John Trapp on Isaiah 42:1-2

CHAP. XLII.

Ver. 1. BEhold my ſervant] Cyrus partly, but Chriſt principally, Matth. 12.18. See the Notes there, with Philip. 2.7. A Servant he was, yet not Menial, but Magiſterial: that he was one or other, is admirable, and well deſerveth an Ecce.

Whom I uphold] That he faint not under the weight of his Mediatorſhip, and the importable burthen of my wrath, which he muſt ſuffer for a ſeaſon. Some render it whom I lean upon, ſee 2 King. 5.18. & 7.2, 13.

Mine elect] Or choice one.] Cyrus was ſo, chap. 44.28. & 45.3, 4. but Chriſt much more, chap. 43.10. Joh. 6.27, 29. & 10.36. See the Notes on Matth. 12.18. Cyrus was ſo ſingular a man, ſaith Herodotus, that no Perſian ever held himſelf worthy to be compared unto him.Herod. lib. 3. Xenoph. Cyrop. lib. 8. And of his Court Xenophon hath this merable ſaying, that though a man ſhould ſeek or chuſe blindfold, he could not miſs of a good man: How much more truly may this be ſpoken of the Lord Chriſt, and his people?

In whom my Soul delighteth] [non-Latin text not transcribed]. God affected Cyrus, chap. 45.3, 4. & 44.28. but nothing ſo well as Chriſt, Matth. 3.17. & 17.5. Once God repented him that he had made man: but now it is otherwiſe.

He ſhall bring forth Judgement to the Gentiles] Who ſhall all cry Grace, Grace unto it, to ſee mercy rejoycing againſt judgement. See on Matth. 12.18.

Lib. 3.Ver. 2. He ſhall not cry, nor lift up] See on Matth. 12.19. Cyrus was a very mild and gentle Prince, ſo that his Perſians called him their Father, but his Son Cambyſes their Lord, as Herodotus recordeth. Chriſts government is much more gentle; he will not, by a loud and terrible voice affright broken ſpirits, or rule them with rigour, Cyrus umbra, Chriſtus Sol ipſe. &c. Chriſtians muſt likewiſe put away all bitterneſs, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, And be kind one to another, tender-hearted, Eph. 4.31, 32. This is to be like unto Chriſt; all whoſe actions, whether Moral or Mediatory, were either for our Imitation or Inſtruction.