A majestic and wondrous figure stands at the center of this prophetic vision. This loyal servant is chosen by God, blessed with a divine spirit, and carries a global mission to bring justice to all of humanity.
The true identity of this servant is a subject of deep discussion, branching into four main paths. The primary approach among commentators is that this figure is the Messiah and Redeemer [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, מלבי״ם ושטיינזלץ]. Conversely, another perspective views the servant as a metaphor for the entire nation of Israel [רש״י ושד״ל]. In this view, Israel is chosen from all nations to represent the worshippers of the true God, standing in stark contrast to those who practice empty idolatry. A third approach suggests that the prophet Isaiah is speaking about himself and his own personal mission [אבן עזרא]. Finally, there is an opinion identifying the servant as Cyrus, the King of Persia, who was destined to become a king of justice [רב סעדיה גאון, מובא באבן עזרא ושד״ל].
God's special relationship with this servant is expressed through a sense of total support and reliance. It is compared to a king who leans with absolute confidence on his most faithful servant [מצודת ציון], knowing with certainty that this individual will never lie or betray Him [מצודת דוד, רד״ק ומלבי״ם]. God deeply desires this selected individual [מצודת ציון ומצודת דוד]. There is a profound distinction to be made between being a servant and being chosen [מלבי״ם]. The title of servant represents a person who actively prepares himself through his own free will, working hard to achieve purity and faith. In contrast, being chosen points to someone who possesses a natural, innate perfection, selected by God's will even before being formed in the womb.
As a result of this divine choice and personal preparation, God rests His own spirit and the spirit of prophecy upon the servant [רד״ק ואבן עזרא]. This spirit is granted in such overwhelming abundance that it naturally overflows, inspiring and affecting others [מלבי״ם]. According to the approach that identifies the servant as the nation of Israel, this means God established prophets among the Israelites, revealing His deepest secrets to them before any other nation [רש״י ושד״ל].
The ultimate purpose of receiving this divine spirit is to project justice out to the nations. The servant's role extends far beyond local borders, intended to transform the entire world. If the servant is the Messiah, he will not only lead Israel but will act as a judge for the whole earth [שטיינזלץ]. He will bring justice to light and establish universal peace, ending all wars between nations after the final conflict of Gog and Magog [רד״ק]. If the servant represents Israel, their destiny is to publicize the truth of God's absolute unity, inspiring the nations to willingly come and learn from their ways [רש״י ושד״ל]. Lastly, if the servant is the prophet himself, his duty is to deliver prophecies, revealing the future events destined for every nation on earth [אבן עזרא].