The LORD was pleasedThis phrase indicates God's delight and satisfaction. In the context of Isaiah, it reflects God's sovereign will and purpose. The pleasure of the LORD is often associated with His plans and purposes being fulfilled (
Isaiah 53:10). It underscores the idea that God's actions are not arbitrary but are rooted in His divine pleasure and purpose.
for the sake of His righteousness
God's righteousness is a central theme throughout the Bible, representing His moral perfection and justice. In Isaiah, God's righteousness often involves His faithfulness to His covenant and His commitment to justice and salvation (Isaiah 46:13). This phrase suggests that God's actions are motivated by His inherent righteousness, ensuring that His law and purposes align with His holy nature.
to magnify His law
The law here refers to God's commandments and instructions given to His people. To "magnify" the law means to elevate its importance and make it more widely understood and respected. This can be seen in the context of the coming of Christ, who fulfilled the law and expanded its understanding (Matthew 5:17). The magnification of the law also points to the prophetic role of the Messiah, who would embody and teach God's perfect law.
and make it glorious
Making the law glorious implies revealing its true beauty and worth. In the biblical context, the law was not just a set of rules but a reflection of God's character and a guide for righteous living. The glory of the law is fully realized in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, who exemplifies and fulfills the law's intent (2 Corinthians 3:7-11). This transformation from the written code to the living Word highlights the law's ultimate purpose in leading people to a deeper relationship with God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is righteous and just. He is the central figure in this passage, emphasizing His desire to uphold His law.
2.
IsaiahThe prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Israel. He is the author of the book and serves as a mouthpiece for God's revelations.
3.
IsraelThe nation chosen by God to be His people, often addressed in Isaiah's prophecies. They are the recipients of God's law and His promises.
4.
The Law (Torah)Refers to God's commandments and instructions given to Israel. In this context, it is something God desires to magnify and make glorious.
5.
RighteousnessA key attribute of God, reflecting His moral perfection and justice. It is for the sake of His righteousness that God acts to magnify His law.
Teaching Points
God's Righteousness and His LawGod's actions are always aligned with His righteousness. His desire to magnify the law is rooted in His perfect nature.
The Glory of God's LawThe law is not just a set of rules but a reflection of God's character. It is glorious because it reveals His holiness and justice.
Fulfillment in ChristJesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the law, embodying its principles and magnifying its glory through His life and sacrifice.
Living Out God's LawAs believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects the glory of God's law, not through legalism but through the Spirit's empowerment.
The Role of the Law TodayWhile we are not under the law as a means of salvation, it still serves as a guide to understanding God's will and character.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 42:21?
2.How does Isaiah 42:21 reveal God's commitment to His law's greatness?
3.What actions can we take to uphold God's law in our lives?
4.How does Isaiah 42:21 connect to Jesus fulfilling the law in Matthew 5:17?
5.In what ways can we delight in God's law as Isaiah 42:21 suggests?
6.How can Isaiah 42:21 inspire us to promote justice in our communities?
7.How does Isaiah 42:21 reflect God's commitment to His law and righteousness?
8.Why is the Lord pleased to magnify His law according to Isaiah 42:21?
9.What does Isaiah 42:21 reveal about God's character and His expectations for humanity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 42?
11.What does it mean Jesus became sin for us?
12.Is Israel a guiding light to the Gentiles?
13.(Romans 3:21-22) How do we reconcile the idea of being made righteous 'apart from the law' with Old Testament passages that emphasize strict adherence to the law?
14.What is Yahwism or a Yahwist?What Does Isaiah 42:21 Mean
The LORD was pleased- Isaiah states that God’s actions flow from His own delight, not human prompting.Psalm 115:3 declares, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.”
- That pleasure is rooted in holy purpose, as seen when “it pleased the LORD to crush Him” (Isaiah 53:10), foreshadowing Christ’s atoning work.
- God’s pleasure assures us that His plan is never reluctant or half-hearted; it is carried out with joyful determination.
For the sake of His righteousness- Every divine action safeguards the moral perfection of God’s character.Psalm 23:3 reminds us that He “guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
-Romans 3:26 explains that through the gospel God “demonstrates His righteousness,” upholding justice while extending mercy.
- Because His righteousness is unchanging (Malachi 3:6), we can trust that His dealings with Israel in Isaiah’s day—and with us now—are always right, pure, and fair.
To magnify His law- “Law” (Torah) means God’s revealed instruction.Psalm 19:7 celebrates, “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.”
- In the Servant songs, the Messiah fulfills this mission: “He will establish justice on the earth” (Isaiah 42:4). Jesus echoed that aim: “I have not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it” (Matthew 5:17).
- By lifting the law into full view—exposing its depth, demands, and beauty—God shows that His standards are not negotiable but worthy of honor.
And make it glorious- Glory speaks of visible splendor. God wants His law to shine, not lie dormant.2 Corinthians 3:7-9 contrasts the fading glory of stone tablets with the surpassing glory brought by the Spirit through Christ.
- When the law is written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33), its glory is seen in transformed lives—“so that the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us” (Romans 8:4).
- The end goal is worship: “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all day long” (Psalm 119:97). A life shaped by Scripture puts God’s brilliance on display.
summaryIsaiah 42:21 teaches that God joyfully acts to uphold His own flawless righteousness by elevating His revealed word to a place of honor. In doing so, He showcases the majesty of His standards and prepares hearts for their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah. When we submit to that glorious law, we participate in God’s pleasure and reflect His righteousness to the world.
(21)
The Lord is well pleased . . .--The tenses require a change:
The Lord was well pleased. . .He made His law great and glorious.This had been His purpose, and he had not failed in it. He had done all that it was possible to do. (Comp.
Isaiah 5:4;
Romans 9:4.)
Verse 21. -
The Lord is well pleased; rather,
the Lord was pleased, or
it pleased the Lord.For his righteousness' sake; "because of his own perfect righteousness."
He will magnify the Law; rather,
to magnify the Law - to set it forth in its greatness and its glory before his people. It is not the original giving of the Law at Sinai only that is meant, but also its constant inculcation by a long series of prophets. Israel's experience (ver. 29) had included all this; but they had not profited by the instruction addressed to them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The LORDיְהוָ֥ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwas pleasedחָפֵ֖ץ(ḥā·p̄êṣ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2654:To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desirefor the sake ofלְמַ֣עַן(lə·ma·‘an)Preposition
Strong's 4616:Purpose -- intentHis righteousness,צִדְק֑וֹ(ṣiḏ·qōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6664:The right, equity, prosperityto magnifyיַגְדִּ֥יל(yaḡ·dîl)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1431:To grow up, become greatHis lawתּוֹרָ֖ה(tō·w·rāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451:Direction, instruction, lawand make it glorious.וְיַאְדִּֽיר׃(wə·ya’·dîr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 142:To expand, be great, magnificent
Links
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 42:21 It pleased Yahweh for his righteousness' sake (Isa Isi Is) 
