The Daily RootedHome StoriesGradesChurchesWhat's NewAbout
Bible:
Answer key (separate)‹ Back to chapter 42

Prints on letter paper in black and white. No answers are printed on the student sheet.

Isaiah 42 · Grade 4

He Won't Break a Bruised Reed

Name Date

Read and Think

Isaiah 42 introduces what many readers call the first Servant Song. God says, "Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights: I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations." In the New Testament, Matthew quotes this song about Jesus healing people quietly (Matthew 12:18-21). At Jesus' baptism, the Father also said he was well pleased with his Son (Matthew 3:17).

The servant is gentle. "He will not shout, nor raise his voice." "He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a dimly burning wick." A bruised reed and a dim wick picture people who are weak or nearly ready to give up. Yet "He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he has set justice on the earth."

God says, "I will hold your hand... as a light for the nations, to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon." Then all creation is invited: "Sing to Yahweh a new song." God promises, "I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight." Sadly, Israel had been a blind and deaf servant, not listening to God's law.

Show What You Know

  1. What do many readers call the four special passages about God's servant?

  2. Where does Matthew quote this song?

  3. What do a bruised reed and a dim wick picture?

  4. What would the servant do for the blind and the prisoners?

Think About It

  1. In the New Testament, Jesus is gentle with a bruised reed. How can you be gentle with someone who is weak or hurting?

  2. God calls us to sing to Yahweh a new song. What new thing has God done in your life that you could thank Him for?

Memory Verse

“Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights: I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42:1 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for sending Your Servant. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • God's people had eyes but did not see. What might you be missing about God because you are not paying attention?
  • The servant would not grow weary until justice was set on earth. How can you work for what is fair in your neighborhood?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.