[20] “A crushed [bruised] reed He shall not break, and smoking flax He shall not quench, till He brings forth right-ruling forever. [See also Isaiah 42:3]
A reed is a tall, thin grass that typically grows in wet areas, common in marshlands or riverbanks (like those around the Jordan), and it is easily bent or bruised when pressure is applied.
Metaphorically, the “bruised reed” refers to the spiritually, physically, or morally weak - a vulnerable people's fragility who are weakened by tribulation, or injustice; they may feel ready to “break.” A reed that is bruised may be damaged, but it is not irreparable.
A "smoking flax" may be about to lose its fire altogether, but it can still be reignited. It symbolizes a flickering hope of faith indicating someone whose spirit is low but still has a spark of life which YHWH will not extinguish.
Isaiah 42:1 KJVAAE
[1] Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Just like Yahshua, the Suffering Servant, who was brought forth to lead justice to victory, He was the "bruised reed" whom the nations look upon with hope. Those under Him also will suffer as bruised reeds in a decaying and unrepentant world; the outcasts who are mocked and despised for the Truth.
But, YHWH's commitment to His chosen ones is to uphold them and refine them. They are Israel, or His servant, Jacob (144,000); in other words, they are overcomers also known as "striving with Elohim." He has called out His bruised and battered reeds to go forth in righteousness to proclaim His Truth and right-rulings to the lost and help lead the captives free.
Isaiah 42:6-7 WEBUS
[6] “I, Yahweh, have called you in righteousness. I will hold your hand. I will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations,
[7] to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.
YHWH has called a remnant to be a light to the Gentiles and help lead them out of darkness and falsehood.
The mouth, has YHWH made, like a sharp sword and a polished shaft. Like arrows, He has hidden His chosen ones in His quiver, a place of divine protection and purpose in spiritual preparation to be used for His glory.
Isaiah 49:5 WEBUS
[5] Now Yahweh, He who formed me from the womb to be his servant, says to bring Jacob again to Him, and to gather Israel to him, for I am honorable in Yahweh’s eyes, and my God has become my strength.
Ma`asei (Acts) 5:32 TS2009
[32] And we are His witnesses to these matters, and so also is the Set-apart Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him.”
YHWH will comfort His people and have compassion on His afflicted ones. He will contend with those who contend against them and promises to save their offspring.
Yeshayah (Isaiah) 49:14-15 TS2009
[14] But Tsiyon says, “יהוה has forsaken me, and יהוה has forgotten me.”
[15] “Would a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Though they forget, I never forget you.
All who wait on YHWH will not be ashamed for He does not forsake His set-apart ones, those who guard the Commandments and hold the testimony of Yahshua, for they will soar on eagle's wings and reign with their Messiah forever and all flesh will know that YHWH is the One and Only Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob! HalleluYAH!
By: Edith Sapaugh
[@thegraftedones]
