Purpose

This Bible Study on Isaiah 9:1-7 reveals the glorious light shining in the darkness, God’s promises as found in Isaiah 9:1-7. They bring the spark of hope even to darkest and most devastated situations and lives. They center around the birth, life and eternal reign of Christ Jesus.

A) The Hope of Coming Light (Isaiah 9:1-5)

“But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. 3 Thou shalt multiply the nation, Thou shalt increase their gladness; They will be glad in Thy presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For Thou shalt break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. 5 For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire” (Isaiah 9:1-5).

1. Go through verses 1-5 and circle all the words which speak of darkness or pain.

2. Look at a New Testament map of Jesus’ time and find where Zebulun and Naphtali were with respect to the Sea of Galilee.

3. Who does Isaiah say will make those lands glorious (9:1)?

4. Fill in: The people who walk in darkness will
   
   _________________________ .

5. Who does the ‘he’ refer to (9:1)?

6. Each verse speaks about a promise. 9:1 spoke about glory; 9:2 about light. What about 9:3? What are the key words in 9:1, 2 and 3 that suggest this?

7. Isaiah refers to a battle with Midian. Anyone guess which battle this was? Look at Judges 7 and describe what made that battle so unique.

8. Verses 4-5 speak about the promise of freedom and independence. Why are these promises so important?

9. Describe a time when a promise meant a lot to you.

10. Do you get easily discouraged? Consider if your discouragement is related to forgetting the promises of God. Write down or share your answer.

B) The Source of Comforting Light (Isaiah 9:6-7)

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

1. What extra clues are given here in 9:6 for who “he” is mentioned in verse 1?

2. What does it mean for “the government will rest on His shoulders” (9:6)?

3. List the four phrases of His name (9:6). Explain what comes to your mind with each one.

   • Wonderful Counselor

   • Mighty God

   • Eternal Father

   • Prince of Peace

4. From verse 7 what are three additional characteristics of His government?

5. How does the last phrase, “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this” make a difference?

6. How do we know these verses describe Jesus Christ? See Mat 4:12-16, 23-24 for a hint.

Summary and application

1. What makes the place that you live, work or play ‘dark’?

2. How can Jesus make that dark place lightened up?

3. Which of the four names is the most significant to you? Why?

4. If Jesus is so great, how is it that many Christians and even churches are compromising and dwindling in size.

    

Next page=> Isaiah 11:1-5 Spirit Dependent Living