Isaiah 9b Commentary

Isaiah 9b Commentary

For unto us a Child is born. Verse 6. Who is the “us”? And what is the purpose of this Child?

Gloom, and then joy. Oppressed, and then victory and freedom. Darkness, and then “a great light”.

The “us” of Verse 6 probably refers to all mortals, whose sins are like scarlet or crimson. Chapter 1 defines the “us” of Isaiah 9:6.

The thought that the oppressed are innocent victims is false. We have a clue here. The oppressed are living in darkness. Sin is the oppressor. Darkness is both the sin and the environment in which sin thrives.

Chapter 1 preached the gospel. Repent. “Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice.” Isaiah 1:16-17  

Then, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

But how does it all work? Chapter 9 answers the question. Of course, we have been building to this point with references to the Mountain of the LORD, the Branch, and Immanuel. But nothing comes close to Chapter 9.

The Son won’t bring lamps and candles; He is the Light. He won’t bring peace; He is the Peace. Those who have received the Son have experienced unexplainable peace. It never comes by swords!

Of course, Isaiah is yet to describe how the Son brings about total salvation in Chapters 52 and 53, but we can still see how it works. Peace isn’t a state you achieve. Light isn’t an object you manipulate.

They all come with the Son born to us. The statement underlines the title of Jesus as the Son of Man. It places Jesus at the center of everything human.

Sin is a human problem. Judah and Israel face the same “distress”. Syria and Assyria and everyone else, both as individuals and as groups, live in darkness. Red in sin!

Chapter 9, therefore, contains a timelessly critical announcement. The new government is in place! An everlasting government oozing peace and justice! Darkness is gone forever!

It places Jesus right at the head of creation and its essence. Impossible to comprehend!

More resources visit https://www.lovingscripture.com