John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 42:2

"He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street." — Isaiah 42:2 (ASV)

He shall not cry aloud. The Prophet shows what kind of coming Christ's will be; that is, without pomp or splendor, unlike the arrivals of earthly kings. When these kings arrive, various noises and loud cries are made, as if heaven and earth were about to mix. But Isaiah says that Christ will come without any noise or cry. This is not only to praise his modesty, but, first, so that we may not form any worldly ideas about him; secondly, so that, knowing his kindness by which he draws us to himself, we may gladly hurry to meet him; and, finally, so that our faith may not weaken, even though his condition is humble and lowly.

He shall not lift up his voice; that is, he will create no disturbance, as we commonly say of a quiet and peaceable man, “He makes no great noise.” And indeed, he did not boast about himself to the people, but frequently forbade them to publicize his miracles, so that all might learn that his power and authority were very different from what kings or princes obtain by having themselves loudly proclaimed to gain the applause of the crowd (Matthew 8:4; Matthew 9:30; Matthew 12:16; Mark 5:43; Luke 8:56).