Re-examining the Referent(s) of Isaiah 49:1-13

Abstract

This article argues that the links between, and terminology of, Isaiah 49:1-6 and 7-9b closely associate different referents: the Servant in the former and Israel in the latter. This close association of the two referents, which has led to the common understanding that only one referent, the Servant, is here on view, instead functions to reveal that restored Israel becomes involved in the Servant’s mission. God’s goal of bringing blessing to the world is both through the work of the Servant and restored Israel.