Delta Church of Christ Family Night Bible Study
Bible Study ~ “ILLUMINATE: The Light Predicted" ~ Isaiah 8:19-22; 9:1-7
ILLUMINATE is our Delta Church of Christ Christmas season Bible Study. We will dive into the past, present, and future events of the first Christmas while challenging ourselves to carry the light of Jesus into our world.
Locations & Times
Delta Church of Christ
500 Providence St, Delta, OH 43515, USA
Wednesday 6:00 PM
The words of Isaiah 9:1-7 are known by Christians and non-Christians alike. But why was this prophesy so important to the people of God? How did they interpret it? Did they understand? The blackness of war had consumed the people of Israel. There was anarchy, confusion and a spiritual drought. The people were lost. But something happened that forever changed history and provided a hope that we hold on to today.
Opening Questions
What do you do when you feel like you aren’t hearing God?
Describe a time when you have been overwhelmed with the reality of the darkness and evil which is present in our world.
How did you find comfort?
What do you do when you feel like you aren’t hearing God?
Describe a time when you have been overwhelmed with the reality of the darkness and evil which is present in our world.
How did you find comfort?
Unpack the Text
Early in Isaiah we are reminded that the Assyrian army overran Zebulun and Naphtali which were the first lands of Israel to fall. Why are Zebulun and Naphtali important? They were part of the region called Galilee.
Why is Galilee so important?
Galilee was mostly Gentile after Assyria deported the Israelites and replaced them with pagans.
How would you feel if the land you lived in was taken over by peoples who did not share your faith? Does it feel like in some ways our culture has done the same thing?
Let’s read how the people of God responded:
Early in Isaiah we are reminded that the Assyrian army overran Zebulun and Naphtali which were the first lands of Israel to fall. Why are Zebulun and Naphtali important? They were part of the region called Galilee.
Why is Galilee so important?
Galilee was mostly Gentile after Assyria deported the Israelites and replaced them with pagans.
How would you feel if the land you lived in was taken over by peoples who did not share your faith? Does it feel like in some ways our culture has done the same thing?
Let’s read how the people of God responded:
How did the people respond to what happened in their land?
What is “necromancy” and what do the “necromancers” do?
What is something today that is like “necromancy”? Is this something that Believers should embrace?
Why do people use astrology and the occult today?
What do you think the verse means by “the necromancers who chirp and mutter?”
The spoke in low voices while the prophets were bold and forthright in their statements! Why do you think there is a difference?
What is “necromancy” and what do the “necromancers” do?
What is something today that is like “necromancy”? Is this something that Believers should embrace?
Why do people use astrology and the occult today?
What do you think the verse means by “the necromancers who chirp and mutter?”
The spoke in low voices while the prophets were bold and forthright in their statements! Why do you think there is a difference?
What did Isaiah have to say to those who recommended seeking guidance through the occult? (8:19-20)
What does it mean that these people will “have no dawn?”
This verse introduces the theme of divine light (which we see a lot more of coming up). So, if you don’t have divine light, what do you have?
King Ahaz of Israel was one of many evil rulers of Judah. He refused to trust God as Isaiah had advised and instead trusted his other advisors. Because of his errors in leadership, there was a famine across the land.
What does it mean that these people will “have no dawn?”
This verse introduces the theme of divine light (which we see a lot more of coming up). So, if you don’t have divine light, what do you have?
King Ahaz of Israel was one of many evil rulers of Judah. He refused to trust God as Isaiah had advised and instead trusted his other advisors. Because of his errors in leadership, there was a famine across the land.
The people are frustrated and in distress. Who do we blame when the cost of groceries goes up?
Israel did the same thing. But why did the curse God?
The people curse their king for getting them into this trouble and their God for not getting them out of it. Or possibly, "the king because he cannot, and God because He will not, help."
How did Isaiah predict that the mediums and their followers would react to the circumstances? (8:21-22)
How do these verses make you feel?
In a situation where circumstances seem grim, what do you do?
“They will pass through the land” it says in verse 21. This was actually a trade route called “the way of the sea” which traveled through territory that the Assyrians had forcefully changed to a Gentile land. As people of God, how would it feel to travel through this area?
Suddenly, there is a change...
Israel did the same thing. But why did the curse God?
The people curse their king for getting them into this trouble and their God for not getting them out of it. Or possibly, "the king because he cannot, and God because He will not, help."
How did Isaiah predict that the mediums and their followers would react to the circumstances? (8:21-22)
How do these verses make you feel?
In a situation where circumstances seem grim, what do you do?
“They will pass through the land” it says in verse 21. This was actually a trade route called “the way of the sea” which traveled through territory that the Assyrians had forcefully changed to a Gentile land. As people of God, how would it feel to travel through this area?
Suddenly, there is a change...
Although he had been preaching God’s judgment (particularly on the kingdom of Israel), what total reversal did Isaiah foresee in the future? (9:1)
What do you think Isaiah meant by “Galilee of the nations?”
This is part of a bigger prophesy. The northern part of Israel had been invaded and was filled with gentiles. They were part of God’s plan for salvation even though it didn’t seem like it at the time.
What do you think Isaiah meant by “Galilee of the nations?”
This is part of a bigger prophesy. The northern part of Israel had been invaded and was filled with gentiles. They were part of God’s plan for salvation even though it didn’t seem like it at the time.
What contrasting images did Isaiah use to set the scene of his prophecy? (9:2)
To what situations did Isaiah compare the joy that will be Israel’s? (9:3)
Jesus did not meet the Jews' expectations. However, how did He begin to... enlarge the nation? (The Galilee of the nations)
Jesus did not meet the Jews' expectations. However, how did He begin to... enlarge the nation? (The Galilee of the nations)
What did Isaiah predict God would do for Israel, causing her to rejoice? (9:4-5)
Let’s read verse 5 in the NLT (the version our youth are reading):
Let’s read verse 5 in the NLT (the version our youth are reading):
Does this sound like a Christmas story? Why or why not?
Bloodstained uniforms being burned doesn't exactly make you want to start singing, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!" Does anything in verses 1 through 5 sound like Christmas?
Even though it may not be easy to see at first, there is a lot in this passage that might actually help us understand why Isaiah is pointing to something that, for him, is still 700 years in the future. Here are some of the contrasts:
Glory for contempt (Isaiah 9:1)
Light for darkness (Isaiah 9:2)
Joy for sorrow (Isaiah 9:3)
Victory for defeat (Isaiah 9:4)
Peace for war (Isaiah 9:5)
Bloodstained uniforms for a Holy Fire! (Isaiah 9:5)
In Isaiah 8 Assyrian strength seemed irresistible. But now there will be a wonderful victory like that of Gideon over Midian. The yoke (what is a yoke?) will be lifted, and the rod that beats them will be broken.
So, what happens next?
Bloodstained uniforms being burned doesn't exactly make you want to start singing, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!" Does anything in verses 1 through 5 sound like Christmas?
Even though it may not be easy to see at first, there is a lot in this passage that might actually help us understand why Isaiah is pointing to something that, for him, is still 700 years in the future. Here are some of the contrasts:
Glory for contempt (Isaiah 9:1)
Light for darkness (Isaiah 9:2)
Joy for sorrow (Isaiah 9:3)
Victory for defeat (Isaiah 9:4)
Peace for war (Isaiah 9:5)
Bloodstained uniforms for a Holy Fire! (Isaiah 9:5)
In Isaiah 8 Assyrian strength seemed irresistible. But now there will be a wonderful victory like that of Gideon over Midian. The yoke (what is a yoke?) will be lifted, and the rod that beats them will be broken.
So, what happens next?
What is the famous song that quotes these words?
Israel will be filled with joy because "a child is born ... a son is given" (v. 6). What do the four "titles" of this son in verse 6 tell us about who he is and what he will do?
Israel will be filled with joy because "a child is born ... a son is given" (v. 6). What do the four "titles" of this son in verse 6 tell us about who he is and what he will do?
How does Isaiah describe the Ruler who will be provided by God for His people? (9:6-7)
When Jesus came, the Jews expected the Messiah (the promised King) to liberate their nation from the Romans and re-establish the earthly kingdom of Israel. What parts of 9:3–7 would have led the Jews to expect a Savior like this?
Isaiah 9:2-5 are the trumpet fanfare announcing the arrival of the new ruler. To our surprise he is not a military hero like Gideon! What is he like according to Isaiah 9:6-7?
The reaction to such dramatic change is bound to be strong. What evidence is there in the gospels of surprise, disbelief and contempt when he who was called "the Light of the World" began his work in Galilee?
How has the Lord brought light into your dark corner of the world?
In what ways is the coming of the kingdom of justice and righteousness mentioned in Isaiah 9:7 good news for the poor, the needy and the oppressed?
Which of these titles—"Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace"—particularly describes God as you have known him during a time of difficulty?
In 7 verses we see Prophesy, Prediction and Fulfillment.
When Jesus came, the Jews expected the Messiah (the promised King) to liberate their nation from the Romans and re-establish the earthly kingdom of Israel. What parts of 9:3–7 would have led the Jews to expect a Savior like this?
Isaiah 9:2-5 are the trumpet fanfare announcing the arrival of the new ruler. To our surprise he is not a military hero like Gideon! What is he like according to Isaiah 9:6-7?
The reaction to such dramatic change is bound to be strong. What evidence is there in the gospels of surprise, disbelief and contempt when he who was called "the Light of the World" began his work in Galilee?
How has the Lord brought light into your dark corner of the world?
In what ways is the coming of the kingdom of justice and righteousness mentioned in Isaiah 9:7 good news for the poor, the needy and the oppressed?
Which of these titles—"Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace"—particularly describes God as you have known him during a time of difficulty?
In 7 verses we see Prophesy, Prediction and Fulfillment.
Your Story
How is God's promise of the coming child an answer to His anger over our sin?
How does God intend for us to respond when He corrects or disciplines us?
Choose one of the things Isaiah says about the Son in 9:6-7, and explain why it seems especially important to you.
How would you explain the Light that came into your darkness?
Why might it be dangerous to downplay the seriousness of our situation whenever we encounter hardship?
How much of the injustice Isaiah condemned in his time do you see in our own time?
How has the Lord brought light into your dark corner of the world?
How is God's promise of the coming child an answer to His anger over our sin?
How does God intend for us to respond when He corrects or disciplines us?
Choose one of the things Isaiah says about the Son in 9:6-7, and explain why it seems especially important to you.
How would you explain the Light that came into your darkness?
Why might it be dangerous to downplay the seriousness of our situation whenever we encounter hardship?
How much of the injustice Isaiah condemned in his time do you see in our own time?
How has the Lord brought light into your dark corner of the world?
Apply it to Your Life
Choose one of the things Isaiah says about the Son in 9:6–7, and explain why it seems especially important to you.
What specific injustice in your area of influence can you challenge in the name of God? How?
What person do you know who is still "walking in darkness" for whom God would have you pray?
Choose one of the things Isaiah says about the Son in 9:6–7, and explain why it seems especially important to you.
What specific injustice in your area of influence can you challenge in the name of God? How?
What person do you know who is still "walking in darkness" for whom God would have you pray?