Isaiah 9
OGCEXAMINATION Chapter S SEVEN THROUGH TWELVE
ASSOCIATION
(Associate the persons or events of column one with the correct person or event of column two. Some of column two are incorrect.)
1
2
Ahaz
millenium
Rezin
Persia
Remaliah
Babylon
Ephraim
king of Israel
Shearjashub
lamb
Damascus
Armenia
Immanuel
king of Judah
Maher-shalal-hash-baz
sucking child
virgin
king of Syria
Samaria
Israel
Naphtali
Egypt
Assyria
Messiah
Holy One of Israel
branch
Jesse
Galilee
wolf
Syria
asp
rod of anger
Elam
almah
a remnant shall return capital of Israel spoil speeds, prey hastes the Lord
MEMORIZATION
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a ______; behold a ______ shall conceive, and ______ a son, and shall call his name ______Isaiah 7:14 For unto us a ______is born, unto us a ______ is given; and the ______shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called ______, ______, ____________, ____________, ______ of ______Of the increase of his ______ and of ______ there shall be no end, upon the throne of ______, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with _____ and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The ______ of Jehovah of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7
EXPLANATION
Explain how a virgin’s conception and giving birth could be a sign to Ahaz. Isaiah 7:1-16
Explain why Isaiah named his children as he did. Isaiah 7:3; Isaiah 8:3
Explain when the time came when the wolf lay down with the lamb, etc. Isaiah 11:1-11
APPLICATION
How may Isaiah’s statement to teaching and to the testimony be applied by Christians today? Isaiah 8:20
What application for today’s world may be made of God’s use of Assyria as the rod of my anger, etc. Isaiah 10:5-19
How may Isaiah, chapter 12, apply to the New Testament church?
SPECIAL STUDY
THE CHRIST IN ISAIAH By Jeff Robertson
I.
The History of the Christ in Isaiah
A.
His Birth
Prophecy - Isaiah 7:14
a.
Sign to Ahaz - a virgin, or young woman, to conceive and bear a son
b.
His name to be called Immanuel
Fulfillment - Matthew 1:18; Matthew 1:22-23
a.
Jesus born of virgin Mary
b.
The true Immanuel - God with us
B.
His Family
Prophecy - Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 11:10 - a shoot from the stump of Jesse, the father of David - Messiah to be of David’s line (Cf. Isaiah 9:7)
Fulfillment - Matthew 1:1; Matthew 1:6 - Christ descended from David (Cf. Revelation 5:5 - the root of David; Luke 1:32 - The throne of his father David)
David (Cf. Revelation 5:5 - the root of David; Luke 1:32 - the throne of his father David)
C.
His Anointing
Prophecy - Isaiah 11:2 - the Messiah to be anointed by the Spirit of the Lord (Cf. Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 61:1)
Fulfillment - Matthew 3:16 - the Spirit’s descent upon Jesus at the time of His baptism (Cf. John 1:32)
D.
His Death
Prophecy-Isaiah 53:9; Isaiah 53:12
a.
Put to death along with criminals
b.
Buried in rich man’s tomb
Fulfillment - Luke 22:37; Luke 23:32; Matthew 27:57-60
a.
Crucified with two criminals
b.
Buried in Joseph’s tomb
II.
The Characteristics of the Christ in Isaiah
A.
Wisdom
Prophecy - Isaiah 11:2 - the spirit of wisdom and understanding
Fulfillment - Luke 2:40; Luke 2:52 - filled with wisdom. increased in wisdom
B.
Spiritual Discernment
Prophecy - Isaiah 11:3 - He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear.
Fulfillment - John 2:25 - he knew all men. he himself knew what was in man (Cf. John 7:24)
C.
Justice
Prophecy - Isaiah 11:4 - with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth (Cf. Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 42:3-4)
Fulfillment - 2 Thessalonians 2:8 - Jesus to destroy the lawless one (Cf. Matthew 12:18; Matthew 12:20)
D.
Righteousness
Prophecy - Isaiah 11:5 - righteousness. the girdle of his loins (Cf. Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 32:1)
Fulfillment - Ephesians 6:14 - the breastplate of righeousness
E.
Silence
Prophecy - Isaiah 42:2 - He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street (Cf. Isaiah 53:7)
Fulfillment - Matthew 12:19 - He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will any one hear his voice in the streets (Cf. Matthew 26:63)
F.
Gentleness
Prophecy - Isaiah 42:3 - a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench
Fulfillment - Matthew 12:20 - he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick
G.
Perseverance
Prophecy - Isaiah 42:4 - He will not fail or be discouraged
Fulfillment - Matthew 12:20-21 - till he brings justice to victory; and in his name will the Gentiles hope.
H.
Radiance
Prophecy - Isaiah 42:6 - a light to the nations (Cf. Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 49:6)
Fulfillment - Luke 2:32 - a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel
I.
Compassion
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:4 - Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Cf. Isaiah 50:4)
Fulfillment - Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus healed many - to fulfill what was spoken. -He took our infirmities and bore our diseases-'
J.
Meekness
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:7 - He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth (Cf. Isaiah 50:6)
Fulfillment - Matthew 26:62-63; Matthew 26:67; Mark 14:61; Luke 22:63 (Cf. Acts 8:32)
K.
Vicarious Suffering
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:10 - when he makes himself an offering for sin (Cf. Isaiah 52:14; Isaiah 53:12)
Fulfillment - Hebrews 9:28 - so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many.
L.
Rejection
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:3 - He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
Fulfillment - John 1:10-11 - He was in the world. yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not.
M.
Sinlessness
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:9 - although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth
Fulfillment - 1 Peter 2:22 - He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips (Cf. Luke 23:14-15; Luke 23:41; John 8:46)
N.
Greatness
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:12 - Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong (Cf. Isaiah 52:13)
Fulfillment - Matthew 12:6 - Christ greater than the temple
O.
Saving Power
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:11 - he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one. make many to be accounted righteous.
Fulfillment - John 10:14-18; Romans 5:18-19 - For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous
P.
Exaltation
Prophecy - Isaiah 52:13 - Behold, my servant shall prosper, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.
Fulfillment - Philippians 2:9 - Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.
Q.
Eternal Kingdom
Prophecy - Isaiah 9:6-7 - Of the increase of his government. there will be no end, upon the throne of David. to establish it, and to uphold it. from this time forth and for evermore.
Fulfillment - Luke 1:32-33 - and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.
III.
The Titles of the Christ in Isaiah
A.
Immanuel
B.
Mighty God
John 20:28; (Cf. John 1:1-3; John 1:14; John 8:58; Matthew 28:18; Revelation 19:16)
C.
Everlasting Father
D.
Prince of Peace
E.
Righteous King
Isaiah 32:1 (Cf. Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 11:5)
Luke 1:32-33; Revelation 19:16
F.
Good Shepherd
G.
Divine Servant
H.
Arm of the Lord
I.
Anointed Preacher
IV.
The Mission of the Christ in Isaiah
A.
Illuminator
Prophecy - Isaiah 9:2 - The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. (Cf. Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 49:6)
Fulfillment - Matthew 4:15-16 - … the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. (Cf. Luke 2:32)
B.
Judge
Prophecy - Isaiah 11:3-4 - He shall not judge by what his eyes see. but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth
Fulfillment - John 2:25 - see under II, B, 2
C.
Reprover
Prophecy - Isaiah 11:4 - … he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
Fulfillment - 2 Thessalonians 2:8 - see under II, C, 2
D.
Law-giver
Prophecy - Isaiah 42:4 - … the coastlands wait for his law.
Fulfillment - Matthew 12:18 - … he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
E.
Liberator
Prophecy - Isaiah 42:7 - … to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
Fulfillment - Luke 4:18 - He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed
F.
Burden-bearer
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:4 - see under II, 1, 1
Fulfillment - Matthew 8:17 - see under II, I, 2
G.
Sin-bearer
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:6 - … the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Fulfillment - Hebrews 9:28 - see under II, K, 2
H.
Intercessor
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:12 - yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
- Fulfillment - Hebrews 9:24 - For Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
I.
Only Saviour
Prophecy - Isaiah 53:5 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.
Fulfillment - Romans 4:25 - [Jesus] who was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
Isaiah 9:1-7
CHAPTER NINE C. PEACE BY IMMANUEL 1.
HIS PERSONALITY
TEXT: Isaiah 9:1-7
1 But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
3
Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4
For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as in the day of Midian.
5
For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall be for burning, for fuel of fire.
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, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7
Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.
QUERIES
a.
When is Galilee to be made glorious?
b.
Who is the oppressor that is broken?
c.
Who is the child that is born?
PARAPHRASE
But that time of darkness and despair will not be forever upon God’s covenant people. In fact, while the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali is being held in contempt by God because of the paganism of its people, in the day the Messiah comes He will make that territory glorious by His work therethat is the territory that will then be Gentile territory, Galilee and beyond the Jordan. These who walk in the darkness of ignorance and sin will see a Great Light. This Light will illuminate the way for those who live in the realms of deep darkness. You, Jehovah, will multiply your covenant people, you will increase their joy; your multiplying people will be filled with joy like that of reapers when the harvest time has come, and like that of men dividing up the treasures they have captured. When The Light comes God will break the bondage of oppression upon His people by a great miraculous Divine act of victory over their enemy. At that time God shall utterly destroy the weapons of those who oppress His people and give His people complete peace. For unto God’s people a child will be born; God will give His people a Son. And the government of God will be administered by this Son. These will be the royal titles indicating His nature and character: Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. His government will be one of continued growth and peace and it will never end. He will occupy the throne of His progenitor David and will rule in perfect justice and righteousness His kingdom forever. God’s zeal to vindicate His faithfulness and His zeal for His people will accomplish all this.
COMMENTS
Isaiah 9:1-3 THE LIGHT DISPELLING DARKNESS: We must preface all comments on this section (Isaiah 9:1-7) by confirming that the entire section is messianic. It is plainly declared to be so by Jesus Christ Himself (Cf. Matthew 4:13-17). The ultimate fulfillment of this section, then, is in the first advent of the Messiah. To those who by faith accept the sign of the almah’S son and the sign of Isaiah’s sons, gloom and despair will be dispelled. The Great Light will come at some future time and turn God’s contempt into God’s glory upon God’s people. This future glory of God will have its beginnings in Galilee, the region so abhorred by most of the people of Palestine. Of course, those people to whom Isaiah addresses these remarks, people of Isaiah’s own day, would not themselves live to see the reality of this prediction. However, by faith they might appropriate it to themselves at that momenteven as we may appropriate now some of the blessings of the future predicted in the New Testament.
Jesus Christ, The Light of the World, began His public ministry in Galilee. He was reared there in the village of Nazareth He called most of His apostles from that territory. And, He gained His greatest acceptance and following from Galilee. This northern frontier of the Promised Land was the first to abdicate to paganizing inroads in the days of the Divided Kingdomit was the first to be overrun by the invading forces of Assyria and Babylonbut it was the area God chose to bless and glorify with the presence of His Beloved Son! The method of Divine grace is amazing.
The coming of the Messiah-Light brought atonement for Divine contempt. His coming also brought fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham that from his seed would all the nations of the earth be blessed. His coming brought about the multiplication of the covenant nation through the institution of the kingdom and the calling of the Gentiles into covenant kingdom-ship. The two figures of speech in Isaiah 9:3 are favorite prophetic vehicles to express the way in which this future, new, kingdom of God will extend itself among the Gentiles. The preaching of the gospel and conversion of the Gentiles is spoken of, prophetically, as a harvest and as a conquest wherein the Gentiles become the booty of God’s war against His enemies (Cf. Obadiah 1:17-21; Isa. ch. 60-66, etc.).
Isaiah 9:4-5 THE LORD DELIVERING FROM OPPRESSION: These. verses offer another favorite prophetic figure of speech. Oppression, whether physical or spiritual, is usually illustrated in the Old Testament by physical figures. Here we believe the oppression in its ultimate sense is the spiritual oppression of sin, its guilt and its estranging consequences. Of course, the immediate consequences of the sin of Israel and Judah were their captivities by foreign powers. However, even these captivities symbolized the greater oppression, the bondage to sin and Satan, to which God’s people had surrendered. Now God delivered His people from both the oppression of Babylonian captivity and from the oppression of sin. The deliverance from captivity became a type and prophecy of the mighty and miraculous deliverance from Satan and sin. Just as it was apparent that it was God delivering the people from the Midianites in the days of Gideon, so it would be apparent that it was God delivering from captivity and God delivering from Satan and sin. And when God delivers, the oppressor may as well burn his weapons for they will be of no use against God’s people any more.
Isaiah 9:6-7 THE LAD-DIVINE DISPENSING PEACE: The word child occurs first in the sentence in Hebrew, indicating all the emphasis is put there. The Son of David, Son of God Most High, actually coming to us as a child. The humanity of the Messiah is pointed out here. Young believes there are only four names for the Child, the first of which should be translated, Wonderful Counsellor. Actually the Hebrew word is wonder not wonderful. The Child will not be merely wonderful, but He Himself will be a Wonder. To sit upon the throne of David as the Messianic King requires wisdom such as no mere man possesses. In this King there will be hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). He will be the Word of God, the Logos (John 1:14; John 1:18). He will be the Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). (Cf. also Isaiah 11:2). This King will have no need of being surrounded with human counsellors and advisors. He is pele yoetz, a Wonder of a Counsellor.
This Child is also called el gibbor, Mighty God. Literally God-Hero. One who overcomes, a victor, would be appropriate synonyms.
The third appellation is abi ad, Father-Eternal. The word Father pictorializes a quality of the Messiah toward His people. Eternal modifies Father, thus, Eternallya Father to His people!
The fourth name is sar shalom, Prince of Peace. Since the peace to be established is eternal, it is clear that this peace is something more than a temporary cessation of hostilities (which millennialists claim will be enforced during the so-called thousand year literal reign of Christ in Jerusalem.) among nations. The cessation of warfare in itself does not bring about a desired condition of existence. There must also be removed the cause of war, namely, human sin. When this cause of war is removed, then there can be true peace. For human sin to be removed, however, there must be a state of peace between God and man. Not only must man be at peace with God, but what is more important, God must be at peace with man. The enmity which had existed between God and man must be removed. It was human sin which had kept God at enmity with man. When that sin has been removed, then there can be everlasting peace (Cf. Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:11-22). The Prince of Peace was foreshadowed by Melchizedek, King of Salem (peace) and in Solomon, peaceful one. See also our comments on Isaiah 2:4.
The nature of the reign of this Child will be in justice and righteousness. The two indispensable ingredients making for peace are justice and righteousness. There are two qualities so blatantly abused in the days of the prophets by the rulers and the people of Israel and Judah. Christ came and satisfied the justice of God teaching men to be just and imputed to men the righteousness of God teaching men to be righteous. And His kingdom has continued to reach out to all men everywhere, increasing in quantity and quality. Spiritual growth and development into the image of God is the very essence of the kingdom of God. What will ever accomplish all this? The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do it. But zeal for what? There is one recurring phrase of great interest in the prophetic literature, God says, For my own sake, or For the sake of my name, I will do it. What could bring more blessedness or victory or safety or abundance to God’s people than the vindication of the wisdom, power and faithfulness of God Himself? If God is zealous for His own honor, then His people will surely find honor in that!
QUIZ
What is the ultimate fulfillment of this section of prophecy?
What is significant about the territory of Galilee in this prophecy?
What is the darkness referred to in Isaiah 9:2?
How was the nation multiplied ?
What figures of speech are used to depict deliverance from oppression?
Give the meaning of the four names for the Child-Son,
What is the peace to be brought by this Child-ruler? Where is it fulfilled in the N.T.?
Isaiah 9:8-17
ISRAEL’S PRESUMPTION
TEXT: Isaiah 9:8-17
8
The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
9
And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in pride and in stoutness of heart,
10
The bricks are fallen, but we will build with hewn stone; the sycamores are cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.
11
Therefore Jehovah will set up on high against him the adversaries of Rezin, and will stir up his enemies,
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.
13
Yet the people have not turned unto him that smote them, neither have they sought Jehovah of hosts.
14
Therefore Jehovah will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm-branch and rush, in one day.
15
The elder and the honorable man, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
16
For they that lead this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.
17
Therefore the Lord will not rejoice over their young men, neither will he have compassion on their fatherless and widows; for every one is profane and an evil-doer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
QUERIES
a.
How did the Lord send a word into Jacob?
b.
Why was God’s anger not turned away?
c.
What significance is there in the prophet teaching lies?
PARAPHRASE
The Lord has penetrated into Jacob with His word of warningHis word found its mark through the prophets. Soon all the people of Israel will experience what He has promised, because in the pride and haughtiness of their hearts they have said, Let the judgment come, if the bricks of our houses and walls fall, we will just build houses and walls of hewn stone; if the sycamore trees are cut down, we will put cedars in their place. The Lord’s reply to your bragging is to bring Rezin’s enemies against youthe Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west. With bared fangs they will devour Israel. But even then the Lord’s righteous anger against you will not be satisfiedHis hand will still be poised to smash you. For after all this chastening you will not repent and turn to seek Jehovah of hosts. Therefore the Lord, in one day, will cut off from Israel the high and the low; the elder and the honorable man is the high, and the prophet that teaches lies is the low. These false leaders and teachers have led the people in error, and the people have been willing to be led in errorboth shall be destroyed. That is why the Lord has no joy in their young men, and no mercy upon even the widows and orphans; for they are all filthy-mouthed, wicked liars, foolish speakers. But even then the Lord’s righteous anger against you will not be satisfiedHis hand will still be poised to smash you.
COMMENTS
Isaiah 9:8-12 HAUGHTY HEARTS: The Lord has not overlooked their rebellion. He has sent His word directly into their midst through the prophets. He has hewn them by the prophets and slain them by the words of his mouth (Hosea 6:5). They were without excuse, for God had warned them again and again. He pleaded with them through Joel, Jonah, Amos and Hosea, to no avail. They became prouder and prouder. There was no humility and no repentance for sin. In their haughty hearts they said, in effect, Let the Lord’s judgment come, we are fully capable of controlling every situation by our own hands. If God destroys our brick houses and city walls we will rebuild them with hewn stones which cannot be destroyed. If God takes away our sycamore trees we will replace them with cedars! They refused to acknowledge that things were in God’s hands. So God will let them know (by experience) that His word is omnipotent. Rezin’s enemies, the Syrians on the east (probably those Syrians who had been subjugated by the Assyrians and made to fight with the Assyrians against Damascus), and the Philistines on the west, would form a military-vise, a pincer movement, and crush Israel and Judah between them. Yet, in spite of all this woe and chastening, there is no repentance in Israel, so the wrath of God will still be directed against them.
Isaiah 9:13-17 UNHOLY HARBINGERS: The people had not turned to Jehovah, in spite of God’s chastening and the preaching of God’s prophets. The reason for their continued rebellion could be found in the fact that the leaders of the nation (its rulers and religious leadersprophets) were teaching and leading the people in lies. From the head to the tailfrom the king to the lowliest officialthey were telling the people lies about Jehovah. There were only a very few of the prophets faithful to the truth of God. The majority were false prophets, preaching and teaching what a sinful people wanted to hear, hirelings, concerned with their own selfish ends, (Cf. Amos 2:12; Micah 2:6-11). Those being led astray into error (the people) would be destroyed also because they were willing to be led astray! God takes no pleasure in any of these people (Isaiah 9:17). The young men of the nation, its greatest treasure are an abomination. The nation is so totally corrupt even the widows and orphans are involved in its rebellion and God cannot even show mercy to these. Everyone is profane and irreligious. They plot evil deeds (Cf. Hosea 4:1-3; Hosea 7:1-16). Every person in the nation is speaking and acting foolishly. It is difficult to comprehend the extent of moral and spiritual decadence rampant in Israel at that time. But the biblical record is substantiated by archaeological data! For this reason God’s hand of judgment is poised to fall heavily upon Israel.
QUIZ
Why were the people without excuse for their rebellion?
What was Israel’s presumption?
How would the enemies of Rezin deal with Israel?
How did the rulers and prophets contribute to the rebellion of Israel?
To what extent had the nation fallen into decadence?
Isaiah 9:18-21
ISRAEL’S PERVERSITY
TEXT: Isaiah 9:18-21
18
For wickedness burneth as the fire; it devoureth the briers and thorns; yea it kindleth in the thickets of the forest, and they roll upward in a column of smoke.
19
Through the wrath of Jehovah of hosts is the land burnt up; and the people are as the fuel of fire: no man spareth his brother.
20
And one 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:
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.
QUERIES
a.
How does wickedness burn?
b.
What is the meaning of snatching on the right hand ?
c.
Were they literally to eat the flesh of their own arms ?
PARAPHRASE
The consequences of your wickedness will consume you like a fire that burns up all vegetation. God’s graciousness will be replaced by God’s all-consuming wrath. He will devour everything in His anger. The people will be as fuel for the fires of His righteous indignation. They will fight against one another to steal one another’s food, but they will never have enough. Finally they will even eat the flesh of their own people. Manassah against Ephraim and Ephraim against Manassah in civil war and then both Manassah and Ephraim in a truce long enough to unite against Judah. Yet even after all of this, God’s anger is not yet satisfied. His hand is still heavy upon them, to punish them.
COMMENTS
Isaiah 9:18-21 CIVIL WAR: The plague of wickedness has infected the whole society and its culture. Rich and poor, powerful and weak, educated and illiterate alike are contaminated with evil. It has spread like fire spreads through dry stubble and forest. The fire which is about to consume the people and their land is the mighty moral rule of God which inevitably must fall upon those who break all moral bounds. The people were about to experience the removal of God’s grace. When that happens man is left alone to the consequences of his perversity and when that happens man consumes himself. Some commentators seem to think the statement, they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm means figurative cannibalism. However, literal cannibalism is not unknown to ancient history or modern history (Cf. 2 Kings 6:24-31; Jeremiah 19:9, etc.). In modern times the people of Russia in the siege of Leningrad (WW II) are reported to have eaten human flesh to survive starvation. Social and moral anarchy resulted in civil warbrother killing and robbing brother. And all these woes were but the beginning of tribulation on this once favored people. The hand of God was stretched out still. The end was not yet. That came with foreign conquest, captivity and slavery.
QUIZ
What is the fire that is about to consume the people and land?
Does the Bible mention literal cannibalism anywhere? Where?
What brought on the civil war?
Why was this tribulation not the end of Israel’s woes?