 |  |
disputed words as "to the people". After careful examination we find no grounds for the
amended translation, and only mention it for the benefit of any reader who may think it
has not been seen and weighed. Emeth is "truth" and am "people", but there the likeness
ceases. Matthew is evidently inspired to give the word used by Isaiah its full meaning,
and guided by the underlying principles that are observable in all the ways of God, we
ultimately arrive at the same conclusion.
The Devil's doctrine is that "MIGHT is RIGHT".
The doctrine of the Lord is that "RIGHT ALONE IS MIGHT".
By the very nature of the case, however, this involves the possibility that "right" will
suffer before the ultimate victory, whereas brute force can crash its way to immediate
triumph. So it is that the gentleness of the mighty Victor is intimately associated with
His triumph.
In all the annals of the nations is there on record one who attained victory by
manifesting such consideration for weakness and lowliness as is indicated by the words:
"A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench"?
The structure of the passage (Isa. 42: 1-4) reveals that the subject is twofold:
(1)
The work which Messiah came to accomplish, "JUDGMENT".
(2)
The character of the Messiah in its accomplishment, "GENTLENESS".
This has been set out in the complete structure (page 10), but it will not be out of place
to reproduce it here.
Isaiah 42: 1-4.
B | d2 |
Judgment to the Gentiles.
e2
| He shall not cry, bruise, quench.
d2 |
Judgment unto Truth.
e2
| He shall not fail, nor be discouraged.
d3 |
Judgment in the earth.
The theme here is "Judgment", and it is subdivided into three aspects.
This
"Judgment" is to the Gentiles, it is unto truth, it is in the earth.
It is imperative that we should not misunderstand the meaning of the word
"Judgment". Most certainly it does not mean "condemnation" here. That is but one of its
meanings and only so when put into exercise in the face of evil. Judgment may be a great
blessing, a coveted boon. The Hebrew word mishpat is from shaphat, "To judge". This
is the word used for those who "judged" Israel (Judges 3: 10; I Sam. 7: 6). This is the
word so frequently used in the prophecies and prayers of the oppressed, who looked for
deliverance.
"To judge the fatherless" (Psa. 10: 18).
"Judge me, O Lord" (Psa. 26: 1).
"Judge me, O God, and plead my cause" (Psa. 43: 1).