Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Isaiah 9

Isa 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

The people that walked in darkness

Isa 9:1, 2; Mat 4:15, 16.

Isa 9:3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

not

Omit, not. Isaiah complains that despite the wickedness of the northern kingdom her afflictions are light, her prosperity great.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

a child is born

Luk 2:7; Jhn 3:16; 1Jo 4:9.

Christ (First Advent). Isa 28:16. (Gen 3:15; Acts 1:9.)

a son is given

Kingdom (O.T.). Isa 9:6, 7; Isa 11:1-12. (Gen 1:26; Zec 12:8).

the government shall be upon his shoulder

Israel (prophecies). Isa 9:6, 7; Isa 11:1-13. (Gen 12:2, 3; Rom 11:26.)

Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

throne of David

Israel (prophecies). Isa 9:6, 7; Isa 11:1-13. (Gen 12:2, 3; Rom 11:26.)

The "throne of David" is a phrase as definite, historically, as "throne of the Caesars," and as little admits of "spiritualizing" (Luk 1:32, 33). See "Kingdom (O.T.)". Scofield Zec 12:8, note; "Davidic Covenant," Scofield 2Sa 7:8-17, note, Scofield Act 15:14-16, note.

to order it

Christ (Second Advent). Isa 11:10-12. (Deu 30:3; Acts 1:9-11.)

Isa 9:8 The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.

Jacob

Scofield Genesis 32:28, note.

Isa 9:12 The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

his hand is stretched out still

See Isa 9:17, 21; and Isa 5:25; 10:4. The context explains. Jehovah's hand is outstretched still because His chastisement is followed by no amendment on the part of Israel.

Isa 9:14 Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.

in one day

Isa 10:17; Rev 18:8.

Isa 9:16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

destroyed

Heb. swallowed up.

Isa 9:18 For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.

burneth as the fire

Isa 10:17; Mal 4:1.

Isa 9:19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

no man shall spare his brother

Mic 7:2, 6.