SERVANT OF JEHOVAH
(A) One who acknowledges Jehovah as his God and who faithfully carries out His will, like Abraham (Ps. 105:6); Moses (v. 6); David (132:10); Isaiah (Is. 20:3).
(B) The Servant of Jehovah is the theme of chaps. 40 to 66 of Isaiah (cf. especially Is. 42:1-7; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12).
Regarding this, the prophet has a double vision:
(I) Israel, as a chosen people, is Jehovah’s chosen servant to glorify him among the nations (Isa. 44:1-2, 21; 45:4; 48:20; 49:3); but prophecy announces that Israel would be unfaithful and would fall under the judgments of God. For this reason:
(II) the Messiah will be the true servant of Jehovah; He will bring light and salvation not only to Israel, but also to the most distant nations (Is. 49: 5-7; 52: 13-53: 12). The Targums themselves assimilate the Suffering Servant of Is. 15:53 to the Messiah.
This servant, without sin, identifies himself with Israel to represent it before God. As a substitute for sinners, and having been beaten in their place, he will fully justify them (cf. In particular Is. 53: 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12). To accomplish such a work, the Servant of Jehovah must participate in the divine nature (Jer. 23:5-6; Zech. 3:8-10).