(The Lord speaking is red text)
He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
He will not cry or shout; no one will hear his voice in the streets.
He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets.
He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.
He shall not cry{H6817}, nor lift up{H5375}, nor cause his voice{H6963} to be heard{H8085} in the street{H2351}.
Isaiah 42:2 is part of the "Servant Songs" within the Book of Isaiah, which are a series of poems that describe an individual known as the "Servant of the Lord." This particular verse is found within the first song and speaks to the manner in which the Servant will carry out his mission. The verse emphasizes the Servant's humility and gentle approach: "He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street."
In the historical context, the Servant is often interpreted as a figure who would restore Israel and bring justice to the nations. During the time of Isaiah, the people of Judah were experiencing various forms of oppression and were looking forward to a deliverer. The description of the Servant in this verse contrasts with the typical portrayal of ancient conquerors and rulers who were often loud and forceful in their dominion.
The themes present in Isaiah 42:2 include humility, quiet strength, and a non-coercive approach to leadership. The Servant's method is not to impose his will through loud demands or public displays of power, but rather through meekness and a quiet demeanor. This reflects a broader biblical theme of God's strength being made perfect in weakness, a concept that is counter-cultural to many contemporary and ancient notions of power.
In the New Testament, Christians interpret this verse as a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who exemplified these qualities throughout His ministry. His quiet authority and lack of self-promotion are seen as evidence of His role as the ultimate Servant of the Lord, who came to save not only Israel but all of humanity through sacrifice rather than force.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)