Servant Songs
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David FurrIsaiah Paper 27-2-16Olshine The “Servant Songs” refer to four poems in Isaiah: 42:1-7, 49:1-12, 50:4-11, and 52:13-53:12, describing the Servant of the Lord. Some have reasoned this servant to be David or Israel because they are also called servants in Isaiah. “For example, the phrase my servant in 41:8 clearly refers to Israel, the nation, whereas in verse 6 the servant has a ministry to Israel. In these verses the servant of God is also God at work. Only in Jesus is that combination fulfilled as seen in his action and teaching in John 13.”1 There isn’t a clear consensus among scholars as to the identity of the servant; however, probably more agree that the Servant is the Messiah because of the descriptions offered in the passages. For the purpose of this paper, I will take the position that the identity of the Servant is Jesus Christ and explore why he is the one that seems to fulfill the criteria, as well as offer a closer examination of the first song, Isaiah: 42:1-7. In contemporary times, we think of a servant as one who is under another and is obligated to carry out the wishes of that individual. This position is not one considered with high standing or great respect; however, Houdmann points out the following: “In the ancient Near East, a servant was ‘a trusted envoy,’ ‘a confidential representative,’ ‘or one who is chosen.’”2 Therefore, the adjectives trusted, confidential, and chosen imply that the Servant mentioned in Isaiah would serve with purpose and authority. “He is considered to be royalty and the high priest, atoning for the sins of the world.”3 It is important to note, then, that the Servant of the Lord was considered royal, trustworthy, and chosen for his mission in such a way that he alone would be worthy of the task given to him by God. In Isaiah 42:1, we read, “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I ____________________________________ 1Phillip Hacking. Isaiah: Free to Suffer and to Serve, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1995), 118-9. 2S. Michael Houdmann. “What Are the Four Servant’s Songs in Isaiah?”
What will be the Servant’s characteristics or manner of service? In verses 2-3, we read that his authority will be in sharp contrast with worldly leaders: “He shall not cry in a way of contention or ostentation. He shall neither erect nor govern his kingdom with violence or outward pomp and state, like worldly princes, but with meekness and humility. He shall instruct those that oppose themselves, with all meekness and gentleness; he shall patiently endure the contradictions of sinners against himself, and not vindicate himself against their calumnies in an angry or clamorous manner–Lowth. He will not deal roughly or rigorously with those that come to him, but he will use all gentleness and kindness to them, bearing with their infirmities, ____________________________________ 4F. Duane Lindsey. “The Call of the Servant in Isaiah 42:1-9.” (Dallas, Tx: Dallas Theological Seminary, 1982), 16. Digitally prepared for Gordon College: