A GREAT LIGHT

Isa 9:1-7, “Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.   The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.   Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.  .

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.   For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.   For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.   Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” 

I. IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS THERE IS LIGHT

Isa. 9:1, 2, ““Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.   The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

The Darkness “Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. ” The prophet speaks of the scene in chapter eight of the Assyrian invasion. In the end, they will not be totally destroyed. It will be from the ashes that the GREAT LIGHT will come forth.

This passage is quoted in Matthew 4:14-16 This passage is quoted in Matthew 4:14-16. This speaks of Jesus beginning His ministry in Galilee after being tempted of Satan.

THE LIGHT “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” 2 Tim. 1:10, “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

JESUS IS THE LIGHT John 5:35, “He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.”

JESUS IS THE LIGHT John 8:12, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

John 9:5, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” JESUS IS THE LIGHT John 9:5, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

II. IN THE MIDST OF BONDAGE THERE IS A DELIVERER

Isa. 9:3-5, “Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.   For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.   For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.” 

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

This refers to the deliverance that was accomplished under Gideon against the Midianites (Judges 7). That deliverance was a remarkable interposition of God. It was accomplished not by human strength; but was a signal manifestation of the power of God in delivering the nation from the long oppression of the Midianites. So the prophet says here, that the deliverance will be as signal a proof of the presence and power of God as is was in that day (Barnes Notes).

“and not increased the joy” should properly read “and to it increased the joy.” The joy is over a great victory against the oppressors. Yet, who was the deliverer? That is stated in the next few verses.

Isa. 9:5, “For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.” John 5:35, 36, “He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.”  The battle fought by Jesus will be won by words!

III. IN THE MIDST OF THE NATION A CHILD IS BORN

Isa. 9:6, 7, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

He Would Be A Hebrew: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” 1. Who Is This Son?

Governments Would Answer to Him: “and the government shall be upon his shoulder.” 1. Who Is This Son?

Five Divine Names: Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 1. Who Is This Son?

Everlasting Rule: Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.” Peace, David, Kingdom: Could there be any doubt that this prophecy points to Christ?

God Will Establish It: “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Satan would try to do His best in stopping this kingdom from being built. Yet nothing could stop the will of God. Matt. 6:10, “Thy will be done.”