The Coming Messiah
Isaiah 7–12
The Messiah’s Birth (Isaiah 7:14) One of the best-known verses in Isaiah is 7:14: “The Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” The prophesied son was to be born of an alma. The closest English equivalent is maiden. This Hebrew word is never used of a married woman. A typical usage occurs where Rebekah is identified as a young woman who undoubtedly was a virgin before she married Isaac. When Jewish scholars translated the book of Isaiah from Hebrew into Greek (around 250 BC), they rendered the word as “virgin.”
Think about why the Messiah’s virgin birth is important. Mary’s body was the vessel God used to bring the God-man into the world. Jesus was truly human, born of a woman—and truly God, conceived by the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 1:20-21). As a human, He could identify with our temptations, yet without sinning, and could take on the punishment our sins deserve. Because He was miraculously conceived without a human father, He was born without our sin nature. He alone could be the perfect, sinless sacrifice for our sin.
The promise of Immanuel’s birth was good news to the people. They were enduring a king of David’s lineage who scorned God’s prophet and God’s words. Anticipating Immanuel’s appearance gave them comfort in their present situation and hope for their future.
Day 1: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:20-23; Luke 1:26-35 — Messiah’s Birth
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A Great Light (Isaiah 9:1-7) The invading Syrian and Assyrian armies brought “distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish” (8:22) to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali (later known as Galilee). But a light would dawn and bring rejoicing. Isaiah assured the people that Immanuel, destined to be king, would bring great victory, lasting peace, and an ever-enduring government.
Consider the other names Isaiah 9:6 lists for this “given” son: (1) Wonderful Counselor. This son would be a wonder-working counselor with the wisdom and knowledge to rule effectively. (2) Mighty God. In Hebrew, mighty is el gibbor. The word el occurs in this portion of Isaiah as a designation for God alone; gibbor means “hero” and indicates power and strength. The designation of this son as “mighty God,” a term never applied to a human being, is the strongest and most explicit assertion in the Old Testament that the Messiah is equal with God—indeed He is God. (3) Everlasting Father. The Messiah would be like a father to His people, and He would live forever—human and divine aspects of His being. (4) Prince of Peace. This son would establish and maintain His kingdom in peace for all.
Think about peace. Of all Messiah’s titles, “Prince of Peace” is the one most quoted. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). When you’re anxious, you can “by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” This invitation comes with a great promise: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus“ (Philippians 4:6-7). What are you anxious about? Make your request known to the Prince of Peace.
The New Testament reveals that this prediction about a “great light” was fulfilled when Jesus came from His hometown of Nazareth to begin His public ministry in Galilee. Jesus taught that “the kingdom of heaven [was] at hand” and appealed to His followers to come into the spiritual kingdom He had established (see Matthew 4:12-19).
Lesson 6: Day 2: Isaiah 9:1-7—Messiah’s Uniqueness
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Messiah’s Character and Actions (Isaiah 11:1-5) Chapter 11 begins with the picture of a sprout from the “stump of Jesse” and culminates in the prophecy that all nations will rally to “the root of Jesse.” The fruitful “branch of the Lord” is described in 4:2 as “beautiful and glorious,” and “the fruit of the land” as “the pride and honor of the survivors in Israel.” The branch will emerge as the universal ruler (see 9:1-7).
The Messiah’s judgments for the poor will be right and fair rather than characterized by the bloodshed, bribery, and politicking of Israel’s leadership at the time (see 1:16-17). The apostle Paul taught that the Lord Jesus will overthrow the “lawless one … with the breath of his mouth and bring [the lawless one] to nothing by the appearance of his coming” (2 Thessalonians 2:8). John wrote of “The Word of God,” from whose “mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations” (Revelation 19:13, 15). Christ’s coming in power and authority was in the future for Isaiah, Paul, and John, as it still is for us.
Lesson 6: Day 3: Isaiah 11:1-2—God’s Spirit on the Messiah
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Characteristics of the Kingdom (Isaiah 11:6-9) The still-future kingdom is so free from conflict that the instruments of war can be destroyed. Peace, justice, and righteousness will prevail permanently (see Isaiah 2:4; 9:5, 7; Micah 4:1-4). In this Isaiah 11 passage, we see a new aspect of this time of peace among the nations: animals’ sharing in the blessings. The curse that came as a result of human sin will be removed. Paul noted that creation’s corruption will be removed at the same time our bodies experience redemption (see Romans 8:20-23). God says there will be no “hurt or [destruction] in all my holy mountain” (Isaiah 11:9), the mountain from which “the law” and “the word of the Lord” will go out to all nations (2:3).
Lesson 6: Day 4: Isaiah 11:3-16—Conditions in Messiah’s Kingdom
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Final Conditions (Isaiah 11:10–12:6) “In that day” probably refers to the time described in the previous verses, a period established by the appearance of a ruler, “the root of Jesse.” The situation in that coming day is contrasted with the tensions of Isaiah’s day. When the “remnant” returns “a second time,” conditions will not be as they were when Isaiah prophesied. This second time refers to a return subsequent to the return from Babylonian exile in 538 BC. The returned exiles will rejoice in God’s salvation for those who put their trust in Him. The time of God’s anger and judgment will give way to a time of thanksgiving. The people of Zion will rejoice because “the Holy One of Israel” is present among them—their assurance of permanent and enduring peace.
Lesson 6: Day 5: Isaiah 12:1-6—Praises Foretold by Isaiah
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Personalize this lesson The Messiah’s names reveal life-giving attributes: (1) Wonderful Counselor. His counsel is wise, trustworthy, and true. It will never steer us wrong. (2) Mighty God. Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, rescued us from our sin, and brought us back home as children of the Father. (3) Everlasting Father. “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” Jesus said. All of the heavenly Father’s affection, care, loving correction, and provision can be found in Him. (4) Prince of Peace. He brings us reconciliation with God, peace with others, and deep peace within our minds and hearts. Choose one of these names and talk with our Messiah with that name in mind. For example, you might address Him as Wonderful Counselor, telling Him what is troubling you. Ask Him for His wise counsel and listen for His answer. Or talk with your hero God. Tell Him why you need rescue or divine strength. Ask Him to show you how He is by your side. No matter which name you choose, talk with God and listen for how He wants to respond to you.