491 Listen to Me, O islands , And pay attention , you peoples from afar . The Lord called Me from the womb ; From the body of My mother He named e Me. 2 He has made My mouth like a sharp sword , In the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; And He has also made Me a select arrow , He has hidden Me in His quiver . 3 He said to Me, " You are My Servant , Israel , In Whom I will show My glory ." 4 But I said , "I have toiled in vain , I have spent My strength for nothing and vanity ; Yet surely the justice due to Me is with the Lord , And My reward with My God ." 5 And now says the Lord , who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant , To bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel might be gathered to Him (For I am honored in the sight of the Lord , And My God is My strength ), 6 He says , "It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel ; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 49:1-6
Commentary on Isaiah 49:1-6
(Read Isaiah 49:1-6)
The great Author of redemption shows the authority for his work. The sword of his word slays the lusts of his people, and all at enmity with them. His sharp arrows wound the conscience; but all these wounds will be healed, when the sinner prays to him for mercy. But even the Redeemer, who spake as never man spake in his personal ministry, often seemed to labour in vain. And if Jacob will not be brought back to God, and Israel will not be gathered, still Christ will be glorious. This promise is in part fulfilled in the calling of the Gentiles. Men perish in darkness. But Christ enlightens men, and so makes them holy and happy.