NOTES for Isa 9:1-21

Isaiah's prophecy of the Son-Messiah is like the sun suddenly emerging from behind the clouds. It was given to Israel as consolation at the moment when the darkness that had fallen seemed impenetrable. This promise is one more testimony that the Lord is faithful to His word and does not leave His people without care in the most difficult moments of their life. All the names that partially reveal the Messiah's essence and speak of His wisdom, power, eternity, and peace tell us that no one in this world can oppose Him. All that is required of the people is faithfulness to the Covenant.

If the people, or even a small part of them, the remnant, prove faithful, then the Lord Himself will fight against Israel's enemies, and it will no longer matter what forces oppose Him. The day of Midian, when the adversary fought against itself, can always be repeated.

But if not, if the people do not turn back and their heart remains proud and arrogant, then everything will happen in exactly the opposite way: external enemies will “devour Israel with open mouth”, and civil strife will become its scourge. Then “no man will spare his brother... each will devour the flesh of his own arm: Manasseh will devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; together they will turn against Judah”.