Isaiah 9
MATTHEW 4:12-16 gives the answer to the opening verses of our chapter. The “dimness,” darkness or gloom that fell upon the land of God’s earthly people because of their sins, was to be penetrated by the light. And this was to take place in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, Galilee of the nations, rather than in Jerusalem. (See John 1:43-46; 7:48-52 and Matthew 23: 37-39 and 28: 7).
In days to come when the Jews in great numbers shall have returned to the land of their fathers, proud, religious Jerusalem will again be the seat of rebellion against and hatred of God and Christ, and the believing remnant of that time will be despised as were the Galileans when Jesus trod this earth. More, they will be hated because of their testimony, and some will suffer martyrdom for His sake.
Omit the word “not” which has mistakenly been added to the third verse, and the sense of it becomes clear. The rejoicing is in view of the Lord’s appearing in the latter day, when He will break the power of the oppressors of His people.
The correct translation of verse 5 is: “For every boot of him that is shod for the tumult, and the garment rolled in blood, shall be for burning, fuel for fire.” It tells of the end of war, brought about by the Lord Jesus when He has put down all power and authority that opposes His righteous rule.
Again the Holy Spirit presents the Lord (Verses 6, 7), for upon Him depends all of Israel’s future. Despised and rejected when He came in grace nineteen hundred years ago, the government will be upon His shoulder when the Jews see Him. Remark His titles as here given; many more are His, but these suit the purposes of the Divine Author here. Many times, are Jehovah’s works spoken of in the Scriptures as wonderful, but here we have Himself, the Doer of them all. In one word, what is He?
“Wonderful!” beyond compare. We shall adore Him eternally because of what He has done, and the ground of it all is, “Thou art worthy ... . because Thou hast been slain, and hast redeemed to God by Thy blood,” etc. (Revelation 5:9).
“Counselor” is His name, too (Romans 11:33-36).
“Mighty God” He is, as the Scriptures again and again amply testify, —as fully and eternally God as is the Father, and as is the Holy Spirit.
“Everlasting Father,” or more exactly, “Father of Eternity,” or “Father of the Coming Age,” and “Prince of Peace” are worthy titles for Him who shed His blood that poor unworthy sinners, both Jews and Gentiles might live, and that peace may fill this troubled world.
“Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end.” His kingdom will not decline and fall, as have the kingdoms of men all through the past.
Verses 8 and following, resume the general history of Israel which was left in chapter 5. Israel, blinded by sin and pride, rejected the judgments already brought upon them, and heavier punishment was to come (verses 11, 12).
This would not be limited to the invasion of the country by the Assyrians; destruction and desolation were to be wrought in the land. The leaders, both ancient and honorable and the prophet teaching lies, were to be cut off in one day, and no man would spare his brother. It is a fearful picture of anarchy that is presented in the closing verses.
ML 05/14/1933