Charles Spurgeon Commentary Isaiah 49:1-2

"Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye peoples, from far: Jehovah hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name: and he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me: and he hath made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he kept me close:" — Isaiah 49:1-2 (ASV)

Listen, O isles, to me; and listen, you people, from far; the Lord has called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother has he made mention of my name. And he has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand has he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver has he hid me;

Our Lord Jesus, that great Prophet of the Church, was in a special manner the Lord's in the matter of His birth. A wondrous holy mystery hangs about His birth at Bethlehem—He was, in that respect, the Lord's in a very remarkable sense. he has made my mouth like a sharp sword. You know how our Lord's mouth, or the Word of His gospel that issues from His mouth, is like a sharp sword – how it conquers, – how it cuts its way, – how, wherever it comes, it pierces even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. In the shadow of his hand has he hid me.

You know how the protecting hand of God always covered Christ, and how His gospel is always sheltered by the providence of God.