March 9 - To Us a Child is Born

March 9 - To Us a Child is Born - Isaiah 9:1-21

Isaiah often moved back and forth between words of hope & blessing and words of judgment. We find both in this chapter. He even announces the change in perspective in the first verse by saying, "Nevertheless."

The first half of this chapter is completely taken up with the announcement of the coming of the child-Messiah. Matthew used part of this chapter in Matthew 4:15-16 when describing the beginning of Jesus' ministry in the region of Galilee. Zebulun and Naphtali represented the northern kingdom which fell to Tiglath-Pileser III. Under Gentile domination, it becae known as Galilee of the Gentiles. The 'way of the sea' is the international highway that ran through this region. This was how the Assyrians had such easy access to the Northern Kingdom. (Isaiah 9:1)

Isaiah 9:2-3 describes the dawning of a new day when the Messiah would bring light back to a fallen nation and the battle of Midian from Isaiah 9:4-5 is the story of the nation's deliverance by Gideon in Judges 7:1-24.

Isaiah then goes on to describe 5 things about the coming Messiah. He would be a child, born to the nation of Israel under the Covenant. He will rule over not only Israel, but also the entire world. There are four descriptive words to describe His character: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Seated on David's throne, His rule will be eternal. This will all be accomplished by the zeal of the Lord Almighty. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

The Messiah is promised ... He is coming!

In the final portion of this chapter, Isaiah tries to warn Judah using the Northern Kingdom as an example. Ephraim has not fallen yet, but Isaiah wants the people of Judah to listen to his words. If they act as Israel/Ephraim did, they will face the same fate.

We see terrible things coming to the Northern Kingdom (Isaiah 9:8-12) and we see that the Lord is furious. But, the people refuse to seek the Lord. (Isaiah 9:13)

So, the Lord will cut Israel off. He is furious with the leaders that have taken his people into this catastrophe and the prophets who lie to them. But, that doesn't remove the responsibility from the people, for everyone is ungodly and wicked, every mouth speaks vileness. (Isaiah 9:14-17)

The final verses of this chapter show a nation imploding. They have brought this on themselves and what's more, they battle against each other. (Isaiah 9:18-21)

Isaiah has more to say ... will they listen? Will we?