1Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:
2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;and increased its joy.
The people rejoice before You as they rejoice at harvest time, as men rejoice in dividing the plunder.On those living in the land of the shadow of death,
a light has dawned.a
3You have enlarged the nation
4For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden,
the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.
5For every trampling boot of battle and every garment rolled in blood
6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
and the government will be upon His shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness
from that time and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
THOUGHTS:
Zebulun and Naphtali were the northernmost border tribes around the Sea of Galilee. They were constantly being overrun by the Canaanites, Hittites, Philistines, Syrian, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Even today the northernmost territories of Israel are buffers for the south and face barrages of rocket fire and guerrilla infiltration. It was a dark, gloomy place to live. This was the place that Jesus grew up- Nazareth in the hill country above Galilee. Isaiah is saying the Messiah will be there- a child will come from there who will be a ruler bringing peace. The peace Jesus brought did not come about by an army following him. He will break the captive chains and bars. Instead He will bring freedom and peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace but it is not brought about by any physical army but by those who follow His ways of love and peace.
Zebulun and Naphtali were the northernmost border tribes around the Sea of Galilee. They were constantly being overrun by the Canaanites, Hittites, Philistines, Syrian, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Even today the northernmost territories of Israel are buffers for the south and face barrages of rocket fire and guerrilla infiltration. It was a dark, gloomy place to live. This was the place that Jesus grew up- Nazareth in the hill country above Galilee. Isaiah is saying the Messiah will be there- a child will come from there who will be a ruler bringing peace. The peace Jesus brought did not come about by an army following him. He will break the captive chains and bars. Instead He will bring freedom and peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace but it is not brought about by any physical army but by those who follow His ways of love and peace.
On our rainy dark day and night today, I appreciate that Christ is the light shining in darkness. A child is usually a symbol of hope to come- a new start. Jesus is the child born to give us hope in our dark gloomy world.
Prayer: Lord, let me believe in your hope and trust in you.
Sun rising over the earth.
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