He will not cry out
This phrase suggests a demeanor of humility and gentleness. In the context of Isaiah, it contrasts with the loud proclamations of earthly kings and leaders. The servant's approach is not one of forceful assertion but of quiet strength. This is often seen as a prophetic reference to Jesus Christ, who, during His earthly ministry, did not seek attention through loud or aggressive means. This aligns with the New Testament portrayal of Jesus, particularly in Matthew 12:19, which directly quotes this passage to describe Jesus' ministry.

or raise His voice
The idea of not raising one's voice further emphasizes the servant's peaceful and non-confrontational approach. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, leaders often demonstrated authority through loud and commanding speech. The servant's method is countercultural, highlighting a different kind of leadership that relies on inner authority and divine mission rather than external force. This can be seen in Jesus' interactions with others, where He often spoke with authority but without the need for shouting or coercion.

nor make His voice heard in the streets
This phrase indicates a deliberate choice to avoid public spectacle or self-promotion. In the historical context, public spaces like streets and marketplaces were common places for teachers and leaders to gather followers through public speaking. The servant's mission is not about gaining popularity or political power but about fulfilling God's purpose quietly and effectively. This is reflected in Jesus' ministry, where He often withdrew from crowds to pray and instructed those He healed to tell no one about Him, as seen in passages like Mark 1:44. This approach underscores the servant's focus on genuine transformation rather than superficial acclaim.

1. The Servant
This passage is part of the "Servant Songs" in Isaiah, which prophetically describe the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The Servant is characterized by humility and gentleness.

2. Isaiah
The prophet who authored the book, delivering God's messages to the people of Israel during a time of moral and spiritual decline.

3. Israel
The primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies, representing God's chosen people who were often in need of correction and hope.

4. Messianic Prophecy
This verse is part of a larger prophecy about the coming Messiah, who would bring justice and salvation not through force, but through humility and quiet strength.

5. The Streets
Symbolic of public places where proclamations and declarations were typically made. The Servant's approach contrasts with the loud and often aggressive methods of earthly rulers.The Humility of Christ
Jesus exemplifies humility, choosing not to assert His authority through loud proclamations but through quiet, transformative actions.

Gentle Leadership
True leadership, as modeled by Christ, is not about dominance or volume but about serving others with gentleness and respect.

The Power of Quiet Influence
The impact of a quiet, consistent witness can be more powerful than loud declarations. Believers are called to live out their faith in a way that speaks volumes without needing to shout.

Trust in God's Justice
The Servant's quiet demeanor reflects a deep trust in God's timing and justice. Believers are encouraged to trust God to vindicate and bring about justice in His way and time.

Living Out the Gospel
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example by living out the gospel with humility and grace, impacting those around us through our actions and character.(2) He shall not cry . . .--Isaiah's ideal of a teacher, but partly realised in himself, is that of one exempt from the violence of strong feelings, calm in the sereneness of authority, strong in his far-reaching and pitying sympathy. False prophets might rave as in orgiastic frenzy. We are reminded of Solon affecting the inspiration of a soothsayer in order to attract attention to his converts. Even true prophets might be stirred to vehement and incisive speech, but it should not be so with him. No point of resemblance between the archetype and the portrait seems to have impressed men so deeply as this (Matthew 7:29; Matthew 12:17-21). The "street" describes the open space of an Eastern city, in which, as in the Greek agora, men harangued the people, while "the gate of the city" was reserved for the more formal administration of justice. (Ruth 4:1; Proverbs 31:23.)

Verse 2. - He shall not cry, nor lift up. Supply, after "lift up," "his voice" from the next clause. His methods shall be quiet and gentle. He shall not seek to recommend his teaching by clamour or noisy demonstrations. There shall be a marked unobtrusiveness in all his doings (comp. Matthew 8:4; Matthew 9:30; Matthew 12:15; Matthew 14:13; John 5:13; John 6:15; John 7:3, 4; John 8:59; John 10:40, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


He will not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

cry out
יִצְעַ֖ק (yiṣ·‘aq)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6817: To shriek, to proclaim

[or]
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

raise [His voice],
יִשָּׂ֑א (yiś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

nor
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

make His voice
קוֹלֽוֹ׃ (qō·w·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

heard
יַשְׁמִ֥יעַ (yaš·mî·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

in the streets.
בַּח֖וּץ (ba·ḥūṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2351: Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 42:2 He will not shout nor raise his (Isa Isi Is)