Who is “thee” in Isaiah 49:6, and what is Israel’s role toward the Gentiles?
The "thee" in Isaiah 49:6 is Israel, identified as God's servant. Israel's role was to raise up the tribes of Jacob, restore the preserved of Israel, and be given as a light to the Gentiles, so that God's salvation would reach the end of the earth.
Les teaches that Isaiah 49:6 must be examined by asking who the "thee" is, and the answer is Israel. The verse says God's servant would raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved of Israel, then adds, "I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles." Israel was therefore to be the light of the Gentiles, so that Israel would be God's salvation unto the end of the earth. This was Israel's role. The context also identifies the speaker as the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and His Holy One, and notes God has dealt with the Jew only, with exceptions, since the call of Abraham until well into the New Testament.
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.
More Questions
In Isaiah 49:6, who is the servant given to as a light?
In Isaiah 49:6, God says he will make his servant 'a light to the Gentiles' so that the servant brings God's salvation to the end of the earth.