The expression 'The first,' in ch. xli. 27, is generally applied to the Messiah; in the
Targum, according to Rashi; in Bereshith R. 63; in Vayyikra R. 30; and in the Talmud
(Pes. 5 a); so also in Pesiqta (ed. Buber) p. 185 b.
Is. xlii. 1 is applied in the Targum to the Messiah, as also in the Midrash or Ps. ii.; and in
Yalkut ii. p. 104 d. See also our comments on Ps. ii. 7.
On Is. xliii. 10, the Targum renders 'My servant' by 'My servant the Messia h.'
The promise in Is. xlv . 22 is also among the future things mentioned in the Midrash on
Lamentations, to which we have referred in our remarks on Is. xi. 12.
Is. xlix . 8. There is a remarkable comment on this in Yalkut on the passage, to the effect
that the Messiah suffers in every age for the sins of that generation, but that God would in
the day of redemption repair it all (Yalk. ii. p. 52 b).
Is. xlix . 9 is quoted as the words of the Messiah in Yalkut (vol. ii. p. 52 b).
Verse 10 is one of the pas sages referred to in the Midrash on Lamentations, quoted in
connection with Is. xi. 12.
Verse 12 has already been noticed in our remarked on Ex. xii. 2.
From the expression 'comfort' in verse 13, the Messianic title 'Menachem' is derived.
Comp. the Midrash on Prov. xix. 21.
Verse 14 is Messianically applied in Yalkut ii. p. 52 c.
Verse 21 is also one of the passages referred to in the Midrash of Lamentations, quoted
under Ps. xi. 12.
On verse 23 it is remarked in Vayyikra R. 27 (ed. Warsh. p. 42 a ), that Messianic
blessings were generally prefigured by similar events, as for example, the passage here
quoted in the case of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel.
A Messianic application of the same passage also occurs in Par. 33 and 36, as a contrast
to the contempt that Israel experiences in this world.
The second clause of verse 23 is applied to the Messiah in the Midrash on Ps. ii. 2, as to
be fulfilled when the Gentiles shall see the terrible judgements.
Verse 26 is similarly applied to the destruction of the Ge ntiles in Vayyikra R.33 (end).
Is. li. 12 is one of the passages referred to in the Midrash of Lamentations, quoted in our
comments in Is. xi. 12.