9:1 In our gloom and despair, we fear that our sorrows and troubles will never end. But we can take comfort in this certainty: Although the Lord may not always spare us from troubles, if we follow him wholeheartedly, he will lead us safely through them.
9:1-7 This child, who would become their deliverer, is the Messiah, Jesus. Matthew quotes these verses in describing Christ’s ministry (Matthew 4:15, 16). The territories of Zebulun and Naphtali represent the northern kingdom as a whole. These were also the territories where Jesus grew up and often ministered; this is why they would see “a great light.”
9:2-6 In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light who would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. He is both “Counsellor” (all-loving) and “mighty God” (all-powerful). This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal Kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin.
9:8-10 Pride made Israel think it would recover and rebuild in its own strength. Even though God made the people of Israel a nation and gave them the land they occupied, they put their trust in themselves rather than in him. Too often we take pride in our accomplishments, forgetting that it is God who has given us our resources and abilities. We may even become proud of our unique status as Christians. God is not pleased with any pride or trust in ourselves because it cuts off our contact with him.
9:21 Ephraim and Manasseh were tribes in the northern kingdom descended from Joseph’s two sons. They fought a civil war because of their selfishness and wickedness (see Judges 12:4).