Scriptural text: Isaiah 9:1-7
The Great Reversal (Isa.9:2-5):
Light to Shine ( v. 2)
Isaiah was called to prophesy of the great Deliverer, Who would save his people from their sins. The prophet Isaiah has been referred to by theologians as the “eagle-eyed” prophet; because, he prophesied the coming of the Messiah to the earth 700 years before his birth in Bethlehem of Judea. The people of Israel were steeped in apostasy and walking in darkness and gloom but Isaiah spoke of a coming Messiah, Who would not only bring light with Him, but would be the Light of lights. He would be the Light of the world to the people who walked in darkness. He would give light to every man coming into the world.
Joy to Erupt ( v. 3)
The ministry of the Messiah would bring joy and gladness to Israel. Jesus said his ministry was like having a wedding party (Matthew 9:14-15). They will rejoice according to the joy of harvest, the time when the hard work has paid off and the bounty comes off. They will rejoice as men rejoice when they divide the spoil with a celebration of victory, as in the locker room of a championship team.
3b. And not increased the joy.
“The people (the oppressed Jews) that walked in darkness have seen a great light (Jesus Christ): they (the oppressed Jews) that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined. Thou (God) hast multiplied the nation (the Roman Empire), and not increased the joy: they (the oppressed Jews) joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
C. Historical Analogy (vv. 4-5).
“For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor (the Roman Empire), as in the day of Midian” (Isaiah 9:2-4).
The Promised Child (Isa. 9:6-7):
A. His Names (v. 6) – Immanuel means “God with us.” Like Isaiah 9:6, this verse is believed to be a prophecy about Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 speaks of a child, too. And while it’s somewhat ambiguous whether or not this is the same child mentioned in Isaiah 7, both passages describe Jesus’ birth and character.
6b. And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor.
Four paired descriptions mark Him as extraordinary. First is Wonderful, Counsellor. Some have separated these into two names, but Isaiah most likely intended us to understand that the Counsellor is Wonderful. Today this word means something like “really, really good.”
References: Enduring Commentary, Zondervan Academic, 2021-2022 Standard Lesson Commentary