For to Us a Child is Born

Isaiah 9:2-7

V. 2

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

Centuries into the existence of Israel as a nation, and them being under the rule of a king, the nation had drastically departed the proper worship and acknowledgement of God.

God Delivers: Isaiah Simply Explained The Darkness

The final years of Israel’s monarchy were a period of political uncertainty. Kings like Shallum and Menahem were quickly assassinated. Religion was synchretistic: a mixture of every conceivable practice of the Canaanites, Assyrians and Egyptians. Cultic prostitution was practised at various shrines to please the sexual appetites of the gods. Children were sacrificed to Molech, the god of the Ammonites (2 Kings 23:10; cf. Jer. 7:31; 19:5). Not only did Samaria (Israel) do so (2 Kings 17:17), but Judah also. King Ahaz sacrificed his children this way (2 Chron. 28:3) and Manasseh did the same (2 Kings 21:6).

This description of darkness seems so horrible, but it is also a portrait of how dark unbelievers hearts are.

All of these practices came from people who did not know and fear God.

However, in the midst of the darkness, to the remnant who believed in the land, a great light has shown itself.

For those who knew and followed God, there was the promise of redemption and hope on the horizon.

Light and dark points to God acting and bringing about change.

V.3

You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.

God through the coming hope, has brought many sons to glory.

Not only has God increased the nations size, but he has also increased its joy.

This hope, this new light, has brought about the increase of the nation and the increase of joy in God’s people.

So what is this hope? What is the light that Isaiah saw on the horizon?

Isaiah notes three things:

V. 4

For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

First, the troubles of life, the toilsome way of life, the attacks and oppression of the world on God’s people will be no more.

V. 5

For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.

Here we have the imagery of battle (spoils of war in verse 3, and mentioning of oppressors destroyed in verse 4) brought to close in all of the bloodstained equipment of battle being tossed into the flame.

The battle is done, and we as God’s people get to celebrate the victory.

V. 6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The third thing of this hope, and the driving force behind what makes it all happen.

A child is born of man, and given from God.

The birth of this child is what accomplishes the victory of the battle, and secures the hope.

This child there are five descriptions offered.

The government would be on his shoulders, as he would rule the world. He would reign as King.

He is Wonderful Counselor, for as the king, we would exude the perfect amount of wisdom.

He is Mighty God, He is God incarnate. During Christmas we celebrate the birth if Christ, but make no mistake, what we are celebrating is coming of God to redeem mankind.

He is Everlasting Father, for He is eternal, and His kingdom will last forever.

He is the Prince of Peace, for His death and resurrection accomplishes peace with God, and when He returns He will stamp out all opposition and rule perfectly forever.

And paired with these we have verse 7, tying all of these notions of God’s kingdom coming in Christ up.

V. 7

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

This child born of man, given of God would be a descendent of David and rule on the throne promised to David’s descendents.

This whole prophecy ends with a climactic statement, “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”

God leaves no question, for He promised to accomplish it, and now on this side of the cross, every year when we celebrate Christmas, this is what we can look at and celebrate.

This time of year is special, not because of the stuff we get, but because of the promises that God has kept.

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think we get swept up by materialism during Christmas?

Which one of the descriptions of Jesus from verses 6-7 stands out to you the most? Why?