By Adam Winn, Ph. D.
Chair and Professor, Department of Biblical and Religious Studies at Samford University
LOOKING FORWARD TO PEACE
Isaiah 8:20–9:7
Peace eludes us when we fail to look to God. (8:20–22)
This text describes darkness and suffering in Israel during the reign of King Ahaz. It is the culmination of a description of a wicked people who don’t seek after the God of Israel but instead seek false gods and even the spirits of the deceased. In this darkness they will be trapped and even though they look to the heavens, they will not find light.
While the immediate referent is the darkness in Israel at the time of Ahaz, it could be applied to times of darkness of later generations, future times of oppression from foreign nations or the presence of rebellion among God’s people.
And there is no reason why it cannot speak even of dark times in our own world and in our own lives. In such times, our hearts are in turmoil and peace is elusive.
Peace comes from Jesus, the Light of the World. (9:1–5)
Throughout Isaiah, there are repeated depictions of such darkness in Israel for which she will be judged and destroyed. Yet Isaiah continually promises that this destruction will not be the end of Israel and that a glorious restoration of Israel under a righteous king will one day arrive.
As we move into chapter 9, the text pivots from the former to the latter — from darkness and judgment to a promise of light and peace. It describes the land of northern Israel, which though it will soon be devastated by the Assyrians, will one day be made glorious again.
Its darkness will fade, and light will shine on it. This light will take the form of freedom from oppression, defeat of Israel’s enemies and the expansion of the nation. Early followers of Jesus did not miss that in this text such light will begin shining in the “Galilee of the nations,” the region in which Jesus’ messianic ministry began. Matthew quotes this very passage, noting Jesus as its fulfillment (Matt. 4:13–16).
Peace comes through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. (6–7)
The text now describes the source of this light, the birth of a child who will be the king of the future glorious Israel, one descended from David.
The text uses unprecedented language to describe this king, calling him “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father” and “Prince of Peace.” Such language describes a glorious king and is used of no other king of Israel. This king is marked as unique in his greatness. The reign of this king will be characterized by endless peace, justice and righteousness.
As Christians, we know that the king promised in this text is Jesus, who began his ministry as God’s Messiah by proclaiming the in-breaking Kingdom of God in the region of Galilee.
He is the true King not only of Israel from the line of David but also of the entire universe. He is indeed the Prince of Peace.
Through His death, He has reconciled us to God, making peace between us and our Creator. Through the gift of His Spirit we have inner peace, and as adopted children of God we are called to be peacemakers. Yet we also await the Second Coming, which will bring about a new creation in which perfect peace will reign.
This Advent season may we celebrate both the first coming of Jesus that brought us peace with God and peace within our hearts and also the Second Coming of Jesus that will bring universal peace.
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