There are 21 verses in this chapter. We will probably cover them in two articles. Let’s begin.

⁶ For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

This passage reads like a New Testament passage. The above New King James Version of the Bible is taken directly from the Old Testament. This is why Isaiah was studied by the New Testament believers. Another reason, No New Testament book was even written until 20+ years A.C.E AFTER Jesus was crucified and ascended to Heaven. Isaiah lived during the 8th and 7th centuries BCE. This is a difference of about 800 years. A fulfilled prophecy. [also read Isaiah 7:14]

Chapter 9 is a two-section Promised Son chapter:

1. The government of the Promised Son
2. The Punishment of Samaria (Northern 10 Tribes of Israel)

Chapter 9:1 mentions the Tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Assyria is on the march. Note the map. It shows these two tribes are to the north of the divided nation of Israel in the Kingdom of Israel. Assyrians are to the north of Naphtali and Manasseh.

Above we see where Naphtali and Zebulun are located. By this time Manasseh, east of the Jordan, was under the control of Assyria. This includes Gad and Reuben. The next to fall to the Assyrian were the Galileans. Many Gentiles lived there (Isaiah 9:1, Matthew 4:15).

 NOTE: Isaiah jumps back and forth from their present to the end of time.

NOTE: The Galileans of which Jesus and most of his disciples were, spoke with a distinguishable accent.

Verse 2 possibly hints at a future yet to be revealed. “The people who walked in darkness” are likely the northern tribes being discussed here in verse 1. They walked in darkness, so they may be the first of Israelites to see the “light” of their Messiah. This is prophecy yet to be.

Verse 4 is we find a compared to the Israel’s victory and celebration of victory over their pending enemy. Verse 4 states, it is the Midian forces”. Find this in Judges 7… Midian defeat; Israeli victory, and celebration. Recall that Gideon went up against huge odds. 300 men of war for Israel; thousands of enemy Midian troops.

Verse 5 With the following verses (6 – 7) detailing the birth of a Jesus, theological interpretations vary.  Two options; referencing the birth or coronation of a new king, like Hezekiah, or an end time statement about God’s future liberation of Israel after the 7-year tribulation. 

Next article covers the second half of chapter 9 …God’s punishment of Samaria (northern 10 tribes of Israel.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025