“Thou Art My Servant”

K. Douglas Bassett

(Isa. 49:3; D&C 90:3–4; 133:30–34; Isa. 42:1–4; 49:1–6; 50:4–9; 52:13–53:12)

The one called is God’s servant, Israel, as we learn in 49:3 (43:1; 48:12). The name Israel, however, may be symbolic for another servant (Jesus Christ, Isaiah, Joseph Smith, another prophet, the tribe of Ephraim, or each of these in turn).

(Donald W. Parry, Jay A. Parry, and Tina M. Peterson, Understanding Isaiah [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1998], 425.)

The servant represented in this verse is the corporate personality of the covenant people. The Church is the servant of the Lord.

(Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 4 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1987–1992], 1:159.)

I believe that the servant Isaiah speaks of is none other than the Messiah or Savior… .
Other commentaries have suggested that the servant could be Israel, Isaiah, or the prophet of the Restoration—Joseph Smith… . Each such conclusion has logical support. Undoubtedly, as is often the case in prophecy, there are multiple applications… . The case for Joseph Smith as the promised servant is particularly strong. However, … I believe the major focus of the Servant should be our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
S piritual darkness will be dispelled by this Servant-Messiah, and prisoners (on both sides of the veil) will be freed from the bondage of sin through their repentance.

(Hoyt W. Brewster, Jr., Isaiah Plain and Simple [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], 186.)

The servant spoken of here is actually Ephraim, who holds the birthright of the twelve tribes (see D&C 133:30–34; Jeremiah 31:9), but specifically it is the Prophet Joseph Smith, who heads the dispensation of the fulness of times (see D&C 90:3–4).

(Monte S. Nyman, Great Are the Words of Isaiah [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980], 177.)

This servant is not named, so readers and scholars often disagree about the servant’s identity. Generally, the Jewish scholars believe the servant is either the prophet Isaiah or a representation of the people of Israel in their chosen rule as the Lord’s servants to the world. Christian scholars usually believe Jesus Christ is the servant prophesied by Isaiah. Latter-day Saint readers often recognize that the covenant members of the restored gospel serve as the Lord’s servants. They as a people, and the prophet of the restoration, Joseph Smith, may be identified as Isaiah’s promised servant… .
Rather than categorically stating that Isaiah’s servant songs apply only to one servant, we might be wise in recognizing that the characteristics of God’s servant are best exemplified in Christ and are also demonstrated through the lives of all of God’s righteous children. In short, the precise identity of the servant is not as important as studying his characteristics and seeking to develop them in our own lives.

(Victor L. Ludlow, Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], 358–360.)

Commentaries on Isaiah: In the Book or Mormon

References