The servant is described as one in whom Yahweh has delight and whom he has elected (42:1–4). The language of election is an affirmation of the servant’s continued existence and takes us back to the Abrahamic covenant, where God himself swore that he would be faithful to his covenant with Abraham’s descendants.

The description of the Holy Spirit being “on” the servant is an Old Testament expression signifying a renewal of God’s presence, by which God’s servant is better equipped to serve him. The servant’s task is to bring “justice” to the nations (42:1, 4), which is identical to the purpose of the coming messianic king (Isa. 9:7; 11:4). “Justice” here signifies neither religious nor legal practices, but the rule of Yahweh on earth. The servant is tender, gentle, and faithful—characterist…