Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 49

Verses 1-26

2. The Servant of Jehovah, His Suffering and His Glory (49-57)

CHAPTER 49

1. The servant speaks of himself (Isaiah 49:1-3 ) 2. He complains of failure (Isaiah 49:4 ) 3. Jehovah’s answer to him (Isaiah 49:5-13 ) 4. Zion speaks (Isaiah 49:14 ) Jehovah’s answer (Isaiah 49:15-26 ) This entire chapter is the key to the whole section. The Servant of Jehovah, the Lord Jesus Christ, stands in the foreground. He is seen as the Rejected One, who complains that He has labored in vain. The ultimate result of His Work is prophetically described. In the opening verses He speaks of His call. To bring Jacob to God is why He appeared in the midst of His own. But Israel is not gathered, for they rejected Him (Isaiah 49:5 ). The nation abhorreth Him. Israel’s gathering was not accomplished at the first advent. The nation was set aside. By their fall salvation came to the Gentiles. This is fully revealed in Isaiah 49:6-7 . In Isaiah 49:8-13 we find the future work of Christ as King. When it is accomplished the heavens will sing and the earth will be joyful. Zion’s present complaint (Isaiah 49:14 ) is answered by promises of restoration.