Isaiah 42:1-18
The gradual revelation which God has been making of Himself is now to be completed in a wonderful way. Ch. 42 begins with the introduction of a Person: "Behold my Servant . . ." The Lord Jesus plays such an important part in Isaiah that this book has sometimes been called "the gospel of the Old Testament". Already we have read verses announcing His birth, then His manifestation in Galilee (Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:1-2; Isaiah 9:6). We are now transported to the banks of the Jordan. The powerful voice of John the Baptist has been heard in the wilderness (40:3). Then the perfect Servant appears. Immediately, according to the promise which we have here, God puts His Spirit upon Him. In the form of a dove, the Holy Spirit comes to abide upon the Well-beloved in whom the Father was "well-pleased" (v. 1; Matthew 3:17). Anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, He then begins His untiring ministry of grace and truth (vv. 1-4 quoted in Matthew 12:18-21).
"My glory will I not give to another" states the LORD. This v. 8 provides an explanation for many punishments and humblings, not only for Israel (v. 12 . . .) but also for Christians today (see also Isaiah 48:11).