Isaiah 9

Isaiah 9:1

9:1-5 Now we are carried forward to the coming of the Messiah. The northern territory of Israel, called the land of Naphtali, which had been brought into contempt by the invaders, will be made glorious. (Galilee of the Gentiles was the Savior’s boyhood home and the scene of part of His public ministry.) Christ’s First Advent brought light to Galilee. His Second Coming will bring joy to the nation and put an end to slavery and war. 9:6 The First Advent is described in verse 6a: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.” The first clause speaks of His humanity, the second of His deity. The next part of the verse points forward to the Second Advent: the government will be upon His shoulder He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. The rest of the verse describes His personal glories: His name will be called Wonderful this name is a noun, not an adjective, and speaks of His Person and work. Counselor His wisdom in government. Mighty God the omnipotent, supreme Ruler. Everlasting Father or better, the Father (or “Source”) of eternity. Eternal Himself, He confers eternal life on those who believe in Him. Vine comments: “There is a twofold revelation in this: (1) He inhabits and possesses eternity (Isa_57:15); (2) He is loving, tender, compassionate, an all wise Instructor, Trainer, and Provider.” Prince of Peace (Sar-She3lf4m) the One who will at last bring peace to this troubled world. 9:7 His government will be far-flung, peaceful, and endless. Sitting upon the throne of David, He will rule with judgment and justice. How will all this be brought about? The Lord’s jealous care for His people will perform this. 9:8-12 Again the prophet turns back to the thunders of judgment, dividing his message into four stanzas, each ending with the refrain, “For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still” (vv. 12, 17, 21, Isa_10:4). Unmoved by previous punishment, Israel threatens in pride and arrogance to rebuild more gloriously than ever. But the Lord promises that they will be attacked by the Syrians from the east and the Philistines from the west. 9:13-17 He further warns of the wholesale destruction of the population, from the honored elder to the prophet who teaches lies. Because ungodliness prevails, the Lord’s anger is not turned away and His hand is stretched out stillin judgment, not in mercy. 9:18-21 Because of general wickedness, the land is consumed with the fire of civil war, anarchy, famine, looting, and cannibalism.