9:2-7
Context: 9:1-2a The gloom will be dispelled for those who were anxious. In earlier times he humiliated the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali
(NET) the statement concludes the preceding description of judgment...The statement probably alludes to the Assyrian conquest of Israel in ca. 734–733 B.C., when Tiglath-pileser III annexed much of Israel’s territory and reduced Samaria to a puppet state.
v.2b but now he brings honor to the way of the sea, the region beyond the Jordan, and Galilee of the nations.
(NET) Heb Just as in earlier times he humiliated …, [in] the latter times he has brought honor.” The main verbs in vv. 1b–4 are Hebrew perfects. The prophet takes his rhetorical stance in the future age of restoration and describes future events as if they have already occurred.
to the way of the sea, the region beyond the Jordan, and Galilee of the nations=(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.
Ob and In:
1. The honor was to be freed from the oppressor and the finishing of wars. The honor was caused by the birth of a child v.4-6.
2. Repeated terms used to describe the child: responsibility v.6, Prince v.6, dominion v.7, rule on David's throne and over David's kingdom v.7.
Instead of judgment, God gave them a child and His rulership. This is the light v.2, and the salvation.
Summary: The Messiah was about rulership of the land. It is a freedom from the Assyrians and other oppressor. It is the finishing of all wars. The salvation is not just spiritual, but here, more physical, political, and related to military force.
3. Wonderful Adviser, (NET) Here it probably refers to the king’s ability to devise military strategy, as suggested by the context...Since Isa 11:2 points out that this king will receive the spirit of the Lord, which will enable him to counsel, it is possible to argue that the king’s counsel is “extraordinary” because it finds its source in the divine spirit.
Mighty God, (NET) Other passages depict Yahweh as the great God and great warrior (Deut 10:17; Jer. 32:18). Although this connection of a child who is born with deity is unparalleled in any earlier biblical texts, Isaiah’s use of this title to make this connection represents Isaiah’s attempt (at God’s behest) to advance Israel in their understanding of the ideal Davidic king for whom they long.
Everlasting Father, (NET) The use of “everlasting” might suggest the deity of the king (as the one who has total control over eternity), but Isaiah and his audience may have understood the term as royal hyperbole emphasizing the king’s long reign or enduring dynasty (for examples of such hyperbolic language used of the Davidic king, see 1 Kgs 1:31; Pss 21:4–6; 61:6–7; 72:5, 17). The New Testament indicates that the hyperbolic language (as in the case of the title “Mighty God”) is literally realized in the ultimate fulfillment of the prophecy, for Jesus will rule eternally.
(BKC) perhaps Isaiah had in mind the promise to David (2 Sam. 7:16) about the “foreverness” of the kingdom which God promised would come through David’s line. The Messiah, a Descendant of David, will fulfill this promise for which the nation had been waiting.
Prince of Peace. (NET) This title pictures the king as one who establishes a safe socio-economic environment for his people. It hardly depicts him as a meek individual, for he establishes peace through military strength (as the preceding context and the first two royal titles indicate). His people experience safety and prosperity because their invincible king destroys their enemies
(BKC) the One who will bring in and maintain the time of millennial peace when the nation will be properly related to the Lord.
Summary and Reflection: The Messianic Kingdom related to the Davidic promise for the everlasting kingdom. God knows how to fight, and He can fight, therefore, His kingdom last and He could gave His people peace with no enemy.
The worldly kingdom will passed away. What we long for they can not give us. We long for a real, future, kingdom on earth with the Messiah as the king. I can trust Him to bring this to fulfillment. When the child is born, this will fulfilled as a done deal.
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