Body Chains, Leg Irons and Handcuffs
December 25, 2005 - Isaiah 9:2-7
Open It
What positive associations do you have with light?
What are some of the injustices in our society that you have noticed and care about?
Explore It
Although he had been preaching God's judgment (particularly on the kingdom of Israel), what total reversal did Isaiah foresee in the future? (9:1)
What contrasting images did Isaiah use to set the scene of his prophecy? (9:2)
To what situations did Isaiah compare the joy that will be Israel's? (9:3)
What did Isaiah predict God would do for Israel, causing her to rejoice? (9:4-5)
How does Isaiah describe the Ruler who will be provided by God for His people? (9:6-7)
When God judged Israel, what erroneous thinking prevailed among the people? (9:8-10)
What refrain did Isaiah use to emphasize the seriousness of God's pronouncement? (9:12)
What choice did the people make about their response to the God-provoked suffering? (9:13)
How did Isaiah portray the cross-section of society that would come under condemnation? (9:14-17)
How did Isaiah portray the depths to which Israel would sink when they sought to carry on by their own devices? (9:18-21)
What sins of the powerful did God single out in his list of judgments? (10:1-2)
What rhetorical question did God ask the oppressors of His people? (10:3)
Get It
What attributes of God are apparent in this passage?
How is God's promise of the coming child an answer to displeasure over our sin?
How would you explain the Light that came into your darkness?
Why might it be dangerous to downplay the seriousness of our situation whenever we encounter hardship?
How much of the injustice Isaiah condemned in his time do you see in our own time?
Apply It
What specific injustice in your area of influence can you challenge in the name of God? How?
What person do you know who is still "walking in darkness" for whom God would have you pray?
Notes
Isaiah 9:1-7: This child who would become their deliverer is the Messiah, Jesus. Matthew quotes these verses in describing Christ's ministry (Matthew 4:15-16). The territories of Zebulun and Naphtali represent the northern kingdom as a whole. These were also the territories where Jesus grew up and often ministered; this is why they would see "a great light."
Isaiah 9:2: The apostle John also referred to Jesus as the "light" (John 1:9). Jesus referred to himself as "the light of the world" (John 8:12).
Isaiah 9:2-6 In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light who would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. He is both "Wonderful Counselor" and "Mighty God." This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin.
Isaiah 9:8-10: Pride made Israel think it would recover and rebuild in its own strength. Even though God made Israel a nation and gave them the land they occupied, the people put their trust in themselves rather than in him. Too often we take pride in our accomplishments, forgetting that it is God who has given us our every resource and ability. We may even become proud of our unique status as Christians. God is not pleased with any pride or trust in ourselves because it cuts off our contact with him.
Isaiah 9:21: Ephraim and Manasseh were tribes in the northern kingdom descended from Joseph's two sons. They fought a civil war because of their selfishness and wickedness (see Judges 12:4).