Isaías 9
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
Isaías 9
Guzik- The glory of who He is and what He has done for us should fill us with wonder. You can never really look at Jesus, really know Him, and be bored. He is Wonderful, and will fill your heart and mind with amazement! As well, this is a reference to the deity of Jesus; “The word ‘wonderful’ has overtones of deity” (Grogan) (Cp Jdg 13:18 - the name of Angel of the LORD is wonderful). (Isaiah 9 Commentary) Comment: The Angel of the Lord replies to Manoah that His name is wonderful and is a clear indication of the deity of the Angel. God is Wonderful - This is our fourth and final visit to Isaiah 9:6. As we read the titles applied to the child born for us, it becomes apparent they could not refer to King Ahaz's baby or any subsequent earthly child. This prophecy would not be fulfilled, in fact, for over 700 years, when a messenger of the Lord would appear to ordinary shepherds with a startling word: “Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David” (Luke 2:10–11). The context in Isaiah 9 declared that those in darkness would see a “great light” (verse 2), that their burdensome yoke would be shattered and their joy restored. When Jesus began his ministry in Capernaum, Matthew reiterated this hope. The idea of “great light” flooding the land was a favorite symbol of deliverance and of its accompanying joy and happiness. Jesus is indeed the one to bring about this “wonderful” event! “Wonderful” indicates that Jesus exceeds the limits of human understanding and transcends the boundaries of human existence and power. When God sent an angelic messenger to Manoah to tell him of the impending birth of his son Samson, Manoah wanted to know this angelic one's name so he could honor him. The messenger responded, “Why do you ask My name … since it is wonderful” (Judg. 13:18). If the name of a messenger is wonderful, how much more the name of the Son? Jesus once told his listeners a parable about an owner of a vineyard whose tenants killed both his messengers and his son. He then concluded the story with a quotation from Psalm 118—“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came from the Lord and is wonderful in our eyes” (Matt. 21:42). When we come to know him as Savior, this experience will fill every fiber of our being and every event of our daily existence with wonder—for he is Wonderful. (Kenneth Hemphill - God Is) Herbert Lockyer - Wonderful This first of the five gathered for us in one garland expresses a marvelous burst of eloquence on the part of Isaiah as, some 700 years before Christ was born, he was able with such accuracy of delineation to pic-ture all that He would be in Himself, and likewise accomplish. The full description tallies to the last letter with the description of the Son of God while here among men. Prophecy, it has been said, is God's finger mark on the leaves of the book, preparing us for miracles—God's footprints on the life of the world. Because of all Christ taught and accomplished—and is accomplishing—He is worthy of the name Wonderful. Forecast: "Who is He that... things too wonderful for me" (Job 42:3). "Thy testimonies are wonderful" (Ps. 119:129). "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me" (Ps. 139:6). "Thou hast done wonderful things" (Isa. 25:1). "The LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel" (Isa. 28:29). "His name shall be called Wonderful" (Isa. 9:6). The Hebrew word for "wonderful" is secret. Manoah asked "The Angel of the Lord" His name and He replied, "Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?" (Judg. 13:18). The same word secret is given as "wondrously" in the next verse. Did wondrously! This is what we know of Jesus. His wonderful words, works, and witness proved Him to be "the Son given." It would have been more wonderful if Jesus, being all He evidently was, had performed no mighty works. Fulfillment: "The chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did" (Matt. 21:15). "All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words" (Luke 4:22). "Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God... by wonders" (Acts 2:22). "Wonders... done by the name of thy holy child Jesus" (Acts 4:30). How worthy He was of His name Wonderful! Because He was, in Himself, all this name implied, He was wonderful in His teaching, which has never been surpassed by the world's greatest scholars. He was wonderful in His character, the marvel being that while others became repentant and were converted under His influence, He, Himself, never had anything to repent of. He was wonderful in His life, because of its purity and plan—a saving plan He brought about through His death and Resurrection. (All the Messianic Prophecies of the Bible) O Wonderful! round whose birth-home Prophetic song, miraculous power Cluster and turn like star and flower COUNSELOR In English counselor describes someone who gives advice about problems, an advocate who pleads one's case in court (cf 1 John 2:1+), someone who looks after children at a summer camp (are we not all "children" of God in a foreign place?). THOUGHT - Jesus is our counselor is one Who bestows wisdom, because He "became to us wisdom from God" (cf 1 Cor 1:30). There is wisdom in His Name Counselor. Who do you run to for wise counsel in times of difficulty or distress? Run into the Strong Tower of His Name Counselor and be safe, lifted up! (Pr 18:10+) Do you have a problem today and you don't know the way out or what to do and every answer other counselors give seems wrong. Can I recommend to you my Counselor? His name is Jesus. Don't just walk to "His office"! Run to Him! Counselor (03289) (yaats) means to advise, give counsel, guide, devise, plan (First use Ex 18:18 of Jethro telling Moses "I shall give you counsel"). Most often ya'ats describes giving of good advice. What Jehovah has "planned (ya'ats) so it will stand" (Isa 14:24). What the "LORD of hosts has planned (ya'ats)… who can frustrate?" (Isa 14:27). Isaiah asked "With whom did He (Jehovah) consult (ya'ats)" (Isa 40:14). Isaiah used ya'ats in recording a prophetic promise that… Then (see comment below) I (Jehovah) will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. After that you (Jerusalem - but used as a picture of the believing, righteous remnant of Israel) will be called the city of righteousness, a faithful city.” (Is 1:26). Comment: Then (see expressions of time in inductive Bible study) marks sequence and in this case marks the termination of this present age which is brought to a close by the Second Coming of Messiah at the end of Daniel's Seventieth Week, the time period in Israel's future history which Jeremiah referred to as Time of Jacob's Distress (Jeremiah 30:7-note). This period constitutes the last three and one-half years of Daniel's Seventieth Week, the time Jesus referred to as the Great Tribulation =Begins - Mt 24:15-note, named - Mt 24:21-note , cp Da 9:27-note) Ya'ats - 74verses in the NAS. Notice that Isaiah uses ya'ats in some 17 verses - Isaiah 1:26; 3:3; 7:5; 9:6; 14:24, 26, 27; 19:11, 12, 17; 23:8, 9; 32:7, 8; 40:14; 41:28; 45:21; Ex 18:19; Num 24:14; 2Sa 15:12; 16:23; 17:7, 11, 15, 21; 1Kgs 1:12; 12:6, 8f, 13, 28; 2Kgs 6:8; 1Chr 13:1; 26:14; 27:32f; 2Chr 10:6, 8f; 20:21; 22:3f; 25:16f; 30:2, 23; 32:3; Ezra 4:5; 7:28; 8:25; Neh 6:7; Job 3:14; 12:17; 26:3; Ps 16:7; 32:8; 62:4; 71:10; 83:3, 5; Pro11:14; 12:20; 13:10; 15:22; 24:6; Jer 38:15; 49:20, 30; 50:45; Ezek 11:2; Mic 4:9; 6:5; Nah 1:11; Hab 2:10
Isaías 9
Guzik - And thus because they believed they would be able to weather the storm of attack and then rebuild, God would send successive waves of enemies against Israel (The Syrians before and the Philistines behind). The destruction of Israel would be complete, and their proud promise to rebuild would be unfulfilled. (Isaiah 9 Commentary) Has God allowed some event in your life to bring you to the end of yourself and in brokenness, humility and repentance, to turn to Him, seeking His face, His forgiveness and His will for your life? If so, please hear and heed His call to humble yourself and receive His Word implanted which is able to save your soul (the first time - justification, but every day - sanctification). The LORD raises against them… spurs their enemies on - God is Sovereign. He is not the source of evil (cp Jas 1:13-note). But in His sovereignty and omnipotence, God is able to use evil nations to accomplish His purposes, using them to chastise His rebellious chosen people. (See examples of God raising up and stirring up peoples and nations for His purposes - 2Sa 12:11, 1Ki 11:14, 23 1Chr 5:26, 2Chr 21:16, 2Ch 33:11, 2Chr 36:22, 23, Ezra 1:1, Isa 10:5, 13:17, Ezek 38:16) Adversaries from Rezin - Rezin refers to the Arameans (Syrians). Their adversaries refers to the Assyrians. NET Note - The translation assumes that the prefixed verb with vav (w) consecutive continues the narrative of past judgment. The Hebrew text reads literally, "adversaries of Rezin against him [i.e., them]." The next verse describes how the Syrians (over whom Rezin ruled, see Isa 7:1, 8) and the Philistines encroached on Israel's territory. Since the Syrians and Israelites were allies by 735 B.C. (see 7:1), the hostilities described probably occurred earlier, while Israel was still pro-Assyrian. In this case one might understand the phrase !ycir. yrec' (tsare r®tsin, "adversaries of Rezin") as meaning "adversaries sent from Rezin." However, another option, the one chosen in the translation above, is to emend the phrase to wyr'c' (tsarayv, "his [i.e., their] adversaries"). This creates tighter parallelism with the next line (note "his [i.e., their] enemies"). The phrase in the Hebrew text may be explained as virtually dittographic. Isaiah 9:12 The Arameans on the east and the Philistines on the west and they devour Israel with gaping jaws. In spite of all this His anger does not turn away, And His hand is still stretched out.: Arameans: 2Ki 16:6 2Ch 28:18 Jer 35:11 devour Israel: Dt 31:17 Ps 79:7 129:3-6 Jer 10:25 In spite of all this - Isa 9:17,21 5:25 10:4 Jer 4:8 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NET Isaiah 9:12 Syria from the east, and the Philistines from the west, they gobbled up Israelite territory. Despite all this, his anger does not subside, and his hand is ready to strike again. NLT Isaiah 9:12 The Syrians from the east and the Philistines from the west will bare their fangs and devour Israel. But even then the LORD's anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike. "IN SPITE OF ALL THIS… " Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21, 10:4 Arameans on the east - See Map of Aram (note it is northeast of Israel). Philistines on the west - See Map of Philistia. In spite of all this - The crushing (gaping jaws) invasions of the Arameans and Philistines would not be enough to break Israel's pride and arrogance. The upshot? More divine judgment would come. This repeated refrain describing God's anger reminds us of Jonathan Edwards' famous sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. Here is Edwards' closing exhortation to his congregation, a good word for any congregation... Therefore let everyone that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come (1 Thes 1:10+). The wrath of almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over great part of this congregation: let everyone fly out of Sodom. Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed [Genesis 19:17, 26, Lk 17:31+]. The heart of godless men has not changed much as evidenced by John Calvin's description of the society in his day… How many are the distresses with which Europe has been afflicted for thirty or forty years? How many are the chastisements by which she has been called to repentance? And yet it does not appear that those numerous chastisements have done any good. On the contrary, luxury increases every day, lawless passions are inflamed, and men go on in crimes and profligacy more shamelessly than ever. In short, those very calamities appear to have been so many excitements to luxury and splendour. What then should we expect but to be bruised with heavier blows? His anger does not turn away… His hand is still stretched out (in anger not mercy) - The Arameans and Philistines did not signal the end of their affliction by God. In this unit (Isaiah 9:8 through Isaiah 10:4) as we have noted there are four identical refrains (Isa 9:12, 17, 21, 10:4, cp Isaiah 5:25) which repeat the description of Jehovah's refusal to turn back from judging Israel (one refrain should have been enough to cause a holy fear and dread!) Men can vainly resist God's righteous anger but cannot cause it to go away. Ephraim/Israel refused to turn back to God (repent) even in the face of His hand of judgment and thus He would not turn away His anger. This proved to be a spiritual recipe for complete destruction of the nation of Israel (defeated and taken into exile by the Assyrians in 722BC). PRAY FOR REVIVAL! Beloved, America is at a historic, spiritual crossroad. God's Name is being slowly, systematically removed by the secularists from every aspect of our society (from removal of public prayer to removal of His name off our coins to removal of His name from the pledge of allegiance! And the list is growing!). If we the people fail to turn back to God as a nation, we can see from Israel's example what will surely come to pass in our great nation which was once truly one nation under God! Pray for revival! Hand is still stretched out - It is worth nothing that in other contexts the outstretched hand is not God’s judgment but reflects His offer of mercy (Isa 65:2; Ro 10:21). This phrase was also used to describe His redemption of Israel through the exodus (Ex 6:6, Dt 4:34, 5:15). NET Note - Hebrew = "in all this his anger is not turned, and still his hand is outstretched." One could translate in the past tense here (and in Isa 9:17b and Isa 9:21b), but the appearance of the refrain in Isa 10:4b, where it follows a woe oracle prophesying a future judgment, suggests it is a dramatic portrait of the judge which did not change throughout this period of past judgment and will remain unchanged in the future. The English present tense (SEE NET ABOVE) is chosen to best reflect this dramatic mood. (See also Isa 5:25b, where the refrain appears following a dramatic description of coming judgment.) Isaiah 9:13 Yet the people do not turn back to Him Who struck them, nor do they seek the LORD of hosts: people: Isa 1:5 26:11 57:17 2Ch 28:22 Job 36:13 Jer 5:3 31:18-20 Eze 24:13 Ho 5:15 7:10,16 Nor: Isa 31:1 Deut 4:29 Jer 29:11 50:4,5 Ho 3:4,5 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE SECOND STANZA: FAILED LEADERSHIP Yet the people - Yet is like "but", marking a contrast. What is being contrasted? Logically, when we burn our hand and feel pain, we instantly retract our hand. Similarly, one would think of Israel as surely being willing to pull their hand back so to speak, and to recognize the hand of the LORD as the source of their retribution. But in this case they did not do so. Repeatedly in the book of Judges, God would send enemies against Israel and in their oppression they would cry out for His deliverance and He would send a deliverer or a judge to set them free from their oppressors. And "yet" not in this case. Why not? What happens when we repeatedly burn our finger? We get a scar with loss of sensation (which is what happens to lepers who get a destructive neuropathy which leaves them insensitive to pain and thus they often injure themselves without being aware because the sense of pain is gone). So too, we see this same dynamic occur with Israel's heart. NET Note - This verse describes the people's response to the judgment described in Isa 9:11–12. The perfects are understood as indicating simple past. The people do not turn back - Continued strokes from God are still without effect. In short they do not repent of their wickedness and ungodly behavior. Sin is departing from God. Repentance is returning to God. Motyer observes that "Before repentance wrath melts and mercy triumphs." To Him Who struck them - God Himself brought this about! Struck them - (Isa 1:5, 5:25, 9:13, Jer 2:30, 5:3) Nor do they seek the LORD of hosts - This is a sad statement. Divine discipline had no positive effect on the people of the Northern Kingdom. Alexander notes that to seek God in the idiom of Scripture, is to pray to Him (Isa 4:6), to consult Him (Isa 8:19), to resort to Him for help (Isa 31:1), to hold communion with Him (Amos 5:4,5). Hence, it is sometimes descriptive of a godly life in general (Ps 14:2). So here it includes repentance, conversion, and new obedience. Clendenen writes that… Seeking God is a purposeful looking for assistance from the Almighty (31:1). It requires people to admit they need help and causes them to rely on someone stronger than themselves. It involves a heart’s desire for God, a willingness to ask for guidance, and by implication includes a commitment to “turn, repent” and follow God’s answer. (New American Commentary: Isaiah 1-39). The Northern Kingdom was like King Rehoboam of the Southern Kingdom who did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD. (2Chr 12:14) Comment: Note the prerequisite for seeking is setting. The root problem of not seeking is not setting -- not setting one's heart on God. The fruit of this rotten root is rebellion (did evil), the antithesis of seeking God (cp 2Chr 15:2). In King Asa's reign in Judah we see the importance of seeking the LORD for… whoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman… 15 And all Judah rejoiced concerning the oath, for they had sworn with their whole heart and had sought Him earnestly, and He let them find Him. So the LORD gave them rest on every side. (2Chr 15:13, 15) Comment: Clearly not seeking God reflects a serious problem, one that warranted death in the OT. Some fear to seek the Lord diligently because they are afraid that if should they really find God, He would be more of a burden than a blessing. The Chronicler wanted us to know that when we seek God in this radical way and find Him, the reward is rest all around. Had the people of the Northern Kingdom responded with repentance (manifest by seeking Him), He would have relented and given them rest. Charles Simeon has the following sermon comments related to Isaiah 9:13… RICH as God is in mercy to repenting sinners, he is full of indignation against the impenitent. Hence his most gracious invitations and promises are often intermixed with the most awful threatenings (Mt 11:20, 21, 28). He had just before declared his intention of sending the Messiah to his chosen people. He now threatens them with utter excision for their impenitence (Compare Isa 9:6, 7. with Isa 9:11, 12, 13, 14, 15). The grounds of his displeasure are no less visible amongst ourselves than amongst the Jews. We are at this time suffering under his chastising hand. But few, if any, of us are suitably affected with his judgments… (Remember) God does not ever afflict his people willingly and without a cause. Sin is the ground of the controversy that he has with us. It is for the removal of this that he sends afflictions, upon individuals -- His most highly favored people are not exempt from chastisement: while they have any sin unmortified (Ed: What sin are you refusing to mortify dear child of God? Be sure His rod of discipline is able to reach you if you persist His loving warning to lay aside the old and put on the new!), God will not leave them altogether unpunished (cp Jer 30:11). Even the upright Job had much dross which was to be purged in the furnace of affliction (Job 23:10-note). David also found much benefit arising from his trials: and acknowledged them to have been tokens of God’s love and faithfulness (Ps 119:72-note). (Isaiah 9:13 Our impenitence Under Divine Chastisement) Isaiah 9:14 So the LORD cuts off head and tail from Israel, both palm branch and bulrush in a single day: cut: Isa 3:2,3 19:15 2Ki 17:6-20 Ho 1:4,6,9 4:5 5:12-14 8:8 9:11-17 Ho 13:3 Am 2:14-16 3:12 5:2,3 6:11 7:8,9,17 9:1-9 Mic 1:6-8 day: Isa 10:17 30:13 Ho 10:15 Rev 18:8,10,17 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NET Isaiah 9:14 So the LORD cut off Israel's head and tail, both the shoots and stalk in one day. So - (therefore) - A term of conclusion related to how God shall strike Ephraim and Samaria. So the LORD cuts off head… from Israel - The head refers to the elder and honorable man, the leaders of the nation. The point is that Jehovah will destroy Israel's leadership. Isaiah described the totality of leadership as the head and tail of this national animal. So the LORD cuts off… tail from Israel (cp Dt 28:13, Isa 19:15) - The tail refers to the false prophets (see next verse). Motyer… As in Isa 3:1, 2, 3, 4, inadequate leadership is one of the signs of divine judgment at work. (Ibid) Palm branch and Bulrush - The former was highly esteemed for its beauty and utility and it stood over the much smaller bulrush (or reed) which grew in the marshes. And so they picture in general that which is superior and inferior, and stand as symbols for every class in the community. The Lxx supports this idea translating them as megas (great) and mikros (small). NET Note - The metaphor in this line is that of a reed being cut down. In a single day - God would cut off Ephraim's leadership abruptly and suddenly. Isaiah 9:15 The head is the elder and honorable man, and the prophet who teaches falsehood is the tail: (elder: Isa 3:5 5:13 1Sa 9:6) prophet: Isa 28:17 29:10 1Ki 13:18 22:22, 23, 24, Jer 5:31 14:14,15 Jer 23:9,14,15,25, 26, 27 27:9,10,14,15 28:15,16 29:21,22 Eze 13:1-16,19,22 Hos 9:8 Mal 2:9 Mt 7:15, 24:24 2Co 11:13, 14, 15 Gal 1:8,9 2Th 2:9, 10, 11, 12 2Ti 4:2,3 2Pe 2:1, 2, 3 1Jn 4:1 Rev 19:20 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The prophet who teaches falsehood - See passages below under leading astray. NET Note - Heb "the elder and the one lifted up with respect to the face." For another example of the Hebrew idiom, see 2 Kgs 5:1. Isaiah 9:16 For those who guide this people are leading them astray; and those who are guided by them are brought to confusion.: ( Those who guide: Isa 3:12 Mt 15:14 23:16-36 Guided by them: Nu 6:23-26 1Ki 8:55,56 2Ch 30:27 Heb 7:7 For - Explains why the leaders and prophets were specifically singled out to be cut off. Leading astray - Evil leaders lead to evil deeds (cp Jesus' warning Mt 15:14). Bad company corrupts good morals. A little leaven, leavens the entire loaf. There are many passages that relate to evil leaders leading others astray… The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. (Pr 12:26) He who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good. (Pr 28:10) O My people! Their oppressors are children, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, And confuse the direction of your paths. (Isa 3:12) FALSE PROPHETS EVERYWHERE! The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it? (Jer 5:31) Then the LORD said to me, "The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds. (Jer 14:14) I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy falsely in My name, saying, 'I had a dream, I had a dream!' 26 "How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart, 27 who intend to make My people forget My name by their dreams which they relate to one another, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal? 28 "The prophet who has a dream may relate his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth. What does straw have in common with grain?" declares the LORD. 29 "Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock? 30 "Therefore behold, I am against the prophets," declares the LORD, "who steal My words from each other. 31 "Behold, I am against the prophets," declares the LORD, "who use their tongues and declare, 'The Lord declares.' 32 "Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams," declares the LORD, "and related them, and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit," declares the LORD. (Jer 23:25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32) Your prophets have seen for you false and foolish visions; and they have not exposed your iniquity so as to restore you from captivity, but they have seen for you false and misleading oracles. (Lam 2:14) Comment: Iniquity not exposed. The truth in this verse is a loud trumpet call to the modern church to not shy away from exposing iniquity, to not be fearful of calling sin "sin", to not be afraid of "hard" (or vertical) preaching, to not disregard the truth that repentance is related to genuine belief, to not be willing to affirm to the sheep that the Word of God provides everything necessary for life and godliness, etc, etc. American Christianity is being destroyed by "lack of knowledge" (cp Hos 4:6). The consequences of sowing seeds of soft preaching is the rotten fruit of unrighteous behavior which is beginning to be seen all across the land of America. God's offer is the same as it was in the OT… "Return to Me… that I may return to you." (Zech 1:3, cp 2Chr 15:4, 2Chr 30:6, 7, 8, 9, Isa 31:6, Jer 3:12, 13, 14, Jer 4:1, 25:5, 35:15, Lam 3:39 Ezek 33:11 Hos 6:1, 14:1,2, Joel 2:12, 13, Mal 3:7) Father by Thy Spirit please make the prayer of the psalmist be the continual plea on the lips of every blood bought, heaven bound follower of Christ - My soul cleaves to the dust. Revive me (us) according to Thy word. (Psalm 119:25). Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. (Ro 16:17, 18) But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.4 For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully. (2Cor 11:3,4) These things (What things? Read chapters 1 and 2 of 1John) I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive (lead you astray just like Isaiah describes here in Isa 9:16) you. (1Jn 2:26) (Jesus to the church at Thyatira) But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray, so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. (Rev 2:18-note) Those who are guided by them are brought to confusion - More literally this reads "and the ones being led were swallowed up (or ruined)." The idea is they were being destroyed. Isaiah 9:17 Therefore the Lord does not take pleasure in their young men, nor does He have pity on their orphans or their widows; for every one of them is godless and an evildoer, and every mouth is speaking foolishness. In spite of all this His anger does not turn away, and His hand is still stretched out.: does not take pleasure: Isa 10:2 13:18 27:11 62:5 65:19 Ps 147:10 Jer 18:21 Zec 9:17 Every one of them: Isa 10:6 Job 15:34 Jer 5:1 Mic 7:2 Mt 16:3 every mouth: Isa 32:6,7 Mt 12:34 In spite of all this: Isa 9:12,21 5:25 10:4 Eze 20:33 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Therefore - Because of the foolish leaders which led the people astray and caused confusion. Alexander says "because the people are thus incorrigibly impenitent." The Lord does not take pleasure - God desired to find pleasure and joy (cp Zeph 3:17) with His chosen people, but he was unable to do so because every one of them is godless. Nor does He have pity - That the Lord would not have mercy on the needy expresses in the strongest of terms the extent and severity of the threatened judgments. Orphans or their widows - This is an amazing statement, the Scriptures repeatedly describe orphans and widows as peculiarly the object of God's care. But here we see that the Lord does not take pleasure in or have pity on even the weak and needy of the society, because the decay of the society has spread like a deadly virus infecting the entire society from top to bottom (cp the prophecy in Jer 18:21). For - Explains why God's judgment which might seem so harsh is fully justified. Godless (02611) (chaneph) has the root idea of to incline away from what is right (from God) and thus means ungodly, filthy, profane. Job 13:16 says "a godless man may not come before His presence" and thus chaneph separates one from God. Job 8:12 says "the hope of the godless will perish" signifying those who have this trait have no hope after death. Read the 13 uses for a good sense of what characterizes a godless person. Isaiah's verdict is that they are all filthy, profane and ungodly, including the orphans and widows! The Septuagint (Lxx) translates chaneph with anomos which describes those who are lawless, who behave as if they have no law. It is interesting that this term is used by Paul to describe the coming Antichrist (2Th 2:8), which helps us understand why God's anger does not turn away! Chaneph - 13v in the NAS - Job 8:13; 13:16; 15:34; 17:8; 20:5; 27:8; 34:30; 36:13; Ps 35:16; Pr 11:9; Isa 9:17; 10:6; 33:14 Isaiah 9:18 For wickedness burns like a fire; It consumes briars and thorns; It even sets the thickets of the forest aflame, and they roll upward in a column of smoke.: wickedness: Isa 1:31 30:30,33 33:12 34:8-10 66:16,17 Nu 11:1-3 Deut 32:22 Job 31:11,12 Am 7:4 Na 1:6,10 Mal 4:1 Mt 13:49,50 25:41 Mk 9:43-50 Consume: Isa 10:16-18 27:4 Heb 6:8 kindle: Eze 20:47,48 Roll upward: Isa 5:24 Ps 37:20 Ho 13:3 Joe 2:20 Rev 14:11 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE THIRD STANZA: SELFISHNESS For - Explains why God's hand is still stretched out for the destruction of His people (Isa 9:17). Why? Because that destruction is the natural effect (rotten fruit) of their own wickedness (bad seed). Wickedness (godlessness) burns like fire - What is the figure of speech? "Like fire" is the simile which points out that wickedness like fire is destructive. Wickedness (sin) is like a rampaging wildfire - it spreads rapidly and is all consuming! "Evil was uncontrollable and destructive, and so can be compared to a forest fire." ( (Net Bible Notes). Remember that while figures of speech always have literal meaning, we are not to make our imagination become too imaginative! In this verse, the context explains the destructive nature of the phrase "like fire". Wickedness is always inherently self-destructive. Jameison comments that… makes consumption, not only spreading rapidly, but also consuming like fire: sin is its own punishment. Briars and thorns - This is a figurative description of the wicked (Is 27:4, 2Sa 23:6). John Oswalt sums up this passage… Here Isaiah lays bare the true nature of sin. It is not a little misguided playfulness as it is so often depicted. It is a rebellion against God’s order for life. As such, it can only be destructive, like a grass fire which works its way through the brush at the edge of the forest deceptively slowly but then increases speed until it bursts into the woods with a roar and an upward rush of smoke. Because sin seeks gratification in denial of the created order, it can find such gratification only in increasingly flagrant denials. The sinful acts themselves cannot satisfy. Soon rebellion for its own sake, a raging fire, is all that is left. (The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1–39) Isaiah 9:19 By the fury of the LORD of hosts the land is burned up, and the people are like fuel for the fire. No man spares his brother.: the land: Isa 5:30 8:22 24:11,12 60:2 Jer 13:16 Joe 2:2 Am 5:18 Mt 27:45 Ac 2:20 Fuel: Isa 9:5 no man (KJV): Isa 13:18 Eze 9:5 Mic 7:2,6 2Pe 2:4 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries BETRAYAL OF BROTHERS By the fury ('ebrah) of the LORD of hosts the land is burned up - Stop and ponder what the fury of the Omnipotent, Holy, Righteous, Just God might look like! The fire of the people's wickedness inevitably brought the fire of God's wrath! LORD of hosts - Study Jehovah Sabaoth, LORD of hosts (of armies). He is pictured as a Warrior and in this passage as warrior . People are like fuel for the fire - They are an expendable commodity. No man spares his brother (Literally - "men were not showing compassion to their brothers." NET = "People had no compassion on one another.") - This is a picture of the dire conditions and desperate state of men during this time. Men become consumed with self. Survival of self becomes all one can contemplate. Tribal and familial relationships lose their meaning when conditions deteriorate to this level. What a dreadful picture this passage paints! NET Bible Notes - The uncontrollable fire of the people’s wickedness (Isa 9:18) is intensified by the fire of the Lord’s judgment (Isa 9:19). God allows (or causes) their wickedness to become self-destructive as civil strife and civil war break out in the land. (Isaiah 9 Commentary) Fury (05678) ('ebrah) is from a Hebrew word group that conveys the sense of movement. To be carried away by a strong feeling. Thus 'ebrah describes an "overflowing" (moving) anger, a state of intense displeasure which can imply outbursts as actions of anger. It is used in some contexts to describe the Day of the Lord - Brief Study (Isa 13:9, 13, Zeph 1:15, 18) (See also article by Richard Mayhue - The Prophet's Watchword: Day of the LORD ) ʿEbrāh (עֶבְרָה) — Wrath, Fury, Overflowing Anger - The Hebrew noun ʿebrāh (עֶבְרָה) refers to wrath, fury, or an outburst of intense anger, conveying the idea of anger that overflows beyond restraint. The word derives from the verb ʿābar (עָבַר), meaning “to pass over, overflow, or exceed.” This root suggests anger that passes its normal bounds, surging outward like a flood. Thus the term often describes anger in excess—rage that erupts violently or sweeps over others with destructive force. Because of this imagery, ʿebrāh can denote a powerful emotional outburst or fury that overwhelms restraint, emphasizing both the intensity and the overflowing nature of wrath. In the Old Testament the word appears over thirty times and can describe either human anger or the wrath of God, though the nuance differs depending on the subject. When applied to human beings, ʿebrāh often portrays sinful, uncontrolled anger driven by pride or wounded arrogance. An early example occurs in Genesis 49:7, where Jacob condemns the violent fury of Simeon and Levi for their brutal revenge against Shechem. In this sense the word highlights cruel, merciless rage motivated by pride or insolence, a trait closely associated with arrogance (Prov. 21:24; Isa. 16:6). Human ʿebrāh therefore reflects a fault of character—anger that erupts destructively because it is rooted in pride and self-exaltation. When the word is used of God, however, it carries a different emphasis. Rather than uncontrolled passion, it describes the fierce, overwhelming expression of divine justice against sin. God’s wrath is portrayed as burning, overflowing, and sweeping away wickedness, emphasizing its irresistible and comprehensive power (Ps. 78:49; Ezek. 22:21, 31). The prophets frequently associate this term with the Day of the LORD, the climactic time when God’s judgment pours out upon rebellion. That day is described as a “day of wrath” filled with destruction, darkness, and desolation (Zeph. 1:14–18; Isa. 13:9, 13). Wealth and human power cannot avert this judgment (Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19), because it represents the righteous outpouring of God’s holiness against persistent sin. At times God even raises nations such as Assyria as instruments of His wrath (Isa. 10:6), demonstrating that divine fury can operate through historical events. The word also appears in wisdom literature to illustrate moral consequences and royal authority. For example, Proverbs 14:35 contrasts the king’s favor toward a wise servant with his wrath against one who acts shamefully, reflecting the idea that legitimate authority may express just anger against wrongdoing. Yet even here the concept ultimately points beyond human authority to God’s greater judgment, reminding readers that righteousness—not riches—delivers in the “day of wrath” (Prov. 11:4). In summary, ʿebrāh conveys the idea of overflowing, intense wrath that bursts beyond restraint. When describing human beings it usually depicts prideful, destructive rage, revealing the moral danger of anger rooted in arrogance. When used of God it emphasizes the fierce and overwhelming manifestation of His righteous judgment, particularly in connection with the Day of the LORD, when divine justice will overflow against all rebellion and bring wickedness to an end. Ebrah - 33v in the NAS = anger(1), fury(14), overflowings(1), rage(1), wrath(16).Gen 49:7; Job 21:30; 40:11; Ps 7:6; 78:49; 85:3; 90:9, 11; Pr 11:4, 23; 14:35; 22:8; Isa 9:19; 10:6; 13:9, 13; 14:6; 16:6; Jer 7:29; 48:30; Lam 2:2; 3:1; Ezek 7:19; 21:31; 22:21, 31; 38:19; Hos 5:10; 13:11; Amos 1:11; Hab 3:8; Zeph 1:15, 18 Two Key Takeaways from ʿEbrāh (עֶבְרָה): (1) Uncontrolled human anger often flows from pride and leads to destruction. When ʿebrāh describes human anger, it typically reflects arrogant, excessive rage that spills over in harmful ways (Gen 49:7; Prov 21:24; Amos 1:11). Scripture repeatedly warns that anger driven by wounded pride or self-exaltation produces violence, division, and sin rather than righteousness (cf. Prov 29:22; James 1:20). (2) God’s wrath is not uncontrolled rage but the overflowing expression of His justice against sin. When applied to God, ʿebrāh describes the powerful and irresistible outpouring of His righteous judgment, especially in the “day of wrath” when evil is finally confronted and removed (Prov 11:4; Isa 13:9; Zeph 1:14–18). It reminds us that God’s holiness ultimately overwhelms and judges persistent rebellion. Isaiah 9:20 And they slice off what is on the right hand but still are hungry, and they eat what is on the left hand but they are not satisfied. Each of them eats the flesh of his own arm.: And he: Isa 49:26 Lev 26:26-29 Jer 19:9 La 4:10 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries BARRENNESS OF THEIR SELF CENTERED LIFE And they slice off (Describes Jesus - Is 53:8, cutting of trees - 2Ki 6:4) what is on the right hand - This refers to stealing food. Whether it was literally fulfilled in some cases is difficult to state, but that would be a possibility considering the previous passage ("no man spares his brother") and the overwhelming urges of hunger which accompany severe famine. Not satisfied - As noted this pictures the severity of the famine. There is not enough to satisfy, even when it is stolen from others! Each of them eats the flesh of his own arm - Some interpret this figuratively, but there are other passages that suggest a literal reading, while unsavory, is not unreasonable. The Law had given stern, sobering warnings that conditions would be so bad that even such a barbaric act as cannibalism would be practiced. Further, you shall eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters you shall eat. (Lev 26:26) Then you shall eat the offspring of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, during the siege and the distress by which your enemy shall oppress you.54 "The man who is refined and very delicate among you shall be hostile toward his brother and toward the wife he cherishes and toward the rest of his children who remain, 55 so that he will not give even one of them any of the flesh of his children which he shall eat, since he has nothing else left, during the siege and the distress by which your enemy shall oppress you in all your towns.56 "The refined and delicate woman among you, who would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground for delicateness and refinement, shall be hostile toward the husband she cherishes and toward her son and daughter, 57 and toward her afterbirth which issues from between her legs and toward her children whom she bears; for she shall eat them secretly for lack of anything else, during the siege and the distress by which your enemy shall oppress you in your towns. (Dt 28:55-57) Comment: OT prophetic warnings in the Law of Moses were literally fulfilled in a later siege of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70AD. Josephus gives a dreadful detail respecting a woman named Mary, who, in the extremity of the famine, during the siege, killed her sucking child, roasted, and had eaten part of it, when discovered by the soldiers! And the king said to her, "What is the matter with you?" And she answered, "This woman said to me, 'Give your son that we may eat him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.' "So we boiled my son and ate him; and I said to her on the next day, 'Give your son, that we may eat him'; but she has hidden her son." (2Ki 6:28, 29, cp Jer 19:9, Lam 2:20, 4:10 Ezek 5:10 - [Jeremiah, Lamentations and Ezekiel refer to the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in the years preceding 586BC) The NET Bible Note says that… the metaphor (eating flesh of one's own arm) is that of a desperately hungry man who resorts to an almost unthinkable act to satisfy his appetite. He eats everything he can find to his right, but still being unsatisfied, then turns to his left and eats everything he can find there. Still being desperate for food, he then resorts to eating his own flesh (or offspring, as this phrase is metaphorically understood by some English versions, e.g., NIV, NCV, TEV, NLT). The reality behind the metaphor is the political turmoil of the period… There was civil strife within the northern kingdom; even the descendants of Joseph were at each other’s throats. (Isaiah 9 Commentary) Isaiah 9:21 Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh, and together they are against Judah. In spite of all this His anger does not turn away, and His hand is still stretched out.: Ephraim: Jdg 7:2 1Sa 14:20 2Ki 15:30 2Ch 28:6-8 Mt 24:10 Ga 5:15 this: Isa 9:12,17 5:25 10:4 Jer 4:8 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DISINTEGRATION OF NATIONAL UNITY Manasseh devours Ephraim - This passage describes civil war between Manasseh and Ephraim, the two sons of Joseph, the two main tribes of the Northern Kingdom (cp Ge 41:50, 51, 52; 48:5). It is interesting to observe the parallels between ancient Israel and modern American society where we see a severely split society, with radical liberals adamantly opposed to staunch conservatives and secular humanists continually demeaning and slandering the godly remnant! Are these signs of disintegration of America? This is a sobering chapter! Solomon's words still ring true… Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people. (Pr 14:34) Alexander observes that Manasseh and Ephraim were chosen… because the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh were more nearly related to each other then to any of the rest, and therefore their hostility afforded the most striking illustration of the mutual rancor which the prophet has described as prevalent. Henry