For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham. For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend— I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
Walk the Square · a single-voice walk of this pair around the Clowney square13:30
Significance
Multiple echoes: "seed of Abraham" (Isa. 41:8), "help/take hold" (41:9), "do not fear" (41:10), "I will help you" (41:10). Weaves comfort passage into discussion of Christ's high-priestly help through incarnation and suffering. The "help" (epilambanō) motif from Isaiah's comfort oracle becomes christologically fulfilled—what God promised to do for Israel, Christ accomplishes as the incarnate Son who takes hold of humanity to deliver them from bondage to sin and death.
Found via
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)