According to Ryrie Study Bible's Book of Isaiah outline, this is the first of the next nine chapter specially related to the Servant Messiah.
For me, it is impossible to read this without assuming it's about Jesus. So everything is seen through that filter.
It's written in first person, from the Servant.
- called by the Lord from the womb
- named while still in His mother's body
- made with His mouth like a sword (This is also the imagery in Revelation for the ends times; and probably for the words He spoke while on the earth--brood of vipers, etc)
- concealed, select and hidden-these are interesting. I can come up with reasons why; but I would only be guessing.
And He said to Me, "You are My Servant, Israel, in Whom I will show My Glory."
Isaiah 49:3
Very interesting that He calls Him Israel. We know salvation of the world will come from the seed of Abraham and that Israel was God priestly nation. But it still caught my eye.
In verse 4 He laments he toiled and spent His strength for nothing; but justice and reward is due Him. This is heartbreaking to think about His 33 years ending so young and so tragically. Even though His suffering is not in vain, bringing about the salvation of the world, I can see that it looks bleak. However, verse 5 closes the loop by explicitly stating that the Lord formed Him to gather Israel to Him.
He says, "It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach the ends of the earth."
Isaiah 49:6
Don't have to work very hard to interpret that one. Wow.
Verse 7 really shows the "upside down kingdom" often described in the Bible Project videos.
- This Servant will be despised and abhorred by the nations
- Servant of rulers
- and then
- Kings shall see and arise
- princes will bow down
- Chosen by the Lord
He is despised in His first coming and lifted up in His second.
Chapter 49, verses 1-7 are being called the second Servant song by multiple commentaries, with the first Servant song being found in Chapter 42, verses 1-7. Apparently there are a total of four.
In verse 8 the Lord speaks. He answers the Servant and helps in the day of salvation. he promises to keep Him and give Him as a covenant of the people- restoring the land and returning the inheritance.
Again, not hard to see how this was fulfilled by Jesus and our new covenant.
Also, to loosen the bound, bring into the light, feed them and quench their thirst. Protect them from the sun, have compassion on them, and guide them to springs of water. (I just read today this same phrase in Revelation 7:16.
He will make a way through mountains, raise up smooth roads and on though these roads and highways will come people from all directions. (which we also read about in the prophesies as everyone will converge in Jerusalem as the center of the world.)
Shout for joy, O heavens! and rejoice, O earth! Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on His afflicted.
Isaiah 49:13
Hallelujah and Praise the Lord. Thank you, Jesus, Servant of the Lord and Savior of His people.
In verse 14, Zion feels forsaken. The footnote says this is His people in captivity, but the Servant was called Israel in verse 3 and uses the word "forsaken" at the end of His time on the cross.
But Zion is assured that they cannot be forsaken any more than a nursing child could be. He assures them that He will not forget them and has written them on His hand. The enemy will be scattered. Th people will return and the enemy will be far away.
Verse 21 is interesting. I think it's saying that when all of them people come in through the roads and highways, to the point of crowding, Israel will wonder where all of these came from, since she had been so cut down. But we know who he has grafted into the vine. We know where all of these people, tribes and tongues have come from.
He goes on to promise Zion that kings will protect them and see to them, bowing down in humility.
And you will know that I am the Lord; those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame.
Isaiah 49: 23b
Verse 24 assures Zion that He can overcome the mighty men and tyrants that are currently oppressing them. He promises that He will contend with the one who contends with them and He will save their sons. I love that and boy have we seen that recently with Israel and the whole world seems to line up to contend with them and yet, He preserves them at every turn and prospers them.
Praise the Lord. he is faithful.
The final verse, 26, is the strongest promise of all. To feed the enemy their own flesh and blood.
...and all flesh will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
Isaiah 49:26b