Isaiah 9:1-7

 “(8:23) The gloom will be dispelled for those who were anxious. In earlier times he humiliated the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali; but now he brings honor to the way of the sea, the region beyond the Jordan, and Galilee of the nations. (9:1) The people walking in darkness see a bright light; light shines on those who live in a land of deep darkness. You have enlarged the nation; you give them great joy. They rejoice in your presence as harvesters rejoice; as warriors celebrate when they divide up the plunder. For their oppressive yoke and the club that strikes their shoulders, the cudgel the oppressor uses on them, you have shattered, as in the day of Midian’s defeat. Indeed every boot that marches and shakes the earth and every garment dragged through blood is used as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called: Extraordinary Strategist, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His dominion will be vast and he will bring immeasurable prosperity. He will rule on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom, establishing it and strengthening it by promoting justice and fairness, from this time forward and forevermore. The Lord’s intense devotion to his people will accomplish this.”

— ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭7‬‬

“A remnant will come back, a remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God.”

— ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭10‬:‭21‬‬

NET has a million notes for this passage, all of which are worth reading and have a balanced approach on how to interpret this (past fulfillment, Jesus only, or both). Good cross references to other Isaiah passages to help with interpretation, including Isa 10:21 as an example. 

8:23 has those who are anxious but it’s really talking about land. Land is personified as needing healing and restoration. Reminds me of Romans 8 where all creation is groaning for redemption. (Not same concept or application, just same picture).

People walking in darkness here is not pagans here. It’s Israel in exile. This is quoted in NT, and I think it’s still applied to Israel, as those who do not recognize Jesus as Messiah. Use of OT in NT is great resource to see how and why authors used certain passages. Guessing this would be some type of heightened fulfillment for Israel.

Vv 2-5 is one big celebration that those who oppressed Israel have been conquered. (Or will be conquered.) Always difficult to find time perspective of author. Verbs don’t help because of tense flexibility. Point is that Israel is rejoicing and free.

V. 6 looking for ultimate Messiah king. Interesting that NET notes some debate whether some of these titles are directly for God and not all for the king. I would think they are all for the Messiah. The issue is how much Isaiah and the audience knew at time of writing (or whenever book was completed).

All are similar titles for ultimate mind and power and wisdom and ability to provide/protect the people. Often don’t hear of the three children described in opening chapters of Isaiah (here, 7:14, and then Isaiah’s son.) Debate over referents and if they are all the same person. Probably not all same but one or two could be same.

Don’t think Israel understood these titles as Jesus being God in flesh. Lots of ANE texts of their king representing God or fulfilling the presence of God among them. But this would be obvious way for NT authors to look back and say this prophecy was fulfilled “literally.” 

Father cannot be Trinity heresy. Another kingly title for protector/provider for very long reign. 

YHWH’s intense devotion to His people will accomplish this. Again, we see God’s faithfulness to His people. It never fails.