Many scholars have noticed a chiastic structure to these chapters. Emmerson has provided a very detailed layout, but such a level of detail is somewhat forced, and this is demonstrated by the non-sequential ordering of some of the chiastic sections.
More plausible is Owalt’s chiasm which divides these chapters into 7 sections. Each pair of parallel sections will be addressed in turn to give an overview of the whole.
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What are the general and imporant ideas in these chapters? How do they link to what has gone before, what is still to come in Isaiah?
YHWH is upheld as the One True God of the universe. the nations are rebuked and their weak idols are mocked…
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Döderlein (1775) and Eichhorn (~1780) initially suggested major division at ch40 – 2 authors (8th 6th cent)
Duhm (1982) added 56 as next division – 3 authors.
There is a shift in historical context between chs 39 and 40. 1-39 focus on the Assyrian threat whereas 40ff major on Babylon:
There is no indication within this Song of the precise identity of the servant. The LXX adds references to “Jacob” and “Israel”, but these are probably attempted harmonisations with 41:8-9. The MT does not contain these references and is the shorter and harder reading.
This passage is picked up by the NT and applied directly to Jesus (Matt 12:15-21).
This song confuses a clear identification of the Servant. In v3 the Servant is Israel but in v5 the Servant has a ministry towards Israel (as well as the other nations).
v6 is picked up by Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:47 suggesting that the servant is the faithful remnant of Israel (» NT church). Read More »
Some revision notes, and some practice in simple theme sentences…
“Servant” (עֶבֶד) x40 in Isa. 9 times in chs1-39.
Abraham (Gen 26:24), Moses (Ex 14:31), David (2 Sam 3:18) and the Prophets in general (2 Ki 17:13, cf. Isa 20:3) are all referred to as God’s servants. Not necessary same connotations of servile or menial work. Rather the emphasis is on one who has a special position in God’s plan (his “royal administration of his kingdom”, NIV Study Bible).
Theme is most clearly introduced in Deutero-Isa in 41:8-9 where it clearly refers to Israel as Gods’ chosen people (see also 44:1,2; 45:4). Here the emphasis is on the fact that Israel are precious to God and he will not completely forsake them (41:10-14); and also that God will use Israel in the judgement of his (and their) enemies (41:15-16).
Israel as God’s servant is not perfect: 41:10; 43:18-20.
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