Isaiah 42:1-7

Hebrew Key Terms:

• H5650 עֶבֶד (eved) - "servant" - the Servant of the LORD
• H972 בָּחִיר (bachir) - "chosen one" - divinely elected
• H4941 מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) - "justice" - what the Servant brings
• H1285 בְּרִית (berit) - "covenant" - the Servant establishes covenant

Context: Isaiah 42:1-7 is the first of four "Servant Songs" (42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12). While Cyrus is God's "anointed" for political deliverance (45:1), the Servant is God's chosen instrument for spiritual redemption. The two figures—Cyrus and the Servant—form a contrast: Cyrus delivers from Babylon; the Servant delivers from sin.

OT-to-OT Development:

• Isaiah 45:1 - Cyrus is "anointed" for political task
• Isaiah 49:6 - Servant is "a light for the Gentiles"
• Isaiah 61:1-2 - "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me"

Connections:

• TO:
• Points beyond Cyrus to the true Deliverer who brings spiritual liberation
• FROM OT:
• Develops the "servant" concept from Israel corporately (41:8) to an individual figure
• FROM NT:
• Matthew 12:18-21 - applies this passage to Jesus
• Luke 4:18-21 - claims its fulfillment

Christological Connection: While Cyrus typifies Christ as deliverer, the Servant IS Christ prophetically described. The contrast is essential: Cyrus delivers unknowingly (45:4); the Servant knows and submits to God's will. Cyrus uses worldly power; the Servant achieves victory through suffering. Cyrus opens prison gates; the Servant opens blind eyes and frees souls from sin's dungeon. The Servant Songs complete what the Cyrus prophecy begins—moving from political type to messianic reality.

Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment; Contrast — The first Servant Song distinguishes between Cyrus (anointed for political deliverance, Isa 45:1) and the Servant (chosen for spiritual redemption), contrasting Cyrus's unknowing worldly power with the Servant's willing submission to suffering for salvation.

Trajectory Table: 040 - Cyrus (Gentile Deliverer)