It is amazing to realize, while exploring the words of Isaiah written two and a half millennia ago, that as followers of Jesus in the present day we can be instructed and inspired by these same words. When he talks about “new things,” would they not be very old by now? Or is the theme of newness meant to characterize an ongoing part of our walk with God?
“Those who hope in the Lord will gain new strength.” (40:31) “Let the peoples gain new strength.” (41:1) “Now I declare new things; before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.” (42:9) “Sing to the Lord a new song.” (42:10) “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth.” (43:19)
From the context of chapter 42 (also Matthew 12), the commentary about the “new things” that God will do through his Servant includes ... “He will bring forth justice to the nations … He will not be disheartened or crushed, until he has established justice in the earth.” (42:1,4)
What does this look like? The prophet provides details. (1) He will not cry out or raise his voice nor make his voice heard in the street. (2) A bruised reed he will not break. (3) A dimly burning wick he will not extinguish. (4) He will be a covenant to the people, a light to the nations. (5) He will open blind eyes. (6) He will bring out prisoners from the dungeon, those who dwell in darkness from the prison. (42:2-7)
These words are difficult to understand. What is a bruised reed? What is a smoldering wick? I understand them to be broken, damaged, or failing instruments that would in most circumstances be thrown out. The reed was a common household implement, like a stalk or a rigid weed. When it is damaged, throw it out. The wick was part of a lamp. When it approaches the end of its usefulness, snuff it out. Get a “new” one.
But the prophet points out that what men discard, God values, restores, and renews. And he does so humbly, quietly, and persistently. In a single thought, the prophet portrays the concern of the Servant of the Lord for the broken individual as well as for the nations – assuring us that “he will not be disheartened or crushed until he has established justice in the earth.”
“Those who hope in the Lord will gain new strength.” (40:31) “Let the peoples gain new strength.” (41:1) “Now I declare new things; before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.” (42:9) “Sing to the Lord a new song.” (42:10) “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth.” (43:19)
From the context of chapter 42 (also Matthew 12), the commentary about the “new things” that God will do through his Servant includes ... “He will bring forth justice to the nations … He will not be disheartened or crushed, until he has established justice in the earth.” (42:1,4)
What does this look like? The prophet provides details. (1) He will not cry out or raise his voice nor make his voice heard in the street. (2) A bruised reed he will not break. (3) A dimly burning wick he will not extinguish. (4) He will be a covenant to the people, a light to the nations. (5) He will open blind eyes. (6) He will bring out prisoners from the dungeon, those who dwell in darkness from the prison. (42:2-7)
These words are difficult to understand. What is a bruised reed? What is a smoldering wick? I understand them to be broken, damaged, or failing instruments that would in most circumstances be thrown out. The reed was a common household implement, like a stalk or a rigid weed. When it is damaged, throw it out. The wick was part of a lamp. When it approaches the end of its usefulness, snuff it out. Get a “new” one.
But the prophet points out that what men discard, God values, restores, and renews. And he does so humbly, quietly, and persistently. In a single thought, the prophet portrays the concern of the Servant of the Lord for the broken individual as well as for the nations – assuring us that “he will not be disheartened or crushed until he has established justice in the earth.”