Isaiah 9:1 - Exposition

Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation , when , etc. Our translators have misconceived the construction, and consequently missed the sense. The first two clauses, which they run together, are entirely separate and distinct. Translate, Nevertheless there shall be no ( more ) darkness to her who was in affliction . As at the former time he brought contempt upon the land of Zebulon , etc . Contempt was brought on the more northern part of the Holy Land, first when it was overrun and ravaged by the Syrians ( 1 Kings 15:20 ) under Ben-hadad, and more recently when it bore the brunt of the Assyrian attack ( 2 Kings 15:29 ) under Tiglath-Pileser. At the first … and afterward ; rather, at the former time … in the latter time . The contrast is between two periods of Israel's history, the existing period and the Messianic. And afterward did more grievously afflict her . This is altogether wrong. Translate, So in the latter time he hath brought honor on the way of the sea . The perfect is a "prophetic perfect," and the reference is to the honor that would be done to the northern districts, "the land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali," by the Messiah dwelling there (comp. Matthew 4:14-16 ). The way of the sea ; i.e. the district about the sea of Tiberias, called "the sea of Kinnereth" (equivalent to "Gennesareth") in Numbers 34:11 , and "the sea of Galilee" in John 6:1 . Beyond Jordan ; i.e. the tract east of the sea and of the upper Jordan, where the five thousand were fed, and where our Lord was transfigured. Galilee of the nations . The name "Galilee" seems to have been given to the outlying circuit, or zone, on the north, which was debatable ground between the Israelites and their neighbors (see 1 Kings 9:10 ; Joshua 20:7 ; Joshua 21:32 ). The word means "circuit," or "ring." Though claimed as theirs by the Israelites, it was largely peopled by "Gentiles."