Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations
This phrase emphasizes the divine appointment and purpose. The term "witness" suggests a role of testifying to God's truth and character. In the context of Isaiah, this can be seen as a reference to the coming Messiah, who would reveal God's will to all nations, not just Israel. The use of "nations" indicates a universal scope, aligning with the Abrahamic promise that through his seed all nations would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). This anticipates the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, fulfilling the role of a witness to the world.

a leader and commander of the peoples
Here, the focus shifts to authority and governance. The terms "leader" and "commander" imply not only guidance but also the power to direct and govern. Historically, this reflects the Davidic covenant, where God promised David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). This is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" and is seen as the eternal King. The "peoples" suggests a broader audience beyond Israel, indicating the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, as seen in Ephesians 2:11-22, where Paul speaks of the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry was primarily to the Kingdom of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of the Lord.

2. The Nations
Refers to the Gentiles or non-Israelite peoples. In the context of Isaiah, it often signifies the broader world beyond Israel, indicating God's plan for universal salvation.

3. The Witness
This is often interpreted as a reference to the Messiah, who is to be a witness to God's truth and salvation to all nations.

4. Leader and Commander
These titles suggest authority and guidance, roles that the Messiah fulfills in leading people to God.

5. The Peoples
This term encompasses all groups and ethnicities, emphasizing the universal scope of the Messiah's mission.The Universal Mission of Christ
Jesus is not only the Savior of Israel but of all nations. His mission is global, and as His followers, we are called to participate in this mission by sharing the Gospel with all peoples.

The Role of a Witness
As believers, we are called to be witnesses to the truth of Christ in our lives. This involves living out our faith authentically and sharing the message of salvation with others.

Leadership in Christ
Christ's leadership is characterized by servanthood and sacrifice. We are called to emulate His example in our leadership roles, whether in the church, family, or community.

God's Sovereign Plan
God's plan for salvation is inclusive and sovereign. He has appointed Christ as the leader and commander, ensuring that His purposes will be fulfilled.

Obedience to Divine Authority
Recognizing Christ as our leader and commander calls for our obedience and submission to His authority in every aspect of our lives.(4) I have given him . . .--Better, I gave, the words referring primarily to the historic David (Comp. Psalm 78:70-71), though realised fully only in Him who was the "faithful and true witness" (John 18:37; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:14), the "captain" or "leader" of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10).

Verse 4. - Behold, I have given him for a witness. By ordinary rules of grammar, the pronoun "him" should refer to David; and so the passage is understood by Gesenius, Maurer, Hitzig, Ewald, Knobel, Delitzsch, and Mr. Cheyne. But, as Isaiah frequently sets aside ordinary grammatical rules, and as the position to the person here spoken of seems too high for the historical David, a large number of commentators, including Vitringa, Michaelis, Dathe, Rosenmuller, Umbreit, and Dr. Kay, consider that the Messiah is intended. It is certainly difficult to see how the historical David could be, at this time and in the future, a "leader and commander to the peoples" who were about to flock into the Messianic kingdom. A witness... a leader and commander. Christ was all these. He "came to bear witness to the truth" (John 18:37), and "before Pilate witnessed a good confession" (1 Timothy 6:13). He "feeds and leads" his people (Revelation 7:17), and is the "Commander" under whose banner they serve (2 Timothy 2:3, 4). What he is to his people, he is also of the "peoples" generally; for they have been called into his kingdom, People... people; rather, peoples.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Behold,
הֵ֛ן (hên)
Interjection
Strong's 2005: Lo! behold!

I have made him
נְתַתִּ֑יו (nə·ṯat·tîw)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

a witness
עֵ֥ד (‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince

to the nations,
לְאוּמִּ֖ים (lə·’ūm·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3816: A community

a leader
נָגִ֥יד (nā·ḡîḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5057: A commander, civil, military, religious, honorable themes

and commander
וּמְצַוֵּ֖ה (ū·mə·ṣaw·wêh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

of the peoples.
לְאֻמִּֽים׃ (lə·’um·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3816: A community


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 55:4 Behold I have given him (Isa Isi Is)