The Government of the Promised Son
March 31, 2022
Commentary
This chapter opens with prophecy of the coming Christ child who, though he is not named as such, is obviously the child that is to be born and shall rule upon the throne of David. Those who have suffered will not be in pain (v. 1). The people in darkness saw a great light (v. 2). This light would increase their joy (v. 3). He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin. (vv. 4-5)
Isaiah records five things about the coming Messiah (Quoted in Matt. 4:15-16)
He is to be born a child (v. 6) – We now know that this prophesy was fulfilled in Bethlehem.He will rule over God’s people (v. 6) – This will happen during the millennium as Christ rules and reigns upon the earth.He will have four descriptive names (v. 6) WonderfulCounselorMighty GodEverlasting Father He will be seated on David’s throne (v. 7) – His rule will have no end.“The zeal of the Lord will perform this“ (v. 7) – This means that the coming of the Lord depends on God and not on Israel.
Application
God has a plan for when things are going to happen and nothing that man does will change this. He has told us many of the things that are going to happen but He has not told us when they will happen. For this reason I need to live like He is coming back today.
Isaiah 9:1– 7 (NET)
1 (8:23) The gloom will be dispelled for those who were anxious. In earlier times he humiliated the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali; but now he brings honor to the way of the sea, the region beyond the Jordan, and Galilee of the nations.
2 (9:1) The people walking in darkness see a bright light; light shines on those who live in a land of deep darkness.
3 You have enlarged the nation; you give them great joy. They rejoice in your presence as harvesters rejoice; as warriors celebrate when they divide up the plunder.
4 For their oppressive yoke and the club that strikes their shoulders, the cudgel the oppressor uses on them, you have shattered, as in the day of Midian’s defeat.
5 Indeed every boot that marches and shakes the earth and every garment dragged through blood is used as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called Wonderful Adviser, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His dominion will be vast, and he will bring immeasurable prosperity. He will rule on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom, establishing it and strengthening it by promoting justice and fairness, from this time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will accomplish this.
Illustration: The Power of Love
G. Campbell Morgan, a profound British preacher whose four sons all became pastors, influenced millions with his preaching, teaching and writing. One day, when his young son Howard finished preaching, a reporter asked him, “Since you have five Pastors in your family who is the greatest preacher? Expecting the son to give the honor to his father, Howard surprised the reporter by saying, “My Mother!” Often people do not realize that a mother’s love, concern and teaching are often far more influential on people than anything else. Never underestimate the power of love. (Lou Nicholes, Missionary/Author).