Read & explore together
Unto Us a Child Is Born
Isaiah 9:1–7 speaks into gloom and anguish with a promise of light, joy and peace. The passage moves from trouble and oppression to the gift of a child whose rule is marked by justice, righteousness and peace.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In this passage, Isaiah contrasts former contempt and anguish with a later glory for Zebulun, Naphtali and Galilee of the nations. The words describe darkness, oppression, battle and then a turning point: a child is given, and his rule brings peace without end on David’s throne.
Isaiah 9:1–7Main takeaway
Isaiah 9:1–7 teaches that Yahweh will turn darkness and oppression towards lasting peace through the rule of the child who is given.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01From gloom to gloryThe passage begins with a strong contrast. There was anguish and contempt, yet this will not be the final word.
Explanation
The passage begins with a strong contrast. There was anguish and contempt, yet this will not be the final word. Places named with shame, Zebulun and Naphtali, are spoken of as made glorious. Isaiah presents a change from humiliation to honour, especially in the region called Galilee of the nations.
02Light and joy replace darknessPeople who walked in darkness now see a great light. Those living in the shadow of death are no longer left there.
Explanation
People who walked in darkness now see a great light. Those living in the shadow of death are no longer left there. Their new condition includes multiplied numbers and increased joy. Isaiah compares that joy to harvest celebration and to dividing plunder, using familiar pictures of great rejoicing.
03The burden is broken and war endsThe reason for this joy is clear. The yoke, staff and rod of the oppressor are broken, showing release from heavy rule.
Explanation
The reason for this joy is clear. The yoke, staff and rod of the oppressor are broken, showing release from heavy rule. Isaiah says this happens "as in the day of Midian", using a named earlier day as a comparison for Yahweh breaking oppression. Battle gear and bloodstained garments are then burned, showing warfare brought to an end.
04A child is given to rule in peaceThe centre of the passage is the gift of a child and a son. Government rests on his shoulders, meaning rule is placed upon him.
Explanation
The centre of the passage is the gift of a child and a son. Government rests on his shoulders, meaning rule is placed upon him. His names describe his greatness and rule: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His kingdom on David’s throne increases without end, upheld with justice and righteousness by Yahweh’s zeal.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What changes in Isaiah 9:1–2 show the passage moving from trouble to hope?
Notice the contrast between anguish and glory, then between darkness and great light.
02How does Isaiah describe both freedom and peace in Isaiah 9:4–5?
Look at the broken yoke, staff and rod, and then at what happens to armour and garments used in battle.
03What qualities mark the child’s government in this passage?
Read the names given to him and the words that describe his kingdom.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Isaiah 9:1–7
1But there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time he has made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined on those who lived in the land of the shadow of death.
3You have multiplied the nation. You have increased their joy. They rejoice before you according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the plunder.
4For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as in the day of Midian.
5For all the armor of the armed man in the noisy battle, and the garments rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.
6For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on David’s throne, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.