This is a passage that we commonly encounter near or during Christmas, but today, as a part of our series in Isaiah, we are reading this passage not during Christmas. As we read this passage, we want to see who this Light is and also above all to come and worship.
(A) The Great Light Shines: Hope that brings great joy out of gloom (Isa 9:1-3)
Isa 9:1 begins with a “but”. In the chapter before, Isa 8 speaks of the people that have turned away from God and turned to necromancers. Isa 8:22 speaks of a gloom and darkness that covers the land. But what are we to make of this darkness? This is not a generic darkness. In the immediate context, it’s the invasion and threat poised by Assyria. The nation of Judah will meet their end as they know it. It’s a picture of the defeat and exile of God’s people.
Isa 9:1 is therefore a wonderful beacon of hope. There will be a remnant of those that have lived faithfully and have not rejected God. They will not be in this anguish and darkness. God’s promise is definite and not gloomy! What a contrast from the previous chapter! Despite the darkness into which the defiant and disobedient people are thrust into, God also promises hope and comfort. He holds out a precious promise of light here in the darkness.
In Isa 9:1b, Isaiah introduces 2 time periods — the former and the latter. In the former time, the land of Zebulun and Naphtali is brought into contempt. In this context, we understand this to be complete and total destruction and humiliation. Zebulun and Naphtali are located at the north, and are the first to be invaded and taken. Isaiah speaks in the past tense about something that hasn’t happened. What we are to know though, is that what is spoken of here will surely happen.
In the latter time, God brings about something glorious. He looks forward to what God will do in future. God will make these same lands glorious. Though they were the first to suffer, they will now be the first to see a glorious new era. Years later, in Matt 4:12-16, Jesus started His ministry from Galilee and Matthew cross refers to this passage here to show us how Jesus fulfilled prophecy! Yes, Zeubulun and Naphtali will fall first, but this place will also be a launchpad for Jesus’ ministry.
This ministry also extends beyond God’s people as they were used to! Here, there is a reference to “Galilee of the nations”. It will go beyond God’s people. God judges God’s people, but restoration happens beyond God’s people, and overflows to beyond them to the nations.
Darkness and gloom is certain but so is the hope and promise that He holds out! This is also the message of Christmas, that His salvation is a light in the darkness, and extends even to those who are lost.
Isaiah moves from land to talk about people. Isaiah writes that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light and light also shines on them (Isa 9:2). The remnant has also multiplied and God has increased their joy (Isa 9:3a). They have increased in numbers but have also responded in joy! They enjoy an abundant harvest and also victory in war (Isa 9:3b). This is a result of seeing this great light!
Joy and elation is the response! How does knowing that God has saved me affect me? Does it stir up in our hearts this same joy? Does it even stir a response? Perhaps you, like me, find it hard to be joyful and be glad, even though we read and know these wonderful things. It seems extra hard now in a time of this pandemic and with it, the financial repercussions and also new issues that crop up every day. It is hard to be joyful and glad in such a world and darkness. Yet, His light shines in this darkness. His word is for us to meditate on and savour. May it also be our prayer that He increases our joy and turn to Him.
(B) The Great Light Explained: The Son who brings deliverance from suffering and conquest (Isa 9:4-6)
Isaiah explains this overflowing joy with three “for(s)” in Isa 9:4-6.
“for the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the road of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian” (Isa 9:4)
Different symbols of burden are mentioned here and there is a picture of these being removed. These would also remind Isaiah’s audience of Exodus too, and God’s triumph over Egypt. The mention of Midian is from Judges 6-7, where Midian was oppressing Israel in the time of Gideon. God uses Gideon to overthrow the oppressor at this point in Israel’s history.
“for every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.” (Isa 9:5)
From this description, see that the victory in this war is complete. There is no need for the boot and garment and this can be destroyed. The battle is over. This doesn’t just speak of the end to physical wars. On another level, it also teaches us that God who has triumphed has also achieved a complete and full salvation. This is the extent of the hope we have received!
"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” (Isa 9:6)
The great hope that has been spoken of culminates in a child that will be King and Saviour. This is interesting because nothing could be weaker than a child or baby. But yet, this is God’s answer to darkness and political instability. “Wonderful Counsellor” shows us how His glory should fill us with wonder and amazement. He will also make wise plans and trustworthy judgment. The term “Mighty God” draws attention to His power. As “Everlasting Father”, He is one who rules and is also eternal. and as “Prince of Peace”, He rules and brings about peace, but also brings about reconciliation with a holy God.
Christ is all of this for His people! How does this help us understand who God is? What does this mean for us? What does it meant that He is our great Light, the Son who brings deliverance from suffering and conquest.
(C) The Great Light Rules: Everlasting salvation, peace and stability (Isa 9:7)
Isa 9:7 goes on to say that there will be no end to the peace that He brings and He will sit on the throne of David as King (Isa 9:7). He will also rule with justice and righteousness (Isa 9:7b). It is a good rule and He will rule forever. This is the Christ that we read of years later in Lk 1:31-33, when the angel appears to Mary and speaks of the child that she will bear. The angel says that she will conceive and bear a son whose name is Jesus (Lk 1:31). This child will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High (Lk 1:32a). The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end (Lk 1:32b-33). This is the Christ that has saved us. He is a good King and ruler! He has fulfilled God’s salvation plan.
How will this be done? “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this” (Isa 9:7). He will accomplish it! We know that Jesus is the Promised Saviour years later, but Isaiah is also more specific here. He is telling us that God will make sure and see to it that this plan will be accomplished. He is zealous and goes out of His way to accomplish and carry out His plan.
As people on this side of the cross, what is our response to Jesus and everything He did? We should respond in “great joy and gladness”?What is our response to such a God and Saviour? How will we respond in worship today?