Ob and In:
1. Change of mood: v.1-5
v.1 In earlier times he humiliated (NET-These three geographical designations may refer to provinces established by the Assyrians in 734–733 B.C. The “way of the sea” is the province of Dor, along the Mediterranean coast, the “region beyond the Jordan” is the province of Gilead in Transjordan, and “Galilee of the nations” (a title that alludes to how the territory had been overrun by foreigners) is the province of Megiddo located west of the Sea of Galilee) ... but now he brings honor NET-The prophet takes his rhetorical stance in the future age of restoration and describes future events as if they have already occurred
v.2 The people walking in darkness see a bright light; NET-The darkness symbolizes judgment and its effects (see 8:22); the light represents deliverance and its effects, brought about by the emergence of a conquering Davidic king (see vv. 3–6).
v.3They rejoice in your presence...as warriors celebrate when they divide up the plunder. NET-Yahweh caused the nation to grow in population and increased their joy.
NET vv. 4–5 indicate that the people have won a great military victory over their oppressors.
4 For their oppressive yoke and the club that strikes their shoulders, ...you have shattered as in the day of Midian’s defeat NET-This alludes to Gideon’s victory over Midian (Judg 7–8), when the Lord delivered Israel from an oppressive foreign invader. 5 Indeed every boot ...and every garment...is used as fuel for the fire.
2. Why is this change possible? What made them change from an oppressor, loser of the wars to the peaceful country and having their own leader? v.6-7
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
Without God, Israel cannot have peace. Peace required power and authority to rule. Messiah is not only divine, but He also has the characters of God. He promotes justice and fairness.
Reflection: We do not know the LORD's will at this point of history. God allowed Israel to be struck by Assyrian and then enjoyed peace when Messiah comes. Is the war now a time of being struck (for judgement)? Or is this the time for the Messiah to come (and they will enjoy the eventual peace)?
It is also hard to enjoy peace with other people. Within the church, we strike for harmony and unity, but we have to put ourselves under the power and authority of our Ruler, Jesus Christ. Are we willing?
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