Isaiah, Chapter 42, verses 1-7
1 The Office of Christ, graced with meekness and constancy, 5 God's promise unto himJohn, Chapter 12, verses 1-11
1 Jesus excuseth Mary anointing his feet, 9 The people flock to see Lazarus, 10 The high priests consult to kill him12
12:1 Six days before the passover - Namely, on the Sabbath: that which was called by the Jews, "The Great Sabbath." This whole week was anciently termed "The great and holy week." Jesus came - From Ephraim, Joh 11:54.
12:2 It seems Martha was a person of some figure, from the great respect which was paid to her and her sister, in visits and condolences on Lazarus's death, as well as from the costly ointment mentioned in the next verse. And probably it was at their house our Lord and his disciples lodged, when he returned from Jerusalem to Bethany, every evening of the last week of his life, upon which he was now entered.
12:3 Then Mary, taking a pound of ointment - There were two persons who poured ointment on Christ. One toward the beginning of his ministry, at or near Nain, Luk 7:37, etc The other six days before his last passover, at Bethany; the account of whom is given here, as well as by St. Matthew and Mark.
12:7 Against the day of my burial - Which now draws nigh.
12:10 The chief priests consulted, how to kill Lazarus also - Here is the plain reason why the other evangelists, who wrote while Lazarus was living, did not relate his story.
42 The person and office of Christ appointed by the Father, Isa 42:1-9.
A new song to God for his gospel, among the Gentiles, Isa 42:10-16.
The idolatry of the Heathen, and obstinacy of the Jews, Isa 42:17-25.
42:1 Behold - The prophet having given one eminent instance of God's certain fore - knowledge, in the deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus, now adds another more eminent example of it, by foretelling the coming of the Messiah. This place therefore is expressly interpreted of Christ, Mat 12:18, etc And to him, and to him only, all the particularsfollowing, truly and evidently belong. Whom - Whom I will enable to do and suffer all those things which belong to his office. Elect - Chosen by me to this great work. Delighteth - Both for himself and for all his people, being fully satisfied with that sacrifice, which he shall offer up to me. Bring forth - Shall publish or shew, as this word is translated, Mat 12:18.Judgment - The law, and will, and counsel of God, concerning man's salvation. Gentiles - Not only to the Jews, but to the Heathen nations.
42:2 Cry - In a way of contention, or ostentation. Lift - His voice.Heard - As contentious and vain - glorious persons frequently do.
42:3 Break - Christ will not deal rigorously with those that come to him, but he will use all gentleness, cherishing the smallest beginnings of grace, comforting and healing wounded consciences. Quench - That wick of a candle which is almost extinct, he will not quench, but revive and kindle it again. Judgment - The law of God, or the doctrine of the gospel, which he will bring forth, unto, with, or according to truth, that is, truly and faithfully.
42:4 'Till - 'Till he has established his law or doctrine, among thenations of the earth. Isles - The countries remote from Judea, shall gladly receive his doctrine.
42:5 He - This description of God's infinite power, is seasonably added, to give them assurance of the certain accomplishment of his promises.
42:6 Called thee - To declare my righteousness, or faithfulness.With - hold - Will give thee counsel and strength for the work. Give thee - To be the mediator in whom my covenant of grace is confirmed with mankind. The people - Of all people, not only of Jews but Gentiles. A light - To enlighten them with true and saving knowledge.