Who is the servant that God gives as a light to the Gentiles in Isaiah 49:6?
Isaiah 49:6 identifies the nation of Israel as that servant. God says it is a light thing for the servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved of Israel, then declares He will give thee, the nation of Israel, as a light to the Gentiles.
Les explains that Isaiah 49 presents God's intention for Israel to become a nation of go-betweens, or priests. Even though God knew the nation would fall far short, these were valid offers. If Israel was obedient to the Law and covenant given at Mount Sinai, they would be a channel to funnel salvation into the Gentile world. In verse 6, God tells the servant it is a light thing to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved of Israel, and He will also give thee, the nation of Israel, for a light to the Gentiles.
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.