Isaiah 41 Scofield
Read Isaiah 41 · Matthew Henry on Isaiah 41
41:8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
“servant”
Three servants of Jehovah are mentioned in Isaiah:
(1) David Isa 37:35
(2) Israel the nation Isa 41:8–16; Isa 43:1–10; Isa 44:1–8; Isa 44:21; Isa 45:4; Isa 48:20
(3) Messiah Isa 42:1–12, Isaiah 49, entire chapter, but note especially Isa 49:5–7, where the Servant Christ restores the servant nation; Isa 50:4–6; Isa 52:13–15; Isa 53:1–12. Israel the nation was a faithless servant, but restored and converted will yet thresh mountains. Against the Servant Christ no charge of unfaithfulness or failure is brought. (See Scofield "Isa 42:1").
41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
“redeemed”
Heb. "goel," Redemp. (Kinsman type). (See Scofield "Isa 59:20").
Public domain (1917). Text from the BibleSupport.com e-Sword module.
41:2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.
“the righteous man from the east”
The reference here seems to be to Cyrus, whose victories and rapid growth in power are here ascribed to the providence of God. Isa 41:5–7 describe the effect upon the nations of the rise of the Persian power. They heartened each other, and made (Is 41:7) new idols. At Isa 41:8 the prophet addresses Israel. Since it was their God who raised up Cyrus, they should expect good, not evil, from him (Isa 41:8–20). Isa 41:21–24 form a contemptuous challenge to the idols in whom the nations are trusting.