Note: Isaiah 9:1 is Isaiah 8:23 in the Hebrew Bible. This verse has great Messianic significance. This chapter speaks about a change that was coming to a specific location – a location that was uniquely related to the work of Messiah 2000 years ago.

Verse 1: “For not gloom to her who was in distress in the former time, when He cursed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the latter portion He is going to honour the way of the sea on the side of the Jordan of the Galilee of the Gentiles.”

For not gloom: There had been gloom (an absence of light) in this place, but the implication here was that this was going to change.

Her: Speaking of Israel – specifically the Northern kingdom. This would, however, have implications for all of the descendants of Jacob.
The former time: An earlier period of time before Messiah.

He: God

Cursed: This word can also me that God thought little of this place and gave no preference to it.

The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali: Zebulun (Jacob’s tenth son, by Leah – Genesis 30:20) and Naphtali (Jacob’s sixth son through Bilhah – Genesis 30:8). These sons inherited land in the Galilee region (Joshua 19). Zebulun and Naphtali were part of the Northern kingdom (Israel). God brought judgment (the curse – Deuteronomy 11:26-28) on them, through Assyria, because of their disobedience.

In the latter portion: In the last days. This is not referring to the final seven years of the last days, but is referring to the general days of the end times (the same end time period spoken of by Peter in Acts 2:16-17. This time period can also be referred to as the time of the
Gentiles – Luke 21:24, Romans 11:25).

The way of the sea on the side of the Jordan: The town situated between these two portions of land, which fits these criteria, is called Capernaum – Yeshua’s ministry ‘headquarters’ (Kefer-Nahum – which means ‘village of comfort’ – Matthew 4:13-16).

The Galilee of the Gentiles: Galilee is called by this name because it was a portion of land that was highly desired by the nations (Gentiles). Some scholars say it is called by this term as what Messiah brings about (His salvation) is highly desired by the nations.


Verse 2: “The people, the ones who walk in darkness, have seen a great light – the dwellers in the land of shadow of death. Upon them a light has greatly shined.”

Walk in darkness: They are devoid of illumination; they do not have the truth of God. They are confused and following after falsehood.
Seen a great light: A change has happened. This light relates to Messiah (John 8:12). The candlestick in the temple was always alight. When the people looked at this light, they were reminded of the fact that the presence of God was with them.

A light has greatly shined: This relates to the numerous miracles that Yeshua was going to perform among them. It also relates to the great truth and wisdom that Yeshua was going to share with them.

Verse 3: “You have multiplied for Him the nation, and You have made great with gladness. They will rejoice before You, as the gladness of the harvest, just as they rejoice when they distribute the spoil.”

You: Referring to God.

Him: Referring to Messiah

The nation: When this word is written in the plural it is mainly referring to the nations – the Gentiles. However, when it is written in the singular (as it is here) it is most often referring to the nation of Israel. Abraham was told that he was going to be a great nation (Genesis
12:2. Here, ‘nation’ is also written in the singular and is referring to the nation of Israel – Abraham’s natural descendants).

Made great with gladness: When the nation of Israel is made great by Messiah, and is offered up to God the Father, there is going to be great joy.

Harvest: This word has two implications:

1. It can be related to the resurrection – Messiah was considered the first fruit of the harvest (1 Corinthians 15:23).

2. It could also refer to the fullness of the end time harvest. Once the fullness of the Gentiles has been reached, God is going to once again turn His attention toward Israel (Romans 11:11-12, Romans 11:25-27).

Spoil: The plunder that is gathered up after a victorious battle – Yeshua is going to be the victor – He is going to defeat the antichrist – 2 Thessalonians 2:8 (This plunder is related to the meek inheriting the earth – Matthew 5:5).