July 11, 2025 - Isaiah 49-54

Chapter 49 begins with one of Isaiah's “Servant Songs” (there are 4: 42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12). His ministry: he will establish justice among the nations, he will be a light to the nations and bring God’s salvation to them, with his word he will teach and sustain those who are weary, he carries our griefs and sorrows, he bears our sin and makes intercession for us, and by him we are justified.

No wonder that Isaiah declares: “Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted” (49:13). And how about this: “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (54:10).

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,

great David’s greater Son!

Hail in the time appointed,

his reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression,

to set the captive free;

to take away transgression,

and rule in equity. -- James Montgomery (1821)