Isaiah 9:1-21
Q.1. How did Jesus fulfill this prophecy of Isaiah? How would Messiah come to earth? What will characterise His future reign? Has all this been accomplished in Jesus? Will it all be fulfilled? – (Isa.9:1-7)
This prophecy of Isaiah would have sounded strange, since at this time the territory belonged to the tribes of Naphtali and Manasseh, not the Gentiles. However, as Isaiah had indicated, before his son was a toddler, the northern kingdom of Israel would fall into foreign hands (Isa.8:3-4). That is why Matthew drew attention to the partial fulfilment of this prophecy at the beginning of Christ’s ministry (Mt.4:13-16). After centuries of gloom, the light of Christ would shine upon them – The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them (Isa.9:2). As often happened, the prophets could not distinguish easily between the 1st and 2nd Advent – … 1 but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles … 3 You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. 5 For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, and cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire (Isa.5:3-5). The ultimate fulfilment of this prophecy will come after the destruction of the Great Tribulation, and the establishment of the Millennial Reign of Christ. Again, Isaiah revealed that the Messiah will first come as a child and son. Then after His second coming, He will reign over a government of peace – 6 For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore (Isa.9:6-7). The Millennial Reign of Christ will be the final dispensation before Christ reigns over the new heaven and new earth forever (Rev.chpts.21-22). It cannot be held back since it is God’s plan of the ages and –The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this (Isa.9:7). Christian believers already acknowledge the reality of Christ’s reign in their hearts. Nevertheless, we eagerly wait for Christ to complete His plans, culminating in the establishment of the new heavens and new earth (2 Pet.3:11-13).
Q.2. How angry was God with Israel’s indifference? Why? What will God do about the nation? What is the meaning of the repeated phrase? – (Isa.9:8-21)
God spoke a blistering attack on the arrogance, callousness, and wickedness of the northern kingdom of Israel – 8 The Lord sends a message against Jacob, and it falls on Israel. 9 And all the people know it, that is, Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria, asserting in pride and in arrogance of heart (Isa.9:8-9). The refusal of the nation to turn back to God despite His chastening, gave Him no other choice. Isaiah described the destruction that came upon Israel at the hands of the Syrians – For those who guide this people are leading them astray; And those who are guided by them are brought to confusion (Isa.9:16). God was incensed by the leaders, because they showed no pity on the orphans and widows (Isa.9:17). The Hand that had so often delivered His people was now raised against them – … Despite of all this, His anger does not turn away And His hand is still stretched out Isa.9:12, 17, 21). This was the three-fold refrain after the prophet documented the disgraceful offences of Israel.