What is the meaning of Isaiah 42:21? The LORD was pleased - Isaiah states that God’s actions flow from His own delight, not human prompting. Psalm 115:3 declares, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.” - That pleasure is rooted in holy purpose, as seen when “it pleased the LORD to crush Him” (Isaiah 53:10), foreshadowing Christ’s atoning work. - God’s pleasure assures us that His plan is never reluctant or half-hearted; it is carried out with joyful determination. For the sake of His righteousness - Every divine action safeguards the moral perfection of God’s character. Psalm 23:3 reminds us that He “guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” - Romans 3:26 explains that through the gospel God “demonstrates His righteousness,” upholding justice while extending mercy. - Because His righteousness is unchanging (Malachi 3:6), we can trust that His dealings with Israel in Isaiah’s day—and with us now—are always right, pure, and fair. To magnify His law - “Law” (Torah) means God’s revealed instruction. Psalm 19:7 celebrates, “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” - In the Servant songs, the Messiah fulfills this mission: “He will establish justice on the earth” (Isaiah 42:4). Jesus echoed that aim: “I have not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it” (Matthew 5:17). - By lifting the law into full view—exposing its depth, demands, and beauty—God shows that His standards are not negotiable but worthy of honor. And make it glorious - Glory speaks of visible splendor. God wants His law to shine, not lie dormant. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 contrasts the fading glory of stone tablets with the surpassing glory brought by the Spirit through Christ. - When the law is written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33), its glory is seen in transformed lives—“so that the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us” (Romans 8:4). - The end goal is worship: “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all day long” (Psalm 119:97). A life shaped by Scripture puts God’s brilliance on display. summary Isaiah 42:21 teaches that God joyfully acts to uphold His own flawless righteousness by elevating His revealed word to a place of honor. In doing so, He showcases the majesty of His standards and prepares hearts for their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah. When we submit to that glorious law, we participate in God’s pleasure and reflect His righteousness to the world. |
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