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Isa_49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb [to be] his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
Ver. 5. To bring Jacob again to him.] To convert and reduce him to the fold: this is the proper work of the arch-shepherd. {1Pe_2:25; 1Pe_3:18; 1Pe_5:4} Men may speak persuasively, but Christ alone can persuade the heart. Meum est docere, saith Cyril, rostrum auseultare, Dei vero perficere.
Though Israel be not gathered,] viz., By God’s Word, which is his "arm"; {Isa_53:1} or, will not be gathered. {as Mat_23:37}
Yet I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord.] Who will reward me êáôá ôïí êïðïí êáé ïõ êáôá ôïí êáñðïí , according to my pains, and not according to my success; {a} yea, it is more than probable that such as patiently persist in the work of the ministry, though few or none be converted thereby, shall have a greater measure of glory than those that see much fruit of their labours, and so have their honeycomb here to feed on.
{a} Secundum laborem, non secundum proventum. - Bern.