God called ten individuals “My servant,” as well as the nation of Israel — but King David held the title twenty-two times, recorded in eight different Old Testament books: 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. For example:
“I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: ‘Your seed I will establish forever, and build up your throne to all generations.’” (Ps. 89:3-4)
The first one called “My servant” was Abraham, when God was speaking to his son Isaac about his father. Years before, Abraham had failed to trust God twice — in a famine, and for safety in a Gentile land. Yet in spite of this, God kept His promise to Isaac for Abraham’s sake. Here is God’s grace manifested in His unconditional covenant made with Abraham.
“And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, ‘I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.’” (Gen. 26:24)
Another prominent individual who held this honor was Moses. God confirmed to Aaron and Miriam the special place Moses held with Him. They had taken it upon themselves to challenge Moses’ authority, and God quickly came to them and presented the unique relationship He maintained with Moses. This is a lesson for us to guard our words against the established leadership and servants in our local assemblies.
“Then He said, ‘Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, Even plainly, and not in dark sayings; and he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?’” (Num. 12:6-8)
Another noteworthy man to bear this God-given title was King Nebuchadnezzar, one of the most wicked, ungodly, and cruel kings of his day, who sought to destroy the people of God. This title reveals the sovereign God who rules the world and can use the enemies of His people to accomplish His perfect will (Jer. 25:9; 27:6; 43:10).
The Lord said that His servant Caleb had a different spirit than his peers and followed the Lord fully (Num. 14:24). God called the righteous man Job “My servant” on three occasions. God used Job to teach us many things about pride, suffering, and humility before Him. (Job 1:8; 2:3; 42:7-8).
Seven times, the nation of Israel is personified as “My servant,” a title that carries a powerful, unconditional promise. God continues to bring about His purposes on earth through His servant Israel.
“‘Therefore do not fear, O My servant Jacob,’ says the LORD, ‘nor be dismayed, O Israel; for behold, I will save you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return, have rest and be quiet, and no one shall make him afraid. For I am with you,’ says the LORD, ‘to save you; though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet I will not make a complete end of you’” (Jer. 30:10-11).
The preeminent Servant of God is the Lord Jesus Christ, chosen and beloved of God (Isa. 42:1-4; Matt. 12:18-21). He perfectly obeyed His Father and always pleased Him (Matt. 26:39; John 6:38; 8:29; 14:31; Rom. 5:19; Heb. 5:8). His service was perfect and successful (Isa. 53:11; John 17:4; 19:30; Col. 2:15; Heb. 9:12). Consequently, the Father testified concerning Him: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matt. 17:5).
As followers of Christ today, should not our desire be to hold the title “servant of Christ” for our Lord and Savior?
“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor” (John 12:26).