But there won’t be any more sadness for those who were suffering. In the past the Lord brought shame on the land of Zebulun. He also brought shame on the land of Naphtali. But in days to come he will honor Galilee, where people from other nations live. He will honor the land along the Mediterranean Sea. And he will honor the territory east of the Jordan River.

 2 The people who are now living in darkness

    will see a great light.

They are now living in a very dark land.

    But a light will shine on them.

3 Lord, you will make our nation larger.

    You will increase their joy.

They will show you how glad they are.

    They will be as glad as people are at harvest time.

They will be as glad as warriors are

    when they share the things they’ve taken after a battle.

4 You set Israel free from Midian long ago.

    In the same way, you will break

the heavy yoke that weighs Israel down.

    You will break the wooden beams that are on their shoulders.

    You will break the rods of those who strike them down.

5 Every fighting man’s boot that he wore in battle will be burned up.

    So will every piece of clothing covered with blood.

    All of them will be thrown into the fire.

6 A child will be born to us.

    A son will be given to us.

    He will rule over us.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God.

He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever

    and Prince Who Brings Peace.

7 There will be no limit to how great his authority is.

    The peace he brings will never end.

He will rule on David’s throne

    and over his kingdom.

    He will make the kingdom strong and secure.

His rule will be based on what is fair and right.

    It will last forever.

The Lord’s great love will make sure that happens.

    He rules over all.

1. What places are named in Isaiah 9:1, and why are they important?

2. In Isaiah 9:2, what do the words “light” and “darkness” mean for the people?

3. What names are given to the special child in Isaiah 9:6, and what do those names tell us about him?

4. How does Isaiah 9:4–5 say God will help the people, and what old stories does it remind us of?

5. What does Isaiah 9:7 say about the future kingdom, and how is King David connected to it?

6. How can the promise of light in dark times (Isaiah 9:2) encourage us when we feel sad or lost?

7. What do the special names of the promised character, Jesus, tell us about his authority and leadership? Can we put our trust in him?