Scripture for the next four weeks of Advent:  Isaiah 9: 1-7 ESV

For to Us a Child is Born

1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light: those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 

3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.

4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.

6 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. 

7 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. 

Who is Isaiah?  

• His name Yesha'yahu means Jehovah saves or salvation of Jehovah
• He was the son of Amoz and live between 840 and 420 BC
• He was a prophet of God, his message the Messiah is coming as a suffering servant has been fulfilled, his message that the Messiah will come again as a conquering king has yet to be fulfilled
• He died a martyr and was sawn in two
• He wrote the book of Isaiah which has 66 chapters, the first 39 reveal God's character and judgement, the last 27 show God's comfort and redemption (The Bible has 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament)

Notes from Guidelines for Interpreting Prophecy found in The New Inductive Study Bible ESV

• Prophecy is meant to affect the conduct of those who hear it
• Prophecy builds faith when it is fulfilled
• Prophecy pertains to near future or future (without a date defined)

Tap on the (+) in the bottom righthand corner of the accordion box below for each week to read the overview.  Then tap on the link to listen to the message embedded.