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    Isaiah 42 (KJV)

    Read Isaiah chapter 42 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Isaiah 42

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Isaiah 42:3

    "A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shal…"

    Isaiah 42:16

    "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I wi…"

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    Isaiah 42 Summary

    Isaiah 42 introduces the first of Isaiah's four 'Servant Songs' — prophetic portraits of the Messiah that are among the most detailed in the Old Testament. God presents His chosen Servant: '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.'

    This Servant is markedly different from worldly rulers: He will not cry out or raise His voice in the streets, He won't break a bruised reed or quench a smoking flax. His method is gentle persistence, and His scope is global — He is 'a light of the Gentiles.' Matthew 12:17-21 quotes this passage as fulfilled in Jesus' compassionate ministry.

    Key Themes

    First Servant SongGentle MessiahLight to the GentilesBruised reed preservedGod's chosen one

    Key Verses in Isaiah 42

    "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him."

    — Isaiah 42:1

    God the Father's introduction of the Messiah — echoed at Jesus' baptism: 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'

    "A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench."

    — Isaiah 42:3

    The Messiah's approach to the weak and damaged is preservation, not destruction — He handles the fragile with care.

    "I the LORD have called thee in righteousness… and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles."

    — Isaiah 42:6

    The Servant's mission extends beyond Israel to all nations — a light for everyone.

    Life Application

    Isaiah 42 reveals a Messiah who doesn't break bruised reeds or snuff out smoldering wicks. If you feel bruised — barely holding together — or your faith feels like a flickering flame about to go out, this chapter assures you that Jesus doesn't give up on the fragile. He strengthens what's weak rather than discarding it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the Servant Songs of Isaiah?

    The four Servant Songs are Isaiah 42:1-9, 49:1-13, 50:4-11, and 52:13-53:12. They progressively reveal the Messiah's character, mission, suffering, and triumph. Christians see them as the most detailed Old Testament prophecies of Jesus Christ.

    What does 'bruised reed' and 'smoking flax' mean?

    A bruised reed is a nearly broken stalk; smoking flax is a wick about to go out. Both represent people who are weak, damaged, or barely surviving spiritually. The Messiah's approach to such people is gentle restoration, not harsh judgment — He fans fading flames back to life.

    Read the full summary of Isaiah

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