Isaiah as a Mini-Bible

Isaiahchapter 9

21 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 394 cross-references outward and receives 550 — heaviest partner: Isaiah.

Chapter summary

Light breaks on the land that was in anguish: Zebulun, Naphtali, and Galilee of the nations see a great light (9:1-2, quoted in Matthew 4:15-16). Joy multiplies as at harvest; the oppressor's yoke is broken as in the day of Midian, and warriors' boots and blood-rolled garments become fuel for fire. A child is born, a son is given, named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace; his government and peace increase without end on the throne of David (9:6-7, taken up in Luke 1:32-33) — the zeal of Jehovah of hosts performs it. The chapter then turns to judgment on Ephraim and Samaria, who boast of rebuilding with hewn stone: adversaries devour, leaders mislead, wickedness burns like fire, and tribe consumes tribe, each stanza closing with "his hand is stretched out still."

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Prophecy · Isaiah — see the Isaiah overview for the book's full setting.

6–21 Isaiah as a Mini-Bible

1 But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

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

5 For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall be for burning, for fuel of fire.

6 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, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.

8 The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.