Isaiah 9:1-9:21

Isaiah

Isaiah 9:1 - 9:21

     The previous Chapter of Isaiah 8 was given to Isaiah by God to His People then, and to us also in these latter days, of 'all' believers on Jesus Christ as Savior. Even though many of the warnings about the Assyrian coming upon Israel was history, if one reads deeper there in Isaiah 8, you should notice that some events given are not history yet, as they haven't happened even to this day. Furthermore, that 'stone of stumbling' mentioned in Isaiah 8:14 is taught as a sign again, but much later than Isaiah's time, even by our Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 20:17, Matt.21:42, and by Paul in Rom.9 and 11, and by Peter in I Peter 2:8. Since most of these ideas here in Isaiah are repeated much later in The Word, you should realize they were given for us today also, and are not only historical.
     A whole lot of information was given by God in that last Chapter of Isaiah 8. We are told about the setting up of a 'confederacy' under a false leader, i.e., 'the Assyrian', which is Satan in the latter days playing the role of 'a spurious Messiah'. This is who will bring a 'flood' of lies over the riverbanks, in an attempt to engulf 'the woman', Christ's Church. God's Message there to His People is for them to have no fear of the 'smoking firebrands' that form this 'New World Order', but fear Jehovah instead, our True Father. This means to listen to Him, not man. It truly is that easy. Those who choose not to listen to our Heavenly Father's Word, following the 'babel' of man's systems of ideas, will become 'apostate', 'snared' and 'taken' by the false messiah 'utopia' system soon to be fully established upon this earth in our lifetime. Those of us alive today born after 1948 will see it happen. Am I saying that I know the day when Christ returns? No, for not any know the 'day' or 'the hour'. But, God's Word (Jesus Christ) has given us the 'season' of His coming and the signs to look for (It has to do with 'the parable of the figtree' given by our Lord and Savior in Matt.24; Mark 13; and Luke 21, for Jesus said there to learn it! See those two Studies in my Archives). This is why His People of all nations are supposed to 'wait upon the LORD', for His coming, after the imposter Satan who is 'a spurious Messiah', the 'antichrist', which in reality means 'the instead of Christ' in the Greek (Strong's nos. 473 and 5547).
     God also mentioned the idea of 'spiritism' there in Isaiah 8:19-20. Look around. Try to tell me it isn't going on heavily today, and even in some Churches which claim to belong to Christ, bringing in other anti-Christian religious orders in the sense of 'religious brotherhood', doing Eastern chants right in front of the Communion table of His Body. There are even some Protestant Christians supplying Judaism with red heifers for sacrifice in Israel. Both of those types of abominations are grave sin, in not discerning The Lord's Body and the 'price' He paid for all upon the cross, ending animal sacrifice for one and all time (Heb.9 and 10; I Cor.11). And all this in the 'name' of religion. God's Truth is not a religion! Religion is man's system for doing and appearing holy. That's why when one does away with all of man's 'dead weight' in playing religion, and then believes and studies God's Word in Its simplicity, The Holy Spirit starts to come in and you cannot be fooled. The 'veil' is taken off for you, while for many others it remains on. As our Lord and Savior said in John 8:31-32, "...if ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; 32: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Notice Jesus said His Word, not man's word.
     The subject of a false messiah (the Assyrian in Isaiah) coming continues in this 9th Chapter of Isaiah, as we ask a word of Wisdom in the Name of Christ Jesus, Amen.

Isa 9:1   Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first He lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

     This word 'Nevertheless' carries the message over from Isaiah 8:22, meaning the same subject of God's People not following Him, and stumbling at His Truth. This 'vexation' is God's anger which He caused upon the land of Zebulun and Naphtali (part of the 'house of Israel', not Judah), and the later affliction refers to 'Hazael when he smote all the coasts of Israel from Jordon eastward'. These were the first areas of the 'house of Israel' that were assailed by the Assyrian. Later these particular areas were among the first to see Messiah Jesus Christ walk upon this earth as Savior.
     The examples God is giving in this first verse dealing with Zebulun and Naphtali can be found in I Kings 15 and the real reason is in II Chronicles 16. They made all kinds of pacts and deals with other nations instead of following The LORD, and for this reason He punished them. This means to trust in our heavenly Father and not man. That was a big part of the message back in Isaiah Chapters 7 and 8 remember?

Isa 9:2   The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."

     This verse and the previous go together, as they were both quoted by our Lord and Savior in Matthew 4. Remember, at this time of Isaiah's writing Christ had not come yet, so this was prophecy fulfilled, as even Christ would remark there in Matthew 4 beginning His Mission. For even the doubter, Roman records can probably be found that document that this is where Christ started His teachings to the multitudes. And of course, Jesus Christ is That 'Great Light' referred to here in this verse.
     Why is the message of Christ's coming in these verses important? It gives you proof that God's Word is True, and the events our Father told us through His prophets always come true. That's how you can recognize a true prophet sent from God. Today, a true prophet is one who correctly teaches The Word, for all things have already been given to us in The Word. There is no need for a 'new word' given by some man, for all is written.

Isa 9:3   Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before Thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

     There is a small error in the Hebrew translation dealing with 'lo', which means 'not' in Hebrew. The word in question is 'haggil'o' which was translated from 'and not'.¹ It was broken into two words with the 'lo' added. When you look at the other parts of this verse dealing with 'hast multiplied...'; 'joy before Thee', etc., then the negative 'lo' is an error that is not in context.
     This verse means that God gives the increase to those who love and follow Him. We don't do it of ourselves, but joy and good harvest, i.e., the good things always come from Him.

Isa 9:4   For Thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

     This is talking about when God kept trimming Israel's army led by Gideon when they were to battle against the Midianites and Amalekites, an enemy host of thousands 'like grasshoppers for multitude' (see Judges 7). God finally trimmed Gideon's army down to three hundred men. A very small army against thousands eh? This was to show that God is in charge, not man. The faith of those three hundred brave souls with God must have been astounding, as it definitely proves their faith in Him. This is how God works wonders in this world with those who believe and follow Him. Many today fear the foreign armies of the world because of their numbers, but they are without Jehovah and are nothings. They worship the gods of metal, wood, and stone.
     Many would think that America lost in Vietnam and Korea. Do a little research and you'll find that the enemy suffered much more loss as compared to our own. To keep those communist nations from being overrun by General McArthur during the Korean War, he had to be removed from office and belittled. General George S. Patton was treated in a similar way when he was ready to push through all of Berlin during W.W.II. Even with all the U. N. controls on how to conduct war for the United States in Vietnam, our troops still were not defeated. It took a psychological demoralization in our homeland just to get us out. In those cases of His People in war, God gave the victory, and it is clear from McArthur's writings and information on Patton that they believed in God and understood their mission. You can forget how the so-called 'media' has portrayed them; that's hogwash!
     I may be boring you with this subject, but stay with me, it's going to get more interesting. The above little military speech is to help make you aware that God promised Ephraim and Manasseh would 'possess the gate of those which hate them', meaning control its coasts, or land. Is this true? (see Gen.24:60; 22:17; Luke 1:68-end). Well, has England and America ever been invaded by foreign troops in a war? No. We've had our own little wars, but since the establishing of these Nations, wars have been on other soil (this means civil wars between brothers, i.e., the U.S. Civil War, also U.S. wars against Great Britain, our brother Ephraim, thus these are not foreign wars. Rome was a brother to Ephraim also). Thank God for preserving our land, for He is responsible. But now we are seeing a different kind of attempt at takeover; one from within. Those who do not follow Jehovah and believe on His Son know that we cannot be defeated as long as we keep our faith and trust in Him. This is why when you look at our currency it says, "In God We Trust". This is also why those who wish to defeat us want the Christian nations to backslide away from God. Throughout history, the nations of the many 'gods' have been defeated by God's People, and this is their reasoning for having a global branch of military control such as Nato and the United Nations. God is going to let them set up this little global empire only so far, so don't lose hope; keep the faith in our Father, for this is a major part of this Message from God here in Isaiah.

Isa 9:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

What kind of 'battle' is God talking about? A battle with fire...must be nuclear war or something of that sort huh? Not quite. But this battle of tearing down Satan's 'New Babylon World Order' will be engulfed by a 'consuming fire' from God when His Son Jesus Christ returns, for God is that 'consuming fire' (Heb.12). God is letting us know that conventional nor nuclear types of war by man will be fought in this last 'battle', for He is going to fight it, not us. This one world government system is going to be a time of peace (see Daniel). All these little U.N. type skirmishes around the world are in order to bring in those last 'outlaw' nations that don't want to be a part of it. We are and have been all along, in a 'spiritual war' upon this earth. All the weapons and works of man will be burned up when this 'battle' takes place, when Christ returns to defeat Satan 'with the brightness of His coming' upon this earth (see II Thess.2).

Isa 9:6   For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty GOD, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

     I'm sure you all know Who this is talking about, for He is Jesus Christ. It is He Who will bring the 'consuming fire' of the last verse to claim all of Satan's kingdoms upon the earth (see Rev.11:15 & Rev.20). And we who are alive at that time, are not going anywhere, for Christ is coming to set up His Kingdom upon this earth (Rev.20; 22; last verse of Ezekiel). That is where 'the government' (meaning God's Holy Kingdom, not man's government), will be set up, on earth, not in the clouds somewhere. If you've followed my Genesis Letters, then you should be aware that this 'government' existed in the first earth age, right here on earth, until Satan rebelled.
     This verse is also letting us know Who God is; including His Son called 'Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace'. I hope you noticed the Names 'The Mighty God' and 'The everlasting Father', all here referring to Jesus Christ as God. Jehovah and Jesus Christ are not separate, but 'One' (John 10:30). The prophecy here in this particular verse given in Isaiah's time concerns the coming of The Savior for the first Advent offering Salvation. His second Advent, or return, will be as Ruler and LORD, KING of kings, and with a 'rod of iron' (Rev.19). There's going to be a lot of straightening out when He returns this next time.

Isa 9:7 Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.'

This verse refers to the second coming of Christ. The first Advent of Jesus Christ did not set up this 'government', but many of the people thought that He had come for that reason during His first Advent, and were expecting Him to Rule (Luke 19:11). You are reading one of the verses here in Isaiah where they created that false belief from. As the Kenites were well studied in the prophets, they thought it also, which made them the more nervous at the appearance of Jesus at His first coming. What irony, for many in our near future will also mistake the Scriptures on His second Advent, and worship 'a spurious Messiah', Satan playing the role he's always wanted, that of a false Christ. Then Jesus will return to setup this 'government' upon the earth. God is also telling us that He will perform this act of setting up His 'government' and Kingdom upon the earth. God will 'establish' It, not man. Notice the phrase 'henceforth even for ever'. This hadn't happened during Isaiah's time, nor has it come forth today.

Isa 9:8 The LORD sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.

Jehovah (LORD) literally did send His Word (i.e., Jesus Christ) into Jacob (put for all twelve tribes) and Christ is a 'Light' unto Israel. Well who well received Christ as Savior? Most of the nation State of Israel do not accept Christ as Savior; they're still waiting for Him to come for the first Advent, even today. But upon Israel, meaning those of God's People to whom the 'birthright' went, Ephraim and Manasseh especially, have received Jesus Christ as Savior (I mean that as to the 'double portion' birthright blessing given to the sons of Joseph, not as spiritual one-up-manship). They are represented by the western Christian nations (those who live in atheistic nations that also believe Christ came already as Savior, and accept Him as The Son of God are also included). In Romans Chapters 8-11, Paul wrote about this subject a great deal. What should be amazing to you is that at the time of Isaiah writing this, how could he know that this would be the exact layout even today, concerning those who took the National Name of Israel believing on Christ? That's why this is God's Word, not man's word.

Isa 9:9   And all the People shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,
10    "The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars."

     Those who do not accept God as their guide and strength always tend to go suffering catastrophe after catastrophe and then rebuild, not heeding their actions and misdeeds, thinking unto themselves as their own gods. The 'cedar tree' is a metaphor used to represent God's People, and also Satan before he rebelled (see Ezek.31). Nevertheless, when Christ returns for His second Advent, these will know their lackings, as this message was also given back in Isaiah 8:19-22.

Isa 9:11   Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together;
12    The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still.

     Remember back to Isaiah 7 about Rezin the king of Syria? The word 'him' is still referring to Ephraim of the previous verses, being put for the largest of the ten tribes of Israel. This is the Assyrian The LORD is bringing upon Ephraim (ten tribes of Israel). The Assyrian alluded to here with 'The Syrians', also represents the 'antichrist' (Satan) of our near future. In case you haven't noticed it yet, God is referring to what many call the 'great apostasy' here with Ephraim. His children are turned away from Him, worship the works of their own hands; they are 'apostate' and rebellious. Look around today and tell me 'it ain't so'. The abominations that exist in the western Christian nations today are really piling up. For all this, God's 'anger is not turned away'.
     God has given His Word specifically to His Children upon this earth, and I'm not just talking about the Nation State of Israel in the middleast either. The western Christian nations have been the main protectors of His Word since Christ told the Apostles to go teach 'to the lost sheep of the house of Israel' (Matt.10:5-6). In this sense, when the western Christian nations let Him down, going after all sorts of abominable idols and false traditions, it really hurts our Father, for He set His People up with the majority of blessings of resources, standards, morals, i.e., the gifts from following His Law. The western Christian nations are spoiled little brats, and it might surprise one that the majority of the rest of the world knows it. The other non-Christian nations see it, and they want to get in on theses blessings from God, some who believe on His Son, and others who just want the rewards of opportunity. How do you think that makes our Father feel when we deny Him after all of these rewards and blessings? How would you feel if your child acted the same way towards you?

Isa 9:13   For the people turneth not unto Him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.
14    Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.

      Many get really confused when reading the Book of Revelation, with all the dark, mysterious phrases and subjects. Much of it is metaphor, and for many, it is hidden due to sins of 'spiritual adultery' in turning away from our Father to worship other 'things'. If one hadn't come here to Isaiah at all, reading Revelation by itself, it would become easy to see how so many get evil 'vibes' when they don't understand it. Our Father is in control! He controls Satan also, and Lucifer is the 'tool' of correction God is using against those who don't seek Him (II Thess.2; Ezek.28; Isaiah 14). Hey, Satan's not doing the 'smiting', God is. A lot of Revelation is about this same 'confederacy' mentioned here in Isaiah, the 'New World Order' (Isa.8:12; parallel to Rev.13 & 17). But for His that do follow Him, even though we mess up at times, but repenting and in humility and knowledge of His Word try to do what He wants for us, then He becomes our Righteous Covering. Everyone wants to be right. Well, there's truly only one way, God's Way.
     This 'one day' is the same 'in that day', the Lord's Day, or the beginning of Christ's Millennium reign upon this earth when this flesh age is 'consumed' by fire (Rev.20; I Cor.15; Deut.28). We'll find out who the 'head' and the 'tail' of Israel are with the next verse.

Isa 9:15 The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.

The 'ancient and honourable' is supposed to be God's leaders of His People. The prophet is to be the righteous leaders of God's Church, but these are false leaders and teachers of the people. 'In that day' these both will be 'cut off', and we will suffer their wrongdoings no longer, as true Judgment and Righteous Rule will be set up by THE KING of kings, and LORD of lords, Jesus Christ. Well why would this word 'tail' be used of the false prophet? As written in Rev.12, Satan drew a third of God's Children with his 'tail' during that first rebellion 'of old'. This 'tail' metaphor is also used in Rev.9 to describe how Satan's 'locust army' sting as scorpions all those not sealed with The Word of God in their foreheads (minds). All these events first happened to Israel during Isaiah's time, but they are 'ensamples' for us today, as Paul would teach in I Cor.10, and it certainly is happening again today friend.

Isa 9:16   For the leaders of this People cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

     This word 'destroyed' is 'bala' in the Hebrew also meaning 'to make away with, to devour' (Strong's no.1104). So it doesn't mean to be literally destroyed, as in physical death, but destroyed 'spiritually'. When you take God's Word out of the People's minds, destruction ensues quickly. This alludes also to how the false prophets (locust army) devour people's minds like a scorpion eats its prey. The scorpion has no stomach. It stings its prey first, then regurgitates a fluid into the victims mouth (Satan's lies and deceptions), and then the victim becomes the stomach of the scorpion; the insides literally turning to mush (spiritually married to the wrong messiah). What a great analogy God has given us for what Satan hopes to accomplish against His People. Once understood, it's difficult to miss. This is also why Christ would use the terms 'ravening wolves' in sheep's clothing, or lions, etc., because they 'tear the souls' of good people apart, all using deception (Ezek.22; Matt.7:15; Luke 11:39; Rev.9).
     God uses natural phenomena, such as how a scorpion attacks its prey occurring in nature, all to get His point across. When you read about such items in His Word, stop and think about how they really apply in the world of nature, and you'll likely be rewarded with a deeper insight into His Word.

Isa 9:17 Therefore the LORD shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still.

Remember back a few Chapters here in Isaiah? These God is speaking about don't consider the plot of the poor, finding ways to overtax, setting up each other for reward, not considering the widow, passing off evil as good, etc. This is the same message here, as this subject will be covered more in the next Chapter also. This is not speaking evil of the wrongdoer's children necessarily, but that these false leaders and false prophets will even use children and the poor to steal from others. Don't think it could be happening today? It's always best to check out a charitable non-profit organization peddling for the plot of the poor to actually verify what percentage the poor receive verses the organization. Some of you might be surprised at how little the poor do get, and if those chosen were really poor at the outset. If God's People see a child or person in need, naturally then, go do it, help as each is able. The Church used to be the main charitable function in our society, not the 'welfare statist' organizations. As can be seen today with many of these so-called World type organizations, are they truly succeeding? Each person should concentrate help within their local community first, before giving their monies to some far away organization.

Isa 9:18 For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.

What a vivid picture of wickedness! How is it today, does this picture fit?

Isa 9:19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the People shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

This word 'darkened' is 'atham' in the Hebrew meaning 'probably to glow, i.e. (figuratively) be desolated' (Strong's no.6272). What's one of Satan's M.O.s? The 'abomination of desolation'. He also caused the desolation of the first earth age. Those today who have not The Word of God in their minds are going around 'to and fro' in the world, following every 'cool' fad that Satan's children dream up. They don't regard their brother in the spiritual sense ('spare' means to 'have pity' in this verse; Strong's no.2550 'chamal'), but only love themselves with all their getting. Good and righteous living doesn't come solely by will power, but from reverence of our Father Jehovah. When we have reverence of The Lord in our heart, we naturally wish to follow Him and study His Word. Then in His knowledge He gave to all, our living patterns change for the better, as a natural 'by-product', not by our will power, but by The Power in His Holy Spirit. One has to 'want' to follow and seek our LORD.

Isa 9:20 And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:

As written in Amos 8, the 'famine in the land' in the latter days would not be a 'famine for bread', 'but of hearing the words of The LORD' (Amos 8:11). That's what these in this verse of Isaiah hunger for. There is no literal eating of man's flesh, for that is an abomination. Many today are looking for the True Word, going from religious system to religious system. Each must first accept Christ Jesus as their Savior and then only ask our Father for guidance in studying His Word. Start right in Genesis Chapter 1 and work your way through. Is it really that much more difficult than getting a college degree, or learning a new trade? It is a discipline, there's no shortcuts. And don't worry about what others may think of you. They don't live your life for you and each have the responsibility to our Father. Check out the Study Resources page to find some good sources that will help you in study.

Isa 9:21 Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still.

Manasseh and Ephraim represent the ten tribes of the house of Israel who went into captivity by the Assyrian (see I & II Kings). Are the western Christian nations working against the Nation State of Israel today? In my opinion, I say yes. Have you read lately about the Sharm Peace Accord in Israel which took place in September of 1999, and noticed the driving forces of the United States and Europe who were present? (The Jerusalem Post: www.jpost.com is a good source.)

As can be seen with this Book of Isaiah, God's Word is always 'growing' and never dead history. No other literature known to man has or ever will accomplish this, as there is only one source of all Truth, from The God of Abraham, The God of Isaac, and The God of Jacob; The God of The Living.

Peace be with you in Christ Jesus,
Dave Ramey.

Footnotes:

¹ The Companion Bible. Kregel Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI., 1990, p.941.

All references to "Strong's nos." are from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, PC Study Bible, Biblesoft, 1993-1996.

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