Isaiah 41:1-20
“But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.”
King James Version
God's call of Israel as his servant, with the covenant of Abraham reconfirmed, pointing to Israel's servant role in bringing the Messiah.
Fulfillment References
Matthew 1:23 Galatians 3:16
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal'Thou Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend... Fear not; for I am with thee... I am thy God' (vv. 8-10). God upholds His servant-people with the right hand of His righteousness. The Servant motif begun here finds its perfect fulfillment in the Lord Jesus, the true Israel and Servant of the LORD; and the God who says 'I am with thee' is 'God with us' (Matt. 1:23) in flesh.
JewishGod's reassurance to servant-Israel — chosen, helped, upheld, not to fear; the LORD's championing of His people against the nations.
CatholicThe servant-people upheld by God, anticipating the Servant Christ; 'fear not... I am with thee' fulfilled in Emmanuel.
ProtestantGod's sustaining presence with His servant Israel, a comfort applied to all His people in Christ.
AcademicIntroduces the 'servant' theme (here corporate Israel) and the 'fear not' salvation oracles characteristic of Isaiah 40-55.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.