Isaiah 9
A Child Will Be Born; God’s Hand Will Strike
In this section, Isaiah continued his prophecy concerning Israel and Assyria. The judgment and distress he has just described will eventually break into hope and the birth of the Messiah. King Ahaz, who failed to trust God, is contrasted with a coming King Who will establish and sustain the throne of David in righteousness forever.
The reign of Ahaz and the events contemporary to the prophecies of Isaiah 7-12 are recorded in 2 Kings 16 and 2 Chronicles 28.
God Will Deliver: A Child Is Born
A Great Light
Vs. 1 - the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali.
The southern kingdom under Ahaz was about to enter a time of increasing distress and darkness (see 8:21-22). The northern kingdom was about to be attacked by Assyria, and the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali in the far north Galilean region were about to be taken into captivity (2 Kings 15:29). Yet out of this darkness and from this conquered northern area will come the great deliverer, the Messiah, to lead his people to victory and to introduce an era of light, joy and peace. - Don Fleming
Vs. 2 - The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
The northern tribes were the first to suffer from the Assyrian invasions, so in God’s mercy, they will be the first to see the light of the Messiah. Matthew 4:13-16 quotes this passage as clearly fulfilled in the Galilean ministry of Jesus. Since the majority of Jesus’ ministry took place in this northern area of Israel, around the Sea of Galilee, God certainly did have a special blessing for this once lightly esteemed land. - David Guzik
Matthew 4:13-16 - He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, along the road by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
A Child Is Born
Vs. 6 - For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Twice earlier in this section of Isaiah, the birth of children has been described as having prophetic significance (7:14, and 8:1-4). For a third time, the reader learns of a future birth. Some commentators believe the text means that this future royal child will be a purely human descendant of David who will be proclaimed King and lead God's people to a new level of freedom and prosperity. Both Hezekiah and Josiah have been identified as this child. However, the titles given to this child and the description of his kingdom far surpass anything applicable to Hezekiah or Josiah. the only feasible interpretation of this passage is Messianic. - Tremper Longman III
The promise of this coming king would have been a source of great hope for God’s people during this period of judgment. God would punish Israel but also keep His promise.
He Will Reign
Vs. 6 - He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Vs. 7 - He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.
To summarize, the messianic ruler’s titles depict Him as an extraordinary military strategist who will be able to execute His plans because of His supernatural abilities as a warrior. His military prowess will ensure His beneficent rule over His people, who will enjoy peace and prosperity because of His ability to subdue all His enemies. - Chisholm
The sign of Immanuel was given not merely to Ahaz personally, but to Ahaz as representative of the dynasty of David. Now the eternal God comes to dwell among humankind in the person of Jesus Christ, the mighty Messiah-King, the great descendant of David, who brings everlasting peace and rules with justice for ever. - Don Fleming
God Will Judge: His Hand Is Raised
The Lord Sent A Message
Vs. 8-9 - The Lord sent a message against Jacob; it came against Israel. All the people—Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria—will know it.
The tribe of Ephraim was the largest and most influential tribe in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. So, often the LORD refers to the Kingdom of Israel by the name Ephraim. Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. There isn’t any doubt whom this prophecy is directed to. - David Guzik
Isaiah now describes the situation in the northern kingdom Israel, which becomes weakened by enemy attacks and finally is conquered by Assyria. Sin dominates in every level of Israel’s society, from civil and religious leaders to the common people. Therefore, all must fall under God’s judgment. - Don Fleming
The People Did Not Turn to God
Vs. 10 - “The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with cut stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars.”
In their pride, the leaders and the people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel said, “Who cares if God judges us? Whatever is torn down, we will rebuild with something better. We have nothing to fear from what God can bring against us.” - David Guzik
Instead of humbling themselves before the face of God on account of the many calamities that had already descended on them, they still entertained a lighthearted optimism regarding the future. This optimism manifested itself in the slogans that were current in that day and apparently on everybody’s lips. - Bultema
Vs. 13 - The people did not turn to him who struck them; they did not seek the Lord of Armies.
Vs. 18 - For wickedness burns like a fire
Vs. 19 - No one has compassion on his brother.
Despite Isaiah’s preaching and God’s impending judgment through surrounding nations, the people refused to repent. Isaiah described the ways they had turned on one another in a desperate search for satisfaction they could only find in the provision and protection of Yaweh.
God's punishment of his people was intended to convince them to return to his ways, but they were so dull of mind and spirit that they did not respond. After the first Assyrian incursion into the north (733 BC), Israel continued in its sinful ways. God soon brought a more devastating judgment in 722 BC, ending their independent existence. - Tremper Longman III
His Hand Is Still Raised to Strike
Vs. 12, 17, 21 - In all this, his anger has not turned away, and his hand is still raised to strike.
Vs. 12 (NLT) - But even then the Lord’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike.
Isaiah repeated this phrase three times in this section. God would continue to judge His people until He accomplished His divine redemptive purpose. He would rescue, but not before He rebuked.
It makes perfect sense for this message of coming judgment to follow the announcement of the Messiah. His coming was announced, but the people were not ready for Him, and the predicted judgment would come before they were ready. - David Guzik
