In this passage, the Prophet Isaiah provides a prophetic glimpse into the character of the coming Messiah, the “Servant” of Israel. Before we dive into today’s verse, let’s look first at the context as Isaiah begins chapter 42:

“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1).

Isaiah begins by providing a prophetic description of God’s chosen Servant, and more specifically, a description of the coming Messiah whom we know as Jesus. He will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and bring justice to the nations. And then Isaiah goes on to reveal the nature of this “Servant” by using two metaphors:

“A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out” (Isaiah 42:3).

FIRST – HE WILL NOT BREAK A BRUISED REED

We know that reeds are fragile, and once bent or damaged, they can be easily broken off and discarded. If you are discouraged and feeling weak and helpless, the Servant Jesus will not add to your suffering or treat you as disposable. He will not crush anyone who feels weak and discouraged, even though the cause of one’s “bruising” may be of their own making. He will come to the weak and helpless and heal their brokenness.  

SECOND — HE WILL NOT SNUFF OUT A SMOLDERING WICK

As you know, a smoldering wick produces little light and is close to being extinguished. Like the bruised reed, it points to someone who is feeling weak and helpless, but their light has not yet gone out. The Servant refuses to snuff out what remains of one’s faith and hope. He will fan the flame instead of taking the final and fatal step of extinguishing it. The patient and loving care of the Servant will restore the one who is lost and floundering.   

You might be interested to know that Matthew tells us in his gospel that Jesus is the “Servant” of Isaiah 42, and the One who brings hope to the nations just as Isaiah prophesied (see Matthew 12:15–21). This verse portrays a Servant whose strength does not destroy those who are struggling, but One who is “…humble and gentle in heart and will give rest to your soul” (Matthew 11:28).

If you are struggling right now, feeling weak, vulnerable, and hopeless, then turn to the “Servant,” Jesus Christ, who will heal your wounded soul. And if you know a friend who may be struggling, tell them about Jesus, the One who will not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick. They will be blessed if you do.  

Sincerely, Jim Price