Isaiah 49:7

Yahweh, Israel’s Redeemer and Holy One, assured the Servant-who the Israelites and the Gentiles, whom He came to save, would despise-that eventually even rulers would bow before Him. This would happen because Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, who had called Him, was faithful to fulfill what He had set out to accomplish through His Servant. Again, the success of a servant of the Lord, any servant of the Lord, is due to the Lord because He enables the servant to be successful (cf. Isaiah 48:15). Watts’ interpretation was as follows:

"This oracle accurately predicts the rapid, if violent, rise of Darius [I, Hystaspes] to power in Persia and claims credit for Yahweh who chose him for the office." [Note: Idem, Isaiah 34-66, p. 188]

This verse distinguishes two aspects of the Servant’s ministry: the first characterized by rejection and humiliation (cf. Isaiah 49:4; Isaiah 52:13 to Isaiah 53:12), and the second marked by acceptance and glorification. The first advent of Christ fulfilled the first aspect and His second advent will fulfill the second aspect. All that Israel had experienced-being despised, abhorred, and used-the Servant would experience (cf. Isaiah 49:25-26). And all that God intended Israel to be-admired, respected, and served-the Servant will become.

". . . to be the chosen of God does not mean glory along the way, but it does mean glory at the end of the way." [Note: Oswalt, The Book . . . 40-66, p. 295.]