John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 42:5

"Thus saith God Jehovah, he that created the heavens, and stretched them forth; he that spread abroad the earth and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:" — Isaiah 42:5 (ASV)

Thus says Jehovah. He confirms what he said in the beginning of the chapter about the reign of Christ: that he will renew and restore all things. As this might be thought incredible, he has added here a magnificent description of the power of God, by which our faith should be confirmed, especially when the outward aspect of things is directly contrary.

For this reason, he presents clear proofs of God's power, so that all may be stirred by their mention and convinced that he who created all things from nothing, who spread out the heavens, who produced vegetation, who gave life to animals, and who upholds and defends all things by his power, will easily perform what he promises concerning the reign of Christ.

These forms of expression remind us that we should always consider God's power, so that we may be fully convinced of the authority and undoubted certainty of his word. For Isaiah does not make this preface without reason, but rather to remove every doubt, because nothing is too hard for God, who keeps the whole world in subjection to his authority. In the following chapters, he will use similar modes of expression.

האל (hael) is translated by some as “powerful,” and by others as “God”; but it is of little importance, for the meaning is the same. This is because he exhibits his power and majesty, and adorns himself with this variety of titles, so that we may know that he will easily restore all that is fallen and laid low.