Reading for July 1st

Read Isaiah 49.1-13. In 49.1-26: The servant's mission to the world. In verses 1-6: The second of the four Servant Songs. Israel's servant mission will reach beyond the survivors of the former Israel, and will bring light ((salvation) to the nations (v. 6). Servant Israel (v. 3) also has a mission to Israel, suggesting that Israel may have been added later. More probably, one part of the nation has a mission to the other part. In verses 8-13: The task of restoring the tribes of Jacob (v. 6) consists of establishing the land, apportioning the desolate heritages, and releasing the prisoners. Exiles will be able to return. Syrene (perhaps southern Egypt) is an example of the distant locations to which people had fled. Comments or Questions..