Isaiah 9
-This is a powerful Messianic chapter
depicting where the Messiah will minister and relating several of His Divine
Names. He will serve in the lands of Naphtali and Zebulun, which had been
treated with contempt by the LORD in earlier times, but from this Galilean
region a Light would come to the people who walk in darkness. This Light will
shine on them and reveal salvation. There will be multiplication of this nation
(Kingdom), an increase in the people’s gladness, and an experiencing of the
presence of the Almighty. It will be like a time of harvest where men rejoice
with the sharing of the produce. The rod of oppression will break off of their
shoulders and victory will be prominent (Isaiah 9:1-5). This child (which is
the incarnation of Christ Jesus) will be born to His people Israel and the
government will rest on His shoulders (future world domination). His Name will
be called Wonderful Counselor (exceptional, distinguished, without equal in
giving advice and comfort), Mighty God (Co-equal with the Father, He is Lord,
all-powerful, Creator), Eternal Father (the “I Am,” self-existent, from forever
past and forward to forever future, timeless), and Prince of Peace (Reigns with
justice and shalom). There will be no end to His government once it is
initiated, and He will sit on the throne of David in his eternal line (2 Samuel
7:16) over his kingdom. It will be upheld with justice and righteousness
forevermore by the zeal of the LORD of hosts (Isaiah 9:6-7).
-God then sends a message against
Jacob and Israel on account of their pride, which all the people know in their
heart of hearts. Though their bricks fall down, they rebuild with smooth
stones. Where there sycamores have been cut down, a replacement with cedars. In
other words, they do not receive the LORD’s corrective disciple and continue to
resist His ways. For more prophetic interpretation of this phrase see http://www.theharbinger-jonathancahn.com/
for an interesting application. God is coming against His people with enemies
from Rezin, the Arameans of the east, and the Philistines on the western side.
The phrase “His anger does not turn away and His hand is still stretched out”
is repeated three times (a God number for completion) to relate the total
unacceptance of the rebellious people that God is dealing with. They do not
seek the LORD to turn back to Him. They listen to bad leadership and go astray.
They are guided into confusion by them, which eventually takes God care away
from them to teach them a valuable lesson. Every mouth speaks foolishness, and
they are godless in their evildoing. War and violence will descend upon these
as the fury of the LORD burns against them (Isaiah 9:8-21). *Application* God
is always opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6, 1
Peter 5:5). If God is trying to get your attention to correct your wayward
actions, listen and obey. There is no good reason for you to keep His anger
from turning away from you and His arm to keep stretching out against you.
Repent and trust in Him. His grace will be sufficient. Jesus has given us
everything we need for righteousness and peace in our lives. Join His eternal
Kingdom under His authority.
Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 9:6
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