Isaiah 9:1-7 | Light in the Long Night

Isaiah opens this powerful prophecy with a word that changes everything: “Nevertheless.”

“Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed…” (Isaiah 9:1). God acknowledges the darkness Israel was walking through, but He also declares that darkness would not have the final word. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined” (v. 2). What a promise to a weary people—light is coming even when the night feels long.

Then Isaiah speaks of joy returning where sorrow once ruled: “You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy” (v. 3). This joy would not come from human victory or political power, but from the Lord Himself. God would break the yoke of oppression “as in the day of Midian” (v. 4), reminding His people that deliverance has always been by His hand, not theirs.

And then the heart of the prophecy:

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder” (v. 6). The light would come through a Child. The Savior would arrive in humility. Yet His names reveal His glory—Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Each name declares who He is and how He reigns.

Isaiah then ties everything back to the promise made to David: “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom” (v. 7). What once felt uncertain in Psalm 89 is spoken with confidence here—the throne is not forgotten, the promise is not broken, and the King is coming. And Isaiah ends with this unshakable assurance: “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” God Himself guarantees it.

Advent reminds us that even when we are walking in shadows, God is still working toward the light. What He promised through Isaiah, He fulfilled in Jesus—and He is still faithful to every promise today.