Isaiah 42:1-4 and 49:1-6*

Note: Breck in his book “The Shape of Biblical Language” points out that the first two Servant Songs have a chiastic relationship. What do you think? My reading is AA’ – The Servant Christ brings judgment/salvation to the nations,  BB’ – Jesus’s  ministry to Israel, CC’ – God will ensure success, DD’ – Son of God by birth, EE’ – He accomplishes work through suffering, F – The Servant will manifest the glory of God.

A. 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold;
mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth;
I have put my spirit upon him:
he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

B. 2 He shall not cry, nor lift up,
nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed shall he not break,
and the smoking flax shall he not quench:
he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

C. 4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged,
till he have set judgment in the earth:
and the isles shall wait for his law.

D. 49:1 Listen, O isles, unto me;
and hearken, ye people, from afar;
The LORD hath called me from the womb;
from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

E. 2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword;
in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me,
and made me a polished shaft;
in his quiver hath he hid me;

F. 3 And said unto me, Thou art my servant,
O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.

E’. 4 Then I said, I have laboured in vain,
I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain:
yet surely my judgment is with the LORD,
and my work with my God.

D’. 5 And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob again to him,
Though Israel be not gathered,

C’. yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD,
and my God shall be my strength.

B’. 6 And he said,
It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob,
and to restore the preserved of Israel:

A’. I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles,
that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

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