The gloom from chapter 8 carries on into chapter 9 but there is a promise of a day of special blessing.

1. The government of the promised son (vs. 1-7)

Since Ahaz is not willing to trust in God, then God will bring judgment upon Judah. (See Isaiah 8:22). In verse 1 there is a word of comfort for Israel to be fulfilled in the future. In verse 2 a great light is promised to Israel (See Matthew 4:12-16 and Luke 1:76-79). Isaiah explains this light and its blessings in verse 3. Israel is to be greatly multiplies in numbers and joy.

In verse 4, they shall in the future have a great victory as Gideon had over the Midianites. In verse 5 all weapons of warfare are burnt, with a time of peace coming to the world. Who is the great hero? Who is the great Gideon to come? Who is going to accomplish all these things? This child mentioned in verse 6 is the son of the virgin mentioned in Chapter 7:14. The child is born (humanity) and the son is given (relationship with God). The child ruler is God’s perfect ruler because He is the Mighty God. Isaiah goes on to speak of His names in verse 6:-

1. Wonderful (deity) Counsellor (humanity). Jesus Christ was able to help in times of need. See Judges 13:13-22. He is wonderful in the past, present and future. He keeps counsel with the eternal God.
2. The Mighty God. He will be God’s hero. Jesus Christ is certainly God. See Luke 10:20-21. We cannot regard Unitarians, JWs and others who deny his deity as fellow Christians.
3. The Everlasting Father. This infant is the parent of eternity. He is not the Father. He is the Son of God.
4. The Prince of Peace. There will be no mistakes, wars, etc. He is in complete control.

In verse 7 the kingdom is stated to be going into an eternal state. It will continue forever. How shall it come to pass? “The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this”.

2. The punishment of Samaria (vs. 8-21)

God has punished Israel, but they refused to learn their lesson. Their enemies had destroyed their cities but Israel planned to build them again, plant trees and make things better than they were before. (vs. 8-10). But God promised to punish them still more. He would send their enemies against them (vs. 11-12) and many people would be killed. (vs. 13-17). The tribes of Israel would fight against Egypt and the leaders would not be able to control the people. (vs. 18-21).

Categories: Isaiah