Ahaz, the young 20-year-old king of Judah, refused to join the king of Israel in the north to fight the Assyrians. Instead he made an alliance with the Assyrians, who happily joined in defeating the king of Israel. In 735 B.C. the Assyrians took captives from among the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, the people at the edge of the northern kingdom.
In 721 B.C. the Assyrians returned and cruelly destroyed the entire northern kingdom, chopped down its vines and orchards, and mixed foreign settlers among its people. The territories of Zebulun and Naphtali became the three western provinces of Assyria. They were called Way of the Sea, Beyond the Jordan, and Galilee of the Nations.
Isaiah, a priest of the temple in Jerusalem, reflects on the political events of his time. In Sunday’s first reading Isaiah expresses solidarity with the defeated people of the north, vividly describing them living in darkness and the degradation of mixing blood and gods with Assyria. He promises God will not abandon them.
In the midst of war and injustice to the poor, Isaiah envisions a messiah, a sprout on the dead stump of Jesse, a Spirit-blessed leader who deals aright with the poor and brings enemies to live in peace. He promises God will send Emmanuel, God with us.
Sunday’s first reading promises a messiah, one who will bring light and restoration to people in darkness and desolation. A son will be born for the people, a child who will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This leader will reunite the people of the north and south and rule them with judgment and justice. For Matthew, Jesus is this leader.
God will dispel darkness.
In past times God degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end God will glorify Way of the Sea, Beyond the Jordan, and Galilee of the Nations. There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt
in the land of gloom,
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing,
the way people rejoice
before you at the harvest,
as people make merry
when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed,
as on the day of Midian.
Isaiah 8.23-9.3
- What burdens do wish you could lift from people in our world? How might you take one action toward helping?
- On what fringes of the Christian community is the Spirit inspiring new and promising leadership?