Isaiah 9

3. And not increased the joy. Rather (as R.V.), “Thou hast increased their joy” (two different readings in the Heb., though alike in sound): comp. Psa. c. 3.

4 the staff of his shoulder. The staff with which the shoulder or neck is smitten.

the day of Midian. See x. 26; the point of comparison being the sudden destruction by special Divine interposition of a threatening host: Judg. vii. 2-13; viii. 1-23.

5. For every battle, etc. Rather, “For all the

6. For unto us, etc. This magnificent prophecy, which forms one of the great choruses in Handel’s Messiah, cannot, without extravagance, be applied to any other sovereign than Immanuel already predicted. The ancient Jews were unanimous in referring it to the Messiah; and, although these exact words are not quoted in the New Testament, the passage is evidently referred to in the annunciation of the birth of our Lord (Luke i. 28–33).

Wonderful. Lit., “Wonder.” He is so in all respects, in His person, sufferings, and works.

everlasting Father. Lit., “Father of Eternity”: eternal in His own existence, and the Giver of eternal life to others. This prophecy could not be applied in its fulness to any ordinary human being. The combination of this with His birth as a child is a very clear foreshadowing of the union of God and man in the person of Christ (see note on chap. vii. 14).

9. Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria. A counterpart to “inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah,” in ch. v. 3. The two prophecies are of a similar strain.

10 sycomores. Light and common timber, much used, like sun-dried “bricks” in cheap building.

11. Rezin. The Assyrians, by whom, under Tiglath-pileser, Rezin was slain, would invade Israel also; and the Syrians and Philistines would join the conqueror, and rush into and pillage the country: see 2 Kings xvii. 6.

Join. Or, “instigate,” “excite”; “stir up” (R.V.).

14 branch. Properly “palm-branch”; which grows at the summit of the tree, and is therefore very appropriately contrasted with the “rush.”

15. The ancient. Rather, “the elder”; that is, ruler. The false prophets are called “the tail,” because of their base servility to these wicked rulers.

17 shall have no joy in their young men. Shall signify His displeasure by suffering them to be smitten in battle.

19 darkened. Or, “burnt”; or, “consumed.”

20. And he shall snatch, etc. That is, the people. These fearful horrors of civil war were doubtless realised in the unsettled period described in 2 Kings xv.

21. Manasseh, Ephraim, etc. There should be intestine strife in the northern kingdom, whilst the rival parties should combine “against Judah.”