¶ Nevertheless the dimness [shall] not [be] such as [was] in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict [her by] the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
Nevertheless the dimness {H4155} shall not be such as was in her vexation {H4164}, when {H6256} at the first {H7223} he lightly afflicted {H7043} the land {H776} of Zebulun {H2074} and the land {H776} of Naphtali {H5321}, and afterward {H314} did more grievously afflict {H3513} her by the way {H1870} of the sea {H3220}, beyond {H5676} Jordan {H3383}, in Galilee {H1551} of the nations {H1471}.
But there will be no more gloom for those who are now in anguish. In the past the land of Z'vulun and the land of Naftali were regarded lightly; but in the future he will honor the way to the lake, beyond the Yarden, Galil-of-the-Goyim.
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations:
But there shall be no gloom to her that 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 hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
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Matthew 4:15
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, [by] the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; -
Matthew 4:16
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. -
2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria. -
Isaiah 8:22
And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and [they shall be] driven to darkness. -
2 Chronicles 16:4
And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. -
2 Kings 17:5
Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years. -
2 Kings 17:6
In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor [by] the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
Isaiah 9:1 (KJV) serves as a powerful preamble to one of the most beloved Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. This verse vividly contrasts a period of profound distress and spiritual darkness experienced by specific regions of ancient Israel with a future promise of glorious light and relief.
Historical and Cultural Context
The prophet Isaiah here refers to a time of severe affliction for the northern tribes of Israel, particularly the areas inhabited by the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali. These regions, located in what was known as Galilee, were the first to suffer under the aggressive expansion of the Assyrian Empire in the 8th century BC. Tiglath-Pileser III, the Assyrian king, conducted devastating campaigns, deporting many inhabitants and imposing heavy tribute. Initially, the affliction was "lightly," perhaps referring to earlier raids or less severe oppression, but it escalated to "more grievously afflict" as the Assyrian presence became dominant, particularly along "the way of the sea" (the major trade route) and "beyond Jordan." The phrase "Galilee of the nations" (or "Galilee of the Gentiles" in some translations) highlights its mixed population of Israelites and non-Israelites, making it a borderland often exposed to foreign influences and invasions, and therefore seen as less pure or significant by some in Judah.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "dimness" (`araphel) implies thick darkness or gloom, often associated with a cloud of judgment or distress. The term "Galilee of the nations" (Hebrew: G'lil ha-Goyim) underscores the area's mixed population and its vulnerability to pagan influences, making the prophecy of light shining there even more striking.
Prophetic Significance and Fulfillment
This verse, together with Isaiah 9:2, is directly quoted in the New Testament by the Apostle Matthew. It identifies the geographical starting point of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry. As recorded in Matthew 4:15-16, when Jesus began teaching and healing in Galilee, it was a direct fulfillment of Isaiah's ancient prophecy, bringing the promised "great light" to those who had long sat in spiritual darkness and the shadow of death.
Practical Application
Isaiah 9:1 offers a timeless message of hope. It reminds us that even in the deepest periods of personal or societal "dimness" and "vexation," God's promise of light and transformation remains. It encourages believers to look for divine intervention and the dawning of hope, recognizing that God often brings His greatest revelations and comforts to those places and people who have experienced the greatest suffering. It's a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises, even across centuries, offering encouragement that no darkness is permanent when His light is destined to shine.