NL 114: A Light to the Nations

image: “Isaiah 42:6 - Light to the Nations” by zeevveez (Flickr)

Isaiah 42:1-9

December 11, 2022

Isaiah 42:1-9 

Initial Thoughts

  • The Baptism “Easter Egg” for bible geeks

  • 2nd Isaiah written to those in Exile

    • Some probably wanted violent reprisal (Psalm 137) but God’s servant is non-violent

  • First of the four servant songs (42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12)

Bible Study

  •  Good connection between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament

    • Marcionism is alive and well- so beware supersessionism!

  • Servant of God - person or nation?

    • Could be either or both

    • Not necessarily about a specific individual

    • Israel? Jesus? Cyrus?

      • Probably not Cyrus since v. 3-4 do not capture the image of a conquering and liberating general

      • Not Jesus - though later interpreted as Christians to be

      • Probably “the servant is Israel or perhaps an exemplary leader who will arise from the people.” Robert Alter, Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary, vol 2, p. 758

        • The latter would explain why this passage is later interpreted by early Christians to be speaking about Jesus

  • Dual purpose

    • A way of identifying the servants of God

    • Comfort for the servant

  • Church History Context:

    • the Servant is Jesus who is the divine mediator between humanity and God - therefore no need for a priestly mediator - therefore the priesthood of all believers.

  • Characteristics of the Servant

    • Called and Chosen by God

    • Brings for Justice

      • Patience

      • Perseverance

      • No shouting

      • Won’t give up

      • Won’t “break”

    • The servant of God doesn’t force, coerce or execute justice

    • God is the center of the servant - a powerful message for those in exile

  • Opening the eyes of the blind, release to prisoners - “not an eschatological granting of vision to the sightless but rather the imparting of sigh to those who have been plunged in the darkness of a dungeon.” Robert Alter, Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary, vol 2, p. 758

  • God imagines a world full of those who serve God - where the old ways of oppression, shouting, and coercion have given way to non-violence, love, forgiveness and patience.

  • Covenant

    • Alter points out a discrepancy in the Masoretic and Qumran texts. The Masoretic text says “people’s covenant” whereas the Qumran text says “everlasting covenant”

    • How might we interpret the difference between a people’s covenant and an everlasting covenant? Is there a difference?

      • People change, God’s love is everlasting

    • What does it mean for a person to embody a covenant?

Thoughts and Questions

  • “Shouting” is often justified by the perceived justice the shouter hopes to accomplish. God’s servant works for justice without shouting. Often we shout to drown out the voices of others- perhaps God’s justice is achieved by listening to others.

    • Some may shout to have their voice heard- how does this resonate with God’s justice

  • In Baptism we accept God’s choosing and call to be servants of God. How are we establishing God’s justice?

    • Who need to be supported to they won’t break or grow faint?

  • In Baptism we are called back to recognize God as the center of our lives and that we are the center of God’s life (called, chosen, beloved, covenanted, taken, kept) despite all evidence at times to the contrary.

  • Whether Christ is the only servant Isaiah was predicting or by virtue of his life and death Christ is a servant - there is no doubt that Christ is a Servant of God. Baptism and Epiphany are an opportunity to reengage with Christ as our servant leader and our calling to be servants of God as well.

Year 1Eric FistlerIsaiahComment