Year 2, Week 8, Day 2 Bible Reading Observations

Year 2, Week 8, Day 2

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Isaiah 49-50; Psalm 135.

Today’s reading continues Isaiah’s prophecy to Judah. Isaiah 49 begins a new segment (labeled a Servant Song) focusing on the servant, who will bring salvation to the Jewish exiles, but also the whole earth: “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). Israel has been called God’s servant, but so is a particular descendant of David, who will rescue Israel. Isaiah 50 continues the focus on the servant, who is an obedient, suffering servant: “The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting” (Isaiah 50:5-6). But the suffering servant will be helped by God: “But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50:7). Today’s reading also includes Psalm 135. Psalm 135, which has no stated author or a historical description, is a call to praise the LORD for His covenant faithfulness seen through His acts of redemption and provision, in contrast to the idols: “Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant! For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession. For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps” (Psalm 135:3-6).

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading was the description of the servant who would rescue Israel, but also the nations: “Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified” (Isaiah 49:1-3). This servant is called Israel, but he is also distinct from Israel. This servant would be a perfect servant who will bring glory to God. This servant would be set apart from birth for a special purpose; he would speak God’s Word accurately and effectively. And while the servant will work on behalf of Israel, but since his work would have relevance for all the earth, the whole world is addressed.

The servant would wonder if his efforts would prove vain, but God declares His approval and pleasure of the servant’s work: “But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God.” And now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him—for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength” (Isaiah 49:4-5). Initially it will appear that the servant would be unsuccessful in his task, but the accolades that God would speak over him indicates he would triumph: “Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you” (Isaiah 49:7).

The servant would forge a covenant for God’s people: “Thus says the LORD: “In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages” (Isaiah 49:8). While a certain vagueness lingers around exactly who Isaiah identifies this servant to be, the New Testament links the descriptions of the servant’s accomplishments to Jesus: “For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). The covenant that the servant makes would bring freedom to captives and light for those in the dark: “saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ to those who are in darkness, ‘Appear.’ They shall feed along the ways; on all bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them” (Isaiah 49:9-10). These descriptions are referenced in the New Testament to speak of promises that still await their ultimate fulfillment: “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:16-17). The servant’s accomplishment would have bearing not just on Israel, he would draw the nations to himself: “Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders” (Isaiah 49:22). Jesus identifies this notion to Himself: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32).

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe