The deepest cavern of darkness smothered her daily, distressing her spirit day and night. The gloom hung like blackened clouds, a miserable reminder of how He lightly esteemed Zebulun and how she wished that even Naphtali were a haven of rest!
The oppression afterward, well…all the more heavily along the sea. Entrapped even here beyond the Jordan! Tears would be welcome as a relief from the doom that is Galilee. The Shadow of Death is king here, ruling with pain, torture, and despair for dessert! For her, what is the hope of God? What can even He do in this hour? How did He leave the land nearest His heart of Creation?
Alas she walks the way of the sea, her head downcast amongst the perpetuality of blackness. Suddenly, a flash of great light! She, with all the people are drawn as a moth to a flame. Powerful Light that destroys this Shadow of Death! The shadows run in fear away from this coming Light! A rescuer is here, our joy is multiplied.
The harvest is overwhelming, we divide the spoil with abundant gratitude and joy. Our dark burdens now gone because of the power of the Light. The rod of the oppressor lay broken on the ground. We can only bring the bloodied clothes and sandals from the warriors to burn and fuel a great fire. We are in awe of all we see and feel in our spirits! But, what does all this mean?
A Strong One speaks: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
She asks, “What of the increase of His government and peace?” A Strong One: “There will be NO end! Of the throne of David and His Kingdom ordered, established with judgment and justice from now and forever. The Lord of Hosts in His zeal will do it!”
H.S. Narrative version of Is 9:1-7