Isaiah 49:1-13
At this point in the book, marking the start of an important new section, proof is given that Israel has been an unfaithful servant and the LORD sets forth as Israel’s substitute, Christ, the obedient servant, in whom He will be glorified. Now, at first sight, the Lord’s work might seem to Him to have been in vain (v. 4). Not only was Israel not brought together again as a nation, but they rejected the Messiah. Yet vv. 5, 6 as also Isaiah 53:11 assure us that in spite of this apparent setback, Christ "shall see of the travail of his soul". The children of God scattered abroad are today gathered together to form the heavenly family (John 11:51-52). The rejection of the Lord by His people allowed God to extend His salvation "unto the end of the earth".
Is not this discourse between the LORD and His "holy servant Jesus" (Acts 4:17 JND trans.) a marvellous thing? God speaks "to him whom man despiseth (cf. Isaiah 53:3), to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers" (and yet the One who is of infinite value to God’s own heart), and promises Him that these things will soon be reversed. When He will appear in His glory, it will be the turn of "rulers" to honour Him and to bow down before Him. Kings will rise . . . princes . . . and they will prostrate themselves (cf. Philippians 2:6-11).