Listen and Pay Attention – Is 49

It’s how he starts out this chapter. “listen to me” and “pay attention.”. This means he has an important message. And I’m truly trying to figure it out.

When you slow down to really try to understand Scripture, some are just harder than others. For me this chapter is a bit challenging to figure out who is speaking. But I’m studying so stick with me.

In verses 1-5 it would seem that this Isaiah, with a topology of Jesus. That is common.

 Listen to me, you islands;
    hear this, you distant nations:
Before I was born the Lord called me;
    from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.
² He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,
    in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow
    and concealed me in his quiver.
³ He said to me, “You are my servant,
    Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”
⁴ But I said, “I have labored in vain;
    I have spent my strength for nothing at all.
Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand,
    and my reward is with my God.”

⁵ And now the Lord says—
    he who formed me in the womb to be his servant
to bring Jacob back to him
    and gather Israel to himself,
for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord

We know these verses can’t be about national Israel as the “servant” here is calling Israel to return to God. So is this Jesus or Isaiah that is being referred to?

It would make sense to think Jesus as in v. 3 the servant is called “Israel.”. Jesus in many ways is Israel in perfection. What God intended for Israel—righteous, justice, holy, full of love, joy and peace.

But where it trips up for me is v. 4. This seems like a statement of discouragement futility. This doesn’t seem to jive with Is 42:4 where the Messiah (more clear here) is not discouraged in any way.

But then in v. 6 I’m persuaded again that this is indeed Jesus, the Messiah, as he is calling the servant to bring “salvation to the ends of the earth.”.

I’m inclined to think this is of Jesus for the near context. But if I’m honest, it’s verse 4 that keeps tripping me up.

So on the next section, vs. 8-13.

This talks about how the Lord will restore Israel. He will again have compassion on his afflicted ones and will bring comfort to his people. This then is the place of joy.

v. 14-21

At least here it is clear who is who. “Zion says.”. This is the nation of Israel. Feeling forgotten.

And the Lord says no. Even if a mother forgets she has a child, the Lord will never forget you. He has enshrined his people on the palm of his hands. And on the cross, that actually did happen.

There has been much destruction, but now God calls the builders. “You builders hurry” (v. 17).

He also says their children will be their pride and joy once again:

”you will wear all your children as jewelry” (v. 18). It’s a strange statement I know but it just about how their children will be their crown yet again.

They will once again live in peace…”those who swelled you up will be far away” (v. 19).

And Israel will multiply. Greatly. Their children will many and they will need to expand to settle.

Then the great Scripture of Aliyah-the return of the Jews to the land by the Gentiles. This happened then when Israel returned to Babylon.

“They will bring your sons in their arms, and. your daughters will be carried on their shoulders” (v. 22).

This is happening again today as Israel once again returns to their land. This is evidence that the Lord is God and that He loves His people. Though the mighty claim Israel, God claims them for himself and delivers them. The people who took Israel will turn on themselves, and all will know that Yahweh is their Savior.

So why this chapter starts in mystery for me, it ends beautifully. It truly is a love letter to the people of Israel, that he cares for them, will restore them after their times of sin, and deliver them from their enemies. That’s a great message to the people.

When I read this chapter it makes me think of several things.

1. Restoration and reconciliation after discipline is a tender and holy moment. This is true for children. After they’ve been disciplined, they need love and affection in restoration.
   
2. The Lord’s love is stronger than a mother. The holes in his hands and feet are marks of that great love. In weakness and in strength, we need to rely in and trust in that love.
   
3. The Lord disciplines. And it’s hard. But it’s also for restoration. He desires forgiveness and restoration but sometimes the discipline we must have saves us from ourselves. Parents who don’t discipline their children raise miserable children.