Enduring Word Isaiah 9 (2025)

FAQs

What is Isaiah chapter 9 talking about? ›

The chapter begins by describing a land of darkness being blessed by a light appearing. Isaiah is looking to the future when Christ would begin his ministry in Galilee. He appears to sinful men. Jesus is the light of the world but men love the darkness, so they put the author of life to death.

Isaiah promised that God would send them light and joy through the birth of a child who would break the “yoke of [their] burden” (Isaiah 9:4) and be called “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (v. 6).

Isaiah 9:1-2 acknowledges this “former time” of deep darkness in the land of Zebulun, Naphtali, the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, and Galilee of the nations. These geographical designations all refer to a territory directly west of the Sea of Chinnereth, later to be named the Sea of Galilee.

The prophet quotes them as saying that if the Assyrians knock down their mud-brick homes, they will rebuild with expensive and luxurious stones. And if their enemy cuts down their sycamore or fig trees, they will plant mighty cedar trees in their place.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 is the most familiar of all the Old Testament prophecies about the birth of Christ.

“Mighty” is a translation of the Hebrew word “gibbor,” which is defined as “strength, power, hero, warrior.” Isaiah 9:6 tells us that Jesus is El Gibbor, the God of Strength, the God of Power, God our Hero, and God our Warrior.

Christ our Light will one day come to relieve our anguish and brighten our darkness, just as Isaiah foretold. Isaiah 9:1–5 describes a coming Light that will do three things for the people of God. First, this Light will turn shame into glory.

God is both the judge and the savior. This means that God has a plan to make all things right in the end, and that a necessary part of that process is declaring what is not yet right. This is the message of Isaiah the prophet. The judgment of God declares what is broken; the promise of God is to heal.

The prophecies of Isaiah are relevant in all generations, but they primarily point to the end of the age when Jesus Christ will return and set up the Kingdom of God. The warnings of the Day of the Lord and warnings to Israel and Judah are relevant for us today.

Purpose of Municipal Bankruptcy

The purpose of chapter 9 is to provide a financially-distressed municipality protection from its creditors while it develops and negotiates a plan for adjusting its debts.

What does Isaiah 9 3 mean? ›

Writing in the past tense of future events, Isaiah says that the Lord has "multiplied the nation". This would be an increase of the population. The Lord will also increase their joy. As well as their joy for abundant harvests and military victories.

Context Summary

He will have no compassion for the sinful people in every level of society. Wickedness burns through the people like a wildfire, turning human lives into fuel. Sinfulness causes people to devour each other and even themselves in trying to satisfy sin's appetite. The Lord will judge Israel for all of it.

Isaiah announces that whereas there is presently gloom and distress, there will come a time when there will be happiness, joy and salvation.

God's Word Falls (9:8-12) The picture that Isaiah declares is God's word being sent against Judah (Jacob) and falling like a hammer or stone against Israel. Judgment on both the northern nation of Israel and the southern nation of Judah is coming.

He will rule with justice and righteousness. All of this will be brought about by the enthusiasm of the Lord of hosts. In other words, God will accomplish this because He wants to do it. It is His plan and purpose, and He will bring it about by His power. This is Israel's great future.

“The government will rest on His shoulders” affirms His lordship. This verse looks to a time in future when Christ will reign over a literal, earthly, geopolitical kingdom that encompasses all the kingdoms and governments of the world (Daniel 2:44; Zechariah 14:9).

When the people do not repent, the Lord will wipe out their leaders. He will have no compassion for the sinful people in every level of society. Wickedness burns through the people like a wildfire, turning human lives into fuel.