The Prophecy of Isaiah - Lesson 9: "Darkness to Light" (Isaiah 8:19-9:7)

The Prophecy of Isaiah
Lesson 9: “Darkness to Light” (Isaiah 8:19–9:7)

1. A Land of Darkness and Gloom (8:19–22)

a. Living in Spiritual Darkness and Confusion (8:19–20)

When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 Consult God's instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. (Isa. 8:19-20 NIV)

b. Living under the Chastening Hand of the Lord in Despair (8:21–22)

Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. 22 Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness. (Isa. 8:21-22 NIV)

2. Darkness Turned to Light (9:1–5)

a. Humility Turned to Honor (9:1)

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan-- (Isa. 9:1 NIV)

b. Darkness Turned to Light (9:2)

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isa. 9:2 NIV)

c. Sorrow Turned to Joy (9:3)

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. (Isa. 9:3 NIV)

d. Slavery Turned to Freedom (9:4)

For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. (Isa. 9:4 NIV)

e. War Turned to Peace (9:5)

Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. (Isa. 9:5 NIV)

3. The Light of the Messiah (9:6–7)

a. The Birth of the Messiah (9:6a)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. (Isa. 9:6a NIV)

b. The Names of the Messiah (9:6b)

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6b NIV)

c. The Reign of the Messiah (9:7)

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isa. 9:7 NIV)