Author: drthomasclothier

Isaiah 9:8-10:4 is a poem by the Prophet Isaiah warning God’s people of the great calamities which the LORD was about to send because of their sin. Israel’s response was to ignore the LORD’s disciplining grace.

Therefore, Isaiah poetically indicated that the LORD would bring about the downfall of His rebellious people. The poem is structured into four stanzas: 9:8-12; 9:13-17; 9:18-21; and 10:1-4. The poem’s theme is refrained four times (9:12; 9:17; 9:21; 10:4). It is “For all His anger has not turned away, and His hand is stretched out still.”

Today, we examine Isaiah 9:13-17 which says, “¹³ The people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the Lord of hosts. ¹⁴ So the Lord cut off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and reed in one day— ¹⁵ the elder and honored man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail; ¹⁶  for those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up. ¹⁷ Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men, and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is godless and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”

The Scriptures do not shy away from the truth that God is not only the source of blessing but also the ultimate source of trials. Triumphs and trials both come from the LORD: either directly or indirectly.

There are times that trials are God’s means to test His children’s spiritual endurance (James 1:1-8; I Peter 1:1-9). These difficulties are from the providential hand and purpose of God. Consider the following biblical texts.

Exodus 4:10–14 – “¹⁰ But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” ¹¹ Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹² Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” ¹³ But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” ¹⁴ Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.”

Ecclesiastes 7:13–14 – “¹³ Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? ¹⁴ In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.”

Isaiah 45:1–7 – “Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: ² “I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, ³ I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. ⁴ For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me. ⁵ I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, ⁶ that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. ⁷ I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things”.

Lamentations 3:37–38 – “³⁷ Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? ³⁸ Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?”

The LORD provided Israel with ample warning concerning their need, and His command, that they repent of their sin and return to the LORD their God. This they refused to do.

Isaiah 9:13 says, “¹³ The people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the Lord of hosts.”  The biblical text does not refute the idea that God’s providential and sovereign will and judgment was behind Syria’s and Philistia’s invasion of the northern kingdom of Israel. It would be the same for the southern kingdom of Judah in 605 B.C. (2 Chronicles 36).

Therefore, Isaiah 9:14-15 says, “¹⁴ So the Lord cut off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and reed in one day— ¹⁵ the elder and honored man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail.” From top to bottom, from the elders of the land to the prophets who spoke lies to the people, God judged the entire nation. The symbol of head and tail represents the civil and religious leadership of Israel.

However, God’s judgment is not just reserved for the civil and religious leaders. Isaiah 9:16-17 says, “¹⁶ for those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up. ¹⁷ Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men, and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is godless and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”

Not even the most helpless in Israel’s society were exempt from the LORD’s wrath. Not even the most helpless members of society will escape God’s judgment.

Once again, what was true for Israel centuries ago is true for nations today. God calls everyone to repent of their sin and turn to Him by faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Why? It is because “For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isaiah 9:8-10:4 is a poem by the Prophet Isaiah warning God’s people of the great calamities which the LORD was sending because of their sin. Israel’s response was to ignore the LORD’s disciplining wrath and grace.

Therefore, Isaiah poetically indicated that the LORD would bring about the downfall of His rebellious people. The poem is structured into four stanzas: 9:8-12; 9:13-17; 9:18-21; and 10:1-4. The poem’s theme is refrained four times (9:12; 9:17; 9:21; 10:4). It is “For all His anger has not turned away, and His hand is stretched out still.”

Today we examine Isaiah 9:8-12 which says, “⁸ The Lord has sent a word against Jacob, and it will fall on Israel; ⁹ and all the people will know, Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria, who say in pride and in arrogance of heart: ¹⁰ “The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.” ¹¹ But the Lord raises the adversaries of Rezin against him, and stirs up his enemies. ¹² The Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”

Through His prophets, the LORD warned the northern kingdom of Israel that His judgment was coming upon them because of their sin. The LORD has sent His word. His oracle was an impending woe upon the people of Jacob. It was a judgment that would come. It was to be a judgment that the people would eventually understand, but too late.

What was the people’s response? 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “ if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” However, Israel did not humble itself as a nation. Israel did not pray and seek God’s face. Israel did not turn from its wicked ways. Therefore, God did not forgive their sin and subsequently heal their land.

Rather, Israel’s response was arrogance. To the LORD’s destructive judgment upon the land and their cities, the people responded that they would rebuild bigger and better cities. They believed they would, and could, overcome the judgment of God. How foolish.

God would bring destruction upon Israel through the military might of the Syrians and the Philistines. God would use these evil nations to bring upon Israel His righteous judgment. God would purpose evil to exist and use it for His glory. See Habakkuk.

Why would God chose to do this? Isaiah 9:12 provides the answer. “For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.” The One, true God who delivered Israel from Egypt was now extended to strike His own people.

What was true of Israel is true for nations today. God hates sin and will bring judgment down upon unrepentant sin. He does so upon not only individuals but also nations. May we individually, and nationally, repent and return to the God of our salvation.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

  

 

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Dr. R. C. Sproul states that, “Isaiah 9:6–7 describes this coming king. He would possess unparalleled wisdom, being the “Wonderful Counselor” who would not need advisers or counselors to help guide him. His reign would also be so marked by peace that he would be the “Prince of Peace.” Other kings are known for war, and while this coming king would be a mighty warrior, his rule would establish and maintain permanent peace between God and the king’s loyal subjects. And this king would be more than a mere man. He would be “Mighty God, Everlasting Father”—that is, the Creator Himself incarnate.”

The Messianic prophecy of the incarnate Son of God continues in Isaiah 9:7. Regarding this One who is identified as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, Isaiah goes on to say that, “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

The characteristics of the Messiah’s rule and reign are highlighted in Isaiah 9:7. Let’s look at each one in detail.

“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” The word increase means greatness and abundance. The greatness and abundance of the Son’s rule and dominion (government) and of complete safety (peace) will be eternal.  

“On the throne of David and over his kingdom.” The Son’s rule and dominion will be centralized on the throne of Israel. This is personified as the throne and kingdom of David ((1 Kings 8:25; Psalm 2:6; 132:11; Jeremiah 3:17, 18; Ezekiel 34:23–26; Luke 1:32, 33; Acts 2:30). The virgin’s Son will be the rightful heir to David’s throne and will inherit the promises of the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12–16; cf. Psalm 89:1–37; Matthew 1:1).

 “To establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” The purpose and character of the Son’s rule and dominion will be to form and sustain His eternal kingdom with righteous judgment.

“The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” The passion and strong desire of Yahweh, who commands a vast host of angels, will accomplish this feat.

 Dr. John Walvoord explains, “The Messiah, seated on David’s throne (Luke 1:32–33), will have an eternal rule of peace and justice. His rule will have no end; it will go on forever (cf. Dan. 7:14, 27; Micah 4:7; Luke 1:33; Rev. 11:15). Following the kingdom on earth, He will rule for eternity. He will maintain righteousness (cf. Jer. 23:5), as His rule will conform to God’s holy character and demands.”

One author writes that, “In this fallen world, people long for peace between family members, between coworkers, and between neighbors. Lasting peace is possible, however, only through submission to the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus. When we bow to Him in faith, we are put at peace with our Creator, and we are called to announce His reign so that others may know His peace. Let us seek to tell others about the Prince of Peace this day.”

Soli deo Gloria!

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Today, we continue to examine Isaiah 9:6 which says, “⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Four descriptive and compound titles, or names, are given to the Son. Each describe His inner character.

Wonderful Counselor. In an absolute sense, this name means that the Son will be an outstanding and amazing source of wisdom and counsel.

Mighty God. In an absolute sense, this name means that the Son is also the one, true God of the universe who created it and sustains it, is powerful and strong.

Everlasting Father. In an absolute sense, this means that the Son is the head of His covenant people and will be eternally.

Prince of Peace. In an absolute sense, the Son is the commander and ruler of safeness, soundness and welfare for His people.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Wonderful Counselor. In contrast to Ahaz, this King will implement supernatural wisdom in discharging his office (cf. 2 Sam. 16:23; 1 Kings 3:28). Mighty God. As a powerful warrior, the Messiah will accomplish the military exploits mentioned in Isa. 9:3–5 (cf. 10:21; Deut. 10:17; Neh. 9:32). Everlasting Father. The Messiah will be a Father to his people eternally. As Davidic King, he will compassionately care for and discipline them (Isa. 40:11; 63:16; 64:8; Ps. 68:5–6; 103:13; Prov. 3:12). Prince of Peace. The government of Immanuel will procure and perpetuate peace among the nations of the world (Isa. 2:4; 11:6–9; Mic. 4:3).”

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

  

 

 

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Today, we examine Isaiah 9:6 which says, “⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Dr. Don Carson explains that, “The mounting relief and joy in vs 1–5 as the trappings of war are abolished prepare us to meet the deliverer; but instead of some latter-day Gideon (cf. v 4), it is the child (6) already foretold as Immanuel in 7:14; 8:8.”

“For to us” within the immediate context this statement refers to Israel. In the ultimate context it refers to all who are children of God by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. This promise is exclusively for those who are in covenant relationship with God.

“A child” specifically refers to a man child. A boy. This is the child prophesied in Isaiah 7:14.

“Is born.” The grammar here in the Hebrew is most interesting because this verb phrase is in the perfect tense. That means it refers to a past completed action which has continuing results. This seems logical to the 21^st century believer because the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 is rooted in an 8^th century B.C. historical context. However, this was a prophecy yet future by approximately 700 years for those believers. The perfect tense indicates the assurance of this prophecy coming to pass as if it already has. This grammatical style is known as the prophetic perfect.

“To us a son is given.” To covenant believers God gives a son. Once again, the phrase “is given” is in the perfect tense. The same sense applies a previously noted.

“And the government shall be upon his shoulder” refers to the Son’s right to rule and have dominion over His people and all of creation. Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “He will rule over God’s people (cf. Micah 5:2) and the world (Zechariah 14:9). The government will be on His shoulders figuratively refers to the kingly robe to be worn by the Messiah. As King, He will be responsible to govern the nation. In Isaiah’s day Judah’s leaders were incompetent in governing the people. But the Messiah will govern properly.”

Dr. John MacArthur explains that, “These terms elaborate further on Immanuel, the child to be born to the virgin (7:14). The virgin’s child will also be the royal Son of David, with rights to the Davidic throne (9:7; cf. Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:31–33; 2:7, 11).In fulfillment of this verse and Psalm 2:9, the Son will rule the nations of the world (Rev. 2:27; 19:15).”

Four descriptive and compound titles, or names, are given to the Son. Each describe His inner character. We will examine each name when next we meet.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

   

 

 

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Today, we examine Isaiah 9:4-5 which says, “⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.”

These two verses are filled with images of military instruments of oppression, battle and war. A yoke is an instrument of oppression and burden. A staff may refer to not only a rod, but also an arrow or lance. A rod is a club. The phrase “boot of the trampling warrior” refers to an army on the move. Battle tumult is a riotous, discordant sound that signals chaos and frenzy caused by an approaching army. Garments rolled in blood symbolizes those killed in battle.

All these instruments and images associated with political and military war between nations will cease. The LORD would eventually free national Israel from its bondage to Assyria, Babylon, and every foreign power to follow which would seek to oppress her.

It was passages such as this which would prompt the Jews during the time of Christ to perceive that the Messiah’s deliverance of Israel was purely political and military. They failed to understand the spiritual implications of Messiah’s coming were far greater and more important.

Puritan Matthew Henry writes, “The design of the gospel, and the grace of it, is to break the yoke of sin and Satan, to remove the burden of guilt and corruption, and to free us from the rod of those oppressors, that we might be brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”

Let us not lose sight of the fact that Jesus Christ’s coming was to free sinners from not only the penalty of sin, and the power of sin, but also from the very presence of sin. This is the ultimate victory by our glorious and victorious Savior.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes that, “Isaiah 9:1–7 records the famous prophecy of the coming child who would be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This messianic hope arose because the Lord promised to raise up a son of David who would rule forever and because the failures of David’s line made the people hope for someone to restore that line (2 Sam. 7; Amos 9:11–15). Hezekiah was a good king, but he was not the Messiah. However, during his reign God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, telling the king that after the Assyrian invasion of Judah during Hezekiah’s lifetime, a new king would sit on the throne in Jerusalem.”

Since Isaiah 9:2-7 is such a magnificent oracle, we are going to examine each verse in detail. Today, we examine Isaiah 9:3. My hope is that you will truly be blessed by this study.

Isaiah 9:3 says, “You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.”

The personal pronouns in this verse merit attention. The word ”you”, which is singular, refers to the LORD: Yahweh. The word “they”, which is plural,  refers to the Nation of Israel.

Isaiah credits the LORD with the increase of Israel. Yahweh is the source of Israel becoming great again. He will do so by sending the Messiah who will lead the people out of spiritual darkness and into the light of the Gospel.

Yahweh is also responsible for the increase of Israel’s joy. The word increase means to exalt and to make great. What is exalted and made great in Israel is joy. Joy is an inner attitude of gladness and delight. Joy even transcends unfavorable circumstances because the source of joy is the LORD and not one’s circumstances.

Because of the LORD’s work, the people rejoiced before Him in worship. Rejoicing is the behavior which corresponds to the inner attitude of joy. It is the outward expression of gladness and a merry heart.

Isaiah likens Israel’s joy in the promised Messiah to be like the joy during the annual harvest. As the crops are being gathered from the fields, the people are rejoicing for another year of sustaining food from the gracious hand of God.

The light of the Messiah will increase Israel’s joy like the joy at harvest-time.  “Joy” is another emphasis of the prophet Isaiah. Joy is mentioned more than two dozen times in his prophetical book. This joy will be a supernatural work of God much like the nation’s deliverance when Gideon defeated Midian (Judges 7:1–24; Isaiah 10:26).

Do you possess an inner joy from the LORD? Is your inner gladness and contentment displayed by your outward behavior? May it be so today. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Soli deo Gloria!

 

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)  

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Isaiah 9:1–7 records the famous prophecy of the coming child who would be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah uttered these words during the reign of King Hezekiah, who lived at the end of the eighth century and the beginning of the seventh century BC. Hezekiah was one of the godliest kings during the old covenant period (2 Kings 18:1–7), but he was no King David. Hezekiah inherited the throne of David his forefather and reigned during a period when the Assyrian Empire was the strongest power in the ancient Near East. David, however, was established on the throne of Israel by the Lord, and he took Israel from being a minor player on the world stage to one of great importance (2 Sam. 5; 1 Chron. 18:4). Because of the glories of David’s reign, David became the prototype of the ideal ruler, and the prophets looked forward to the day when a king like David but even better would rule over God’s people once more (Jer. 23:5; 33:14–15; Zech. 12:8).”

Since Isaiah 9:2-7 is such a magnificent oracle, we are going to examine each verse, beginning with Isaiah 9:2, individually. My hope is that you will truly be blessed by this study.

Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Let’s begin to unpack this verse.

The people. Within the immediate context the people would be both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah in the 8^th century B.C. The entire nation was existing and living in darkness. The word darkness refers to a time and condition of terror, ignorance, sadness, confusion and evil.

The coming of the Messiah was and is synonymous with the coming of light to remove the darkness of captivity (42:16; 49:6; 58:8; 60:1, 19–20). However, the condition of the Jewish people walking in darkness politically and culturally in the 8^th century B.C. mirrors the spiritual darkness all unredeemed people experience without Christ.

Ephesians 5:8-11 says, “⁸ for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), ¹⁰ and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

I John 1:5-7 says, “⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”  

Dr. John MacArthur writes that, “Darkness describes the character of the life of the unconverted as void of truth and virtue in intellectual and moral matters (cf. 1 John 1:5–7). The realm of darkness is presided over by the “power of darkness” (Luke 22:53; Col. 1:13), who rules those headed for “outer darkness” (Matt. 8:12; 2 Pet. 2:17). Tragically, sinners love the darkness (John 3:19–21). It is that very darkness from which salvation in Christ delivers sinners (see John 8:12; Col. 1:13; 1 Pet. 2:9; cf. Ps. 27:1).”

Those in Israel who lived in spiritual darkness now understood a great light would come. This light would be the source of guidance, health, life and prosperity. It would be a great, important and excellent light. The light is the Messiah and His coming symbolizes not only the removal from political captivity of the Jewish nation then, but also, and more importantly, the spiritual captivity of the soul for all time.

Much like Israel during Isaiah’s day, do you recall your life when it was in darkness? How has the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ changed your life? Take time to thank the LORD for delivering you from darkness and bringing you into the light.

Soli deo Gloria!    

“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.” (Isaiah 9:1)

 Dr. R. C. Sproul writes that, “Scripture does not tell us about people and events that are divorced from history. It explains that God has worked out His salvation in space and in time. One of the clearest examples of this is the Bible’s use of prophecy that is set firmly in one historical setting while predicting events in another. Prophecies of the coming Messiah fill the Old Testament, with the book of Isaiah featuring some of the most well-known predictions of the future.”

Zebulun and Naphtali were two geographic regions in the northern kingdom of Israel. Both regions were located to the west, northwest of the Sea of Galilee. They were both located west of the Jordan River and contained fertile land suitable for raising crops and for grazing livestock. This remains so today.

These two regions were the first to suffer from the invading forces of Assyria (2 Kings 15:29). This marked the beginning of the dark days for the northern kingdom of Israel.

However, the LORD provided a glimmer of hope and confidence for the people of the land. While in the former days of judgment there would be doom and gloom, in the latter days the LORD would transform the land into glory. He would make it the “glorious way of the sea.”

The New Testament amplifies and applies this prophecy of the returning honor of Galilee to the period of Jesus Christ’s first advent. Matthew 4:12-16 says, “¹² Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. ¹³ And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, ¹⁴ so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ¹⁵ “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— ¹⁶ the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

Matthew 4:15-16 quotes directly from Isaiah 9:1-2. While the initial fulfillment of Isaiah 9:1-7 would occur during the incarnation of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago, the ultimate fulfillment will take place at His second advent. It will be then that the LORD will expel all foreign invaders from the land.

Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “Galil in Hebrew is a “circle,” or “circuit,” and from it came the name Galilee. North of Naphtali, inhabited by a mixed race of Jews and Gentiles of the bordering Phoenician race (Judges 1:30; 1 Ki 9:11). Besides the recent deportation by Tiglath-pileser, it had been sorely smitten by Ben-hadad of Syria, two hundred years before (1 Kings 15:20). It was after the Assyrian deportation colonized with heathens, by Esar-haddon (2 Kings 17:24). Hence arose the contempt for it on the part of the southern Jews of purer blood (John 1:46; 7:52).”

“The same region which was so darkened once, shall be among the first to receive Messiah’s light (Matthew 4:13, 15, 16). It was in despised Galilee that He first and most publicly exercised His ministry; from it were most of His apostles. Foretold in Deuteronomy 33:18, 19; Acts 2:7; Psalm 68:27, 28, Jerusalem, the theocratic capital, might readily have known Messiah; to compensate less favored Galilee, He ministered mostly there; Galilee’s very debasement made it feel its need of a Saviour, a feeling not known to the self-righteous Jews (Mt 9:13). It was appropriate, too, that He who was both “the Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the Glory of His people Israel,” should minister chiefly on the border land of Israel, near the Gentiles.”

More to come.

Soli deo Gloria!