.9:1-7.

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Messiah, Prince of Peace (Isa 9:1-7)

The southern kingdom under Ahaz was about to enter a time of increasing distress and darkness (see Isa 8:21-22).

The northern kingdom was about to be attacked by Assyria, and the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali in the far north Galilean region were about to be taken into captivity (2 Kings 15:29).

Yet out of this darkness and from this conquered northern area will come the great deliverer, the Messiah, to lead his people to victory and to introduce an era of light, joy and peace. Oppressors will be overthrown and war will be banished (Isa 9:1-5).

This Messiah is the true Immanuel, ‘God with us’, and he was pictured in the child born in Ahaz’s day. The sign of Immanuel was given not merely to Ahaz personally, but to Ahaz as representative of the dynasty of David.

Now the eternal God comes to dwell among humankind in the person of Jesus Christ, the mighty Messiah-King, the great descendant of David, who brings everlasting peace and rules with justice for ever (Isa 9:6-7; cf. Isa 7:13-14; Matt 1:21-23; 2:2).