Isaiah 9:1-6a

Isaiah 9:1-6a
1 Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles.
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.

3 You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
5 For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, and garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire.

6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given.

We know and love verses 6 and 7 of this passage which are rich in prophecy about the Baby that was born in Bethlehem to Mary and to us!

But what about those earlier verses?

Verses 1 and 2 are about the coming conquest of the nation Israel (the northern part that split from Jerusalem and Judah after Solomon’s death).  It was subjected to wrath and emptiness that continued until the days of Jesus.  In Jesus’ day, Nazareth hosted a Roman garrison for it sat on a major transportation corridor (way of the sea).  So even in the days of Jesus it was oppressed and dark.  Yet, a light shown in its darkness for it was there that Jesus, the Light of the world, ministered for 3 years.  Those in the dark were exposed to the Light – the true Light that gives light to every man that comes into the world (John 1:9).  So the first verses are about Jesus’ first advent.

Then come verses 3, 4 and 5 with a whole different temperature: multiplied, joy, rejoicing, yoke broken, and enemy goods burned.  What just happened?  God directed Isaiah to move to Jesus’ second advent – His return to earth as Heaven’s Lion!

When Jesus returns, not just the northern area of Galilee, but the nation – all Israel – will be joyful like when a crop has been harvested and the storehouses are full and overflowing.  Joyful like after a military victory when a trove of weapons, food, and money are left behind – the bank will be full!  Oh, the joy!  The enemy defeated and his residue destroyed!

Such will happen when Jesus comes the second time.  Don’t miss the chatter about Israel.  During the first advent there was darkness and division.  After all, what good thing comes out of Nazareth?  But that was then – know what is coming!  The nation in joy and peace!  Israel multiplied (Isaiah 49:19-20) and blessed!  God is not done with Israel!

And what is the cause of the HUGE change from gloom to joy, from oppressed to victory, and from death to life?  It is a child is born and a Son given!  It is Jesus, born of Mary, who is also God [God said: You are my Son, today I have begotten you (Hebrews 5:5), and when He came into the world, He said: A body You have prepared for Me (Hebrews 10:5)].  The changer for Israel and for us is the Baby of Bethlehem – the Jesus of Christmas!  He can and does turn despair and defeat into abundance and joy in individuals today in salvation.  The Baby is the Victor!