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Epiphany · The Baptism of Our Lord

Isaiah 42:1-7

The Servant of the Lord

January 11, 2026

The Prophet Isaiah, Ugolino di Nerio
The Prophet Isaiah, Ugolino di Nerio, c. 1325–1328The National Gallery, London
The white-bearded prophet, wrapped in a red cloak against a gold ground, holds out the scroll of his prophecy: a pinnacle panel from the high altarpiece of Santa Croce in Florence.I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations.Ugolino di NerioA Sienese painter of the generation after Duccio, whose great altarpiece for Santa Croce is now scattered among several museums.The National Gallery, LondonThe National Gallery in London, home to one of the world’s great collections of European painting.The National Gallery, London
Historic One-Year Lectionary
GospelMatt. 3:13-17Mt 3:13-17
Epistle1 Cor. 1:26-311 Cor 1:26-31
Old TestamentJosh. 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17Jos 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17Alt. OTIsa. 42:1-7Is 42:1-7
PsalterPs. 85Ps 85

Overview & Insights

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold... a bruised reed he will not break.” (Isaiah 42:1, 3)

Again Yahweh challenges opponents to come to court to argue out who is God (41:21–29). Again a passage about Yahweh’s servant (42:1–9) follows this court case. Again this leads into praise and a vision of Yahweh transforming nature (42:10–17). While the three sections parallel the preceding set of three, they take matters much further.

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Take it further: Isaiah 42:1-7

Commentary

Isaiah 42:1-9 CommentaryIs 42:1-9 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed commentary on the Servant who brings forth justice with gentleness and becomes a light to the nations.

Enduring Word Bible Commentary Isaiah Chapter 42Enduring Word Bible Commentary Is Chapter 42 Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik works through the first Servant Song and its fulfillment in the ministry of Jesus.

Isaiah 42:1 CommentariesIs 42:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators gathered on Behold my servant whom I uphold, my chosen in whom my soul delights.

Isaiah: The Prophecies of Consolation (Lesson 18)Is: The Prophecies of Consolation (Lesson 18) Agape Bible Study

Catholic study of the first Servant Song (Isaiah 42:1-7) as a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Christ.

Background & Word Study

Isaiah 42 | SefariaIs 42 | Sefaria Sefaria

Hebrew text with translation and Jewish commentary for the first Servant Song.

Isaiah 42:1 InterlinearIs 42:1 Interlinear BibleHub

Hebrew word-by-word interlinear with parsing for the opening presentation of the chosen servant.

Book of Isaiah Overview (BibleProject)Book of Is Overview (BibleProject) BibleProject

Animated overview of Isaiah tracing the arc that runs through the Servant of the Lord passages.

The Church Fathers

Isaiah 42 - Catena Bible & CommentariesIs 42 - Catena Bible & Commentaries Catena

Patristic comment reading the gentle Servant of Isaiah 42 as a prophecy of Christ.

Questions preachers ask

Who is the Servant of Isaiah 42?

God's chosen servant, filled with his Spirit, will bring forth justice to the nations gently and faithfully, a light to the Gentiles, whom the Gospels see fulfilled in Jesus.

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