FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN
Isaiah 9: 1-21
I. A Light Has Shined (vs. 1-7)
a. Chapter 9 opens with a concluding thought from Ch. 8. Zebulun and Naphtali had borne the brunt of the Assyrian invasion but would see deliverance. The “way of the sea” was a trade route through Israel. It paralleled the Sea of Galilee and contains “Galilee of the Gentiles” the route of Gentile traders or raiders into the land of Israel. How would those emerging from darkness and despair view the hope of the Messiah?
b. How is verse 3 set in contrast to chs. 8:22 – 9;1?
c. Instead of continued strife what would become of the residue of war?
d. Verses 6-7 prophesy of the coming Messiah. Based on this reading what type of kingdom were the Jews expecting?
e. What stage of completion is this prophesy: complete, started but not yet complete, or not yet started?
II. For All This His Anger Is Not Turned Away (vs. 8-21)
a. God’s judgment against Israel had not broken their pride. Instead of repenting what were they
saying they would do?
b. Who were going to devour Israel with an open mouth and why?
c. For all His chastisement did Isreal look to the Lord?
d. Who does this passage say are the head and tail God will cut off from Israel?
e. Why did God not even have pity on the fatherless and widows of Israel?
f. God’s wrath against Israel included famine and stated that men will “eat the flesh of his own arm.” But instead of repenting who do they conspire against?
Application: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light! Who are they and what Light?
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