Isaiah 41:8

8 But you, Israel, ¹my servant, Jacob, ²whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, ³my friend;

Isaiah 41:8 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 41:8

But thou, Israel, art my servant
As the great spread and success of the Gospel could not fail of drawing the resentment of the idolatrous Heathens on those who embraced and professed it, and by whom they were grievously persecuted under the Roman emperors; wherefore, to support them under these trials, the Lord speaks these and the following comfortable words unto them; for not carnal, but spiritual Israel are here meant; such who by the power of divine grace were turned from idols to serve the living God, who were made willing to become his servants, and whose honour it was to be so called and accounted; and being so, they might be assured their Lord and Master would protect and defend them, bless and reward them: Jacob whom I have chosen;
Israelites indeed, Jacob like, plain hearted men, wrestling and prevailing ones in prayer with God, whom he chose to be his people, and peculiar treasure; who, though disallowed of men, were like their Lord and Saviour, chosen of God, and precious: the seed of Abraham my friend:
the spiritual seed of Abraham, being believers in Christ, and friends of his, as Abraham was; and whom he uses and shows to be such, by disclosing his secrets to them, ( John 15:15 ) .

Isaiah 41:8 In-Context

6 Everyone helps his neighbor and says to his brother, "Be strong!"

7 The craftsman strengthens the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, "It is good"; and they strengthen it with nails so that it cannot be moved.

8 But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend;

9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off";

10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 44:1, 2
• 2. Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 10:15; Deuteronomy 14:2; Psalms 135:4; [1 Peter 2:9]
• 3. 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23