Isaiah chapter 9 - 1st Samuel

What was the scenario in Israel that day when Goliath stood up on the side of the hill and taunted God’s chosen nation? What were their prospects that day? What did their future look to hold? Were they looking forward to the next day and the next week? Hardly.

I think that they were expecting to die. We might say that they stood in the shadow of death, and that is what Isaiah says about Israel at a time yet future to him. But God was about to bring a bright light into their day. They were walking in darkness, but a light was about to shine.

“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.” (Isaiah 9:2)

God was about to break the yoke of the Philistines from the neck of Israel.

“For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.” (Isaiah 9:4)

Perhaps no greater connection can be seen between any one book of the Bible and any one chapter of Isaiah than can be seen between 1st Samuel and Isaiah chapter nine. The first book of Samuel is the ninth book of the Bible. In 1st Samuel we see the youngest son of Jesse arrive on the stage of history, slay the great menace to Israel and be anointed as King. It is in Isaiah chapter nine that we read these memorable words:

“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, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Indeed, there is no stronger connection between our savior and any mortal man than that drawn between Jesus and David. Truly and within proportion, the following verse is true for both David and Christ Jesus.

“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.” (Isaiah 9:7)

This is the ninth chapter of Isaiah and the ninth book of the Bible. They are connected.