NOTES for Isa 8:13-22

Following the order of the Lenten readings from the prophet Isaiah, today we have reached this remarkable Christmas hymn: “God is with us; understand, O nations, and submit, for God is with us!” (although these particular words are not part of today’s reading). The rule of the Eastern Church calls for this hymn to be sung every day at Compline, but laypeople hear it only a few times a year, when a festive vigil begins with Compline. Yet it would truly be important for us to sing it every day, so that each day our hearts might be filled with the joy and hope that the prophet Isaiah was able to express for us.

The prophet exclaims that the Lord is at once our fear, the One before whom we tremble, and our sanctification. He is the stumbling stone over which we trip on the path of sin, and He is our hope. Then, discerning what is to come, the prophet declares from his eighth century before Christ that the people sitting in darkness will see a great light. This, of course, concerns not only Galilee of the Gentiles but all of us. For we too were once a pagan people, but the light of Him whom Isaiah calls Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God has reached us as well. And this is a prophecy of the victory that we shall witness once again in a month, at the end of the fast.