Isaiah 9:2
In a few weeks, we will remember the birth of Christ. He was promised by different prophets.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”
Isaiah 9:2
In a few weeks, it will be Christmas. We will remember the birth of Christ. In the coming weeks, I want to take a closer look at Bible verses about His birth. Today’s verse is also mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew.
- Matthew 4:15-16: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned.”
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;”
Matthew teaches us that this prophecy is fulfilled in the birth of Christ. It is important to notice that this prophecy is written in the past tense. This is also the case in verse 6. It shows us that God will keep His promises. And He did. In his Gospel, John tells us that Jesus is the Light that shines in the darkness.
- Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
- John 1:5: “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
“Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”
The people who dwelt in the land of the ‘shadow of death’: this term is also used in Psalm 23:4, and can also be translated as ‘deep darkness’. In our Bible study about this verse, we looked at the meaning: “It means a dangerous and dark place, where all hope is lost. It is in this place that God will be with you. He will shine His light upon you.” Isaiah says: “upon them a light has shined”, Matthew says: “light has dawned”. His light will be like the sun.
- Psalm 36:9: “For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.”
- Psalm 23:4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
- Malachi 4:2: “But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; And you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.”
Today’s lesson: The prophecy of Isaiah has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He came down from heaven and was born of Mary. He lived a perfect life and was crucified for our sins. He is the Light that came into the world. Everyone who believes in His name will be called children of God.
- John 1:9: “That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”
- John 1:12-13: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”