God's plan was to make Israel a light to the Gentiles, so His salvation would reach the ends of the earth.
In Isaiah 49:6, God says it is a light thing to restore Israel, and He also gives His servant as a light to the Gentiles, so salvation reaches 'unto the end of the earth.' Les Feldick teaches that Israel was to be the channel through which Gentile nations would come to know Jehovah.
Isaiah 49:6 — This verse explicitly says God will give His servant as a light to the Gentiles, directly revealing His plan for the Gentile world.
Isaiah 49:6 says: "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." The verse shows two purposes: restoring Israel and being a light to the Gentiles. God calls the first purpose 'a light thing' and adds the second — salvation for the nations. The phrase 'unto the end of the earth' indicates the worldwide scope of God's salvation.
Les Feldick explains that Isaiah 49:6 reveals the Old Testament program: Israel was to be the channel through which God would bring salvation to the Gentile world. He identifies 'Jacob' as the nation as a whole and 'Israel' as the believing remnant. Les says the whole idea of the priesthood of Israel was to be the go-between to bring pagan Gentiles to a knowledge of Jehovah. Israel did not fulfill this calling; they rejected God's plan in unbelief, so God turned to the Gentiles directly through the Apostle Paul — a mystery kept secret. God had known from the beginning that He would eventually reach the whole Gentile world with His salvation.
The verse shows that restoring Israel would not be God's only or greatest work. After mentioning the tribes of Jacob and the preserved of Israel, God adds that His servant will also be a light to the Gentiles. Les describes this as God saying the first task was 'a light thing' compared to what He would also do for the nations.
Les Feldick teaches that Israel did not fulfill their calling. In unbelief they rejected God's plan, and God eventually sent the nation into dispersion. Instead of reaching the Gentiles through Israel, Israel itself was scattered. God then turned to the Gentile world without Israel — something kept secret from the Old Testament prophets.
Les explains that the whole Old Testament program was God reaching the pagan Gentiles through Israel. When Israel rejected everything, God revealed the mystery to Paul: He would turn to the Gentiles without Israel. Isaiah 49:6 showed God's intention for the Gentiles all along, but the way it would be accomplished was hidden.
Why Israel Failed to Evangelize the World — Isaiah to Acts
All right, read on. "...the government," see, "...the government shall be upon His shoulder." And when that comes to pass, when He's on His throne in Jerusalem and the kingdom is set up, what will be His titles? Now can't you hear Handel's Messiah? Oh, I can. Every time I read this verse, it just rings in my ears. "...and His name shall be called Wonderful, the Consular, the..." What? "...
Jacob, Israel, and the Two Names
Les identifies Jacob as the nation as a whole and Israel as the believing remnant, and reads Isaiah 49:6 as God giving His servant as a light to the Gentiles.
Israel to Take God's Light to the Gentiles
Les emphasizes that God's mind was set on Israel taking His light to the Gentiles, with salvation reaching to the end of the earth.
The Priesthood of Israel
Les says the idea of Israel's priesthood was to be the go-between to bring salvation to pagan Gentiles.
The Exodus Covenant and Funneling Salvation
Les connects Isaiah 49:6 to the Exodus covenant: if Israel obeyed, they would funnel salvation into the Gentile world.
Starting With Israel, Including the Gentiles
Les notes Isaiah 49 gives light not only to the Jew but also to the Gentiles, even though the gospel started with Israel.
Israel's Rejection and Dispersion
Les explains Israel was to have the opportunity to bring God's salvation to the Gentiles, but rejected it in unbelief, and God sent them into dispersion.
The Mystery: Turning to the Gentiles Without Israel
Les clarifies that the entire Old Testament program was God reaching Gentiles through Israel, but when Israel rejected, God did something kept secret and turned to the Gentiles directly.
Isaiah 49:6: 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.
God's servant is given not only to restore Israel but also to be a light to the Gentiles, ensuring salvation reaches the end of the earth.
God gave His servant as 'a light to the Gentiles,' meaning Israel was to bring the knowledge of Jehovah to the nations. Les explains this as the priesthood of Israel — being the go-between for pagan Gentiles.
Les teaches that God did not change His ultimate purpose, but He did change the method. When Israel rejected, God set Israel aside and turned to the Gentiles directly through Paul, something kept secret in the Old Testament.
It shows the global scope of God's salvation — it was never meant only for Israel. Les emphasizes 'How far? To the end of the earth.'
Watch the Teaching: Why Israel Failed to Evangelize the World — Isaiah to Acts