Isaiah 42:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Additional insights on this can be found in our interpretations of Matthew and in our recent writings to Algazia.

It is noteworthy that where the Apostles are described, the names of James, Israel, and the descendants of Abraham are also mentioned. To these individuals, it is fittingly said: do not fear, O worm Jacob, you little Israel. Furthermore, where the prophecy of Christ is given, the names of Jacob and Israel are not included. Behold, my servant whom I will receive, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. Additionally, I have appointed you as a covenant for the people, a light for the Gentiles, to open blind eyes, to free captives from prison, and to bring those who dwell in darkness out of confinement (vv. 6-7). It is not surprising that one born of a woman and under the law (Galatians 4:4) is referred to as a servant; he who, being in the form of God, humbled himself, taking on the nature of a servant, and became like a human being (Philippians 2:7). My soul delights in him, recognizing in him all powers, or rather that he embodies God’s power and wisdom. He declares, I have placed my Spirit upon him, descending in the likeness of a dove. He will proclaim a judgment previously unknown to the nations.

He will not shout or act with arrogance; rather, he will be gentle and humble and will not seek to draw attention to himself. According to Symmachus, he will not be misled, understanding all the deceptions of the devil. Likewise, according to the Septuagint, he will not abandon his people, calling them to repentance. His message will not be heard beyond the confines of Galilee and Judea; while it is noted that he was present in Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15), or nearby Caesarea Philippi, it is important to specify that he did not enter those cities directly. He will not break a bruised reed; his mercy will extend to all, forgiving sinners, as he told the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7). He will not extinguish the smoldering wick, or as it is alternatively translated, those who have been hidden and oppressed. The Lord's mercy saves those on the brink of destruction (a truth we have elaborated on regarding both Jews and Gentiles in our prior works), yet he will judge with righteousness, unafraid of the scribes and Pharisees whom he boldly termed hypocrites (Matthew 7:15; Matthew 22:23; Luke 6:12). Matthew does not include the phrase: it will shine forth and shall not be broken until it sets judgment on earth (Matthew 12). It is possible that a copyist's error led to the omission of the connection between the terms 'judgment.' This means that, having risen from the dead, he illuminated all and was not overcome by death, as he stated in the Gospel: “I came into this world for judgment, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind” (John 9:39).

In place of this, we understand: he will not be disheartened or alarmed but will maintain an unwavering demeanor, much as the philosophers praise Socrates for his consistent presence of mind. Rather, Aquila and Theodotion rendered it as: he will not darken nor quicken until he has established judgment on earth. This suggests that no one will be intimidated by his stern appearance or be rushed towards punishment when he upholds true justice until the end times. In his law, the islands shall hope, and the Septuagint clarifies, in his name shall the nations trust. The term ‘islands’ refers to nations that are vulnerable to persecution. Yet, we should understand his law not as that given through Moses, but rather as the Gospel. As prophesied, “Out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3). Jeremiah further foretold of this law: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 31:31-32).