Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 12:18

"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon him, And he shall declare judgment to the Gentiles." — Matthew 12:18 (ASV)

This quotation from Isa 42:1–4 is the longest one in Matthew. Jesus is God’s “chosen” (GK 1721) or elect Servant, the one on whom God has poured out his Spirit with a specific mission in view. The words “the one I love” carry overtones of Mt 3:17; 17:5, because love and election are closely connected. God’s “delight” (GK 2305) in his servant and the mention of the Spirit God puts on him remind us of both Jesus’ baptism and his transfiguration (3:16–17; 17:5).

This “servant” (GK 4090) will proclaim “justice” (GK 3213) to the nations —i.e., righteousness broadly conceived as the self-revelation of God’s character for the good of the nations (cf. Isaiah 51:4), yet at the same time calling them to account. Concern for the Gentiles thus emerges again (cf. 1:1, 2:1–12; 3:9; 4:15– 16; et al.) in anticipation of the Great Commission (28:18–20).

The servant “will not quarrel or cry out” or raise his voice in the streets (v.19). The picture is not one of utter silence (else how could he “proclaim” justice) but of gentleness and humility (11:29), and of quiet withdrawal (see comment on vv.15–17).

The double metaphor in the first two lines of v.20 breathes compassion: the servant does not advance his ministry with such callousness to the weak that he breaks the bruised reed or snuffs out the smoldering wick. This suggests, in the light of the last line of this verse, that he brings eschatological salvation to the “harassed and helpless” (9:36), the “weary and burdened” (11:28). What is pictured is a ministry so gentle and compassionate that the weak are not trampled on and crushed till the full righteousness of God triumphs. Small wonder that the Gentiles (“nations”; GK 1620) would put their hope in his name (cf. Isaiah 11:10; Romans 15:12).