1. The servant, bringer of salvation (49:1-13)

In the second servant song the servant speaks. Like one of the prophets, he relates his call by God (v.2), expresses his own inadequacy (v.4), and is reminded that God is his strength (v.5). God reminds him of his mission: it is not only to restore Israel, but to bring the light of God to the Gentiles.

Vv.8-13 are a beautiful prophecy of salvation that begins with a reiteration of God’s promised help to his servant (vv.8-9a). Then follows a graphic depiction of the journey home, the second exodus: pastoral scenes with cool water, moderate climate, and a highway fit for a king, over which exiles from the farthest points of the earth will travel (vv.9b-12). All of nature is called on to celebrate the restoration event (v.13).