty in man. Christ did not scruple to be called the word or speech of God. This regal faculty is God’s chosen organ for announcing and establishing His kingdom over the earth. Our mouth must be surrendered to God, that He may implant there the sharp two-edged sword that proceeds from His own lips (Rev_1:16).
3. Seclusion. “In the shadow.” We must all go there sometimes. The photograph of God’s face can only be fixed in the dark chamber.
4. Freed from rust. “A polished shaft.” Weapons of war soon deteriorate. Rust can best be removed by sand-paper or the file. Similarly we must be kept bright and clean. For this purpose God uses the fret of daily life, the chafe of small annoyances, the wear and tear of irritating tempers and vexing circumstances.
**************************
2. Who is speaking in verses 7-13? To whom is he speaking?
3. In verses 14-26, what promises does the Lord make to Israel?
Isa 49:16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
--One of my favorite verses
No comments:
Post a Comment