Isaiah 9

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Predictions of the Messiah and the Northern Kingdom's Fall

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Isaiah predicted the rise of the Messianic kingdom in the distant future.

  2. Isaiah predicted the fall of the northern kingdom in the immediate future.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t test the Lord’s patience.

QUESTIONS

  1. What was “the land of Zebulun” and “the land of Naphtali” and why were they distressed?

  2. Which verses in the first section of Isaiah 9 were fulfilled at the first coming of the Messiah, which at the second?

  3. What was the political status of Israel at the time of Isaiah’s prophecy? To whom was his message given?

  4. When did the kingdom of Israel finally come to an end?

  5. Which phrase is repeated throughout Isaiah 9-10?

ANSWERS

  1. This refers to the northern most lands in the kingdom of Israel. When Isaiah wrote this, Israel had not completely fallen to the Assyrians, but the northern portion was already considered a province of the Assyrian Empire.

  2. Isaiah 9:1-2 were quoted in the gospel of Matthew as being fulfilled at the first coming of Christ. But verses 3-5, which predict national happiness, no more oppression, and defeated enemies has yet to be fulfilled.

  3. The united kingdom of Israel no longer existed. The northern kingdom of Israel was also known as Ephraim, and had its capital in Samaria. There was also the southern kingdom of Judah, whose capital was Jerusalem. Isaiah’s message was primarily addressed to the northern kingdom, but it certainly was a warning to Judah.

  4. The kingdom came to an abrupt end when Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C.

  5. “For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still.” Isaiah 9:12,17,21, and 10:4.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. When the Old Testament prophets looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, they did not distinguish between His first coming and His second coming. This can lead to confusion in our biblical interpretation. Discuss why it is important to watch for this possibility.

  2. Review and discuss the four names given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6. Which is most personally meaningful to you?

CHALLENGE

  1. Are you experiencing the Lord’s discipline in your life right now because of some sin? Don’t try the Lord’s patience. Turn back to the Lord.

KEY VERSES

  • “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Talks, Old Testament, IsaiahRon ReidIsaiah 9