Isaiah 9:2-7

Israel's Deliverer. This famous passage on the Messianic King is now by several regarded as late. The question is too large to be discussed, but it seems more difficult to explain its origin in the post-exilic period than under the monarchy. This was present as a starting-point, and Isaiah would not expect it to be eliminated. The bursting of the enemy's yoke and the establishment of a righteous rule were quite in line with his aspirations. In the later period other themes would have been added such as the bringing back of the dispersed exiles. The passage does not describe a state of things which has already come into existence. The tenses are prophetic; they are written while the people still dwell in the land of deep darkness (mg.). But the poet's vision has already seen the glorious dawn. Yahweh has multiplied their exultation; it is like the joy of harvest home or division of the spoil after victory. He has broken the oppressor's yoke and snapped the rod with which he smote his victim's shoulder, as when Gideon overthrew Midian (Judges 6-8). The boot (mg.) worn in the battle tumult, the garments stained with the wounds of war, will be consumed. For a child has been born who shall wear the royal dignity on his shoulder. He bears a fourfold name, expressive of his marvellous wisdom, his prowess in war, his overwhelming victory, his reign in untroubled peace. He will sit on the throne of David, ruling a wide domain in peace and righteousness. Dark the prospect may be, yet the zeal of Yahweh will secure the accomplishment of this prophecy.

Isaiah 9:3. Read, Thou hast multiplied the exultation (haggî lah for haggoy lô), thou hast increased the joy.

Isaiah 9:6. EV wrongly throws the emphasis on unto us rather than on child and son. Render, For a child is born unto us, a son is given unto us. The names are four (mg.), not five. Mighty God: perhaps better God of a hero, referring to his exceptionally heroic character. Everlasting Father: one who will always be a Father to his people. But we may also render Father of booty. We thus get a progress in thought; the Messiah is a mighty hero, who takes great spoil from his enemies, and reigns hereafter in unbroken peace.