The people Isaiah was sent to minister to desperately needed something to hope in. In danger from enemies all around, King Ahaz of Judah made a disastrous decision to enlist the aid of Assyria to beat back his foes (2 Kings 16:5 - 9). During his trip to Damascus to set up the alliance, Ahaz was so impressed with the pagan altar on which the Assyrian gods were worshipped, he tried to recreate it when he returned to Jerusalem. He stripped and converted components of the Lord's temple into items for pagan worship and led his people into idolatry (2 Kings 16:10 - 18).
In their distress and anger, the people turned to necromancers and mediums to try to see the future. Because of their refusal to turn to the Lord and their idolatry, they "...look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness." (Isaiah 8:22)
Into this gloom Isaiah speaks a prophecy from God, one of light and hope. A King is coming who will break the bonds of the oppressor, unite the nations and bring peace to the world.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)
The first part of Isaiah's prophecy has been fulfilled; the Son has come, providing the only way for us to be reconciled to God. We still look forward, however, to the true fulfillment of the second part of the prophecy, the second advent of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.
In this advent season, then, let us not only celebrate Emmanuel, God with us, but Maranatha, come quickly, Lord.
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