International S. S. Lessons.
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."—Neh. 8:8 LESSON XII.—SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1894. [NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.] - THE people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
- Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy; they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
- For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as in the day of Midian.
- For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall even be for burning, for fuel of fire.
- For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with judgment and with righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this.
Golden Text: "Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end." Verse 7. NOTE.—There can be no question but what this prophecy is spoken of our Lord Jesus Christ and his future. It was given probably in the time of Ahaz, about 733 years before Christ. It was delivered in Jerusalem, the prophet's home, to Judah, the prophet's people, at a time when Judah was in great darkness, and therefore in great need of light. This darkness was typical of the greater darkness of the world, and the only light which could lighten that darkness was Christ Jesus, "the Light of the world." - In speaking of Christ and his mission, what does the prophet say that the people who walk in great darkness have seen? Verse 2.
- To what extent had the light shone upon them?
- What does he say that God had done respecting the nation? Verse 3.
- What is said of their joy?
- What caused this joy? Verse 4. Note 1.
- What is said of the enemies who rise up against God's people? Verse 5.
- Through whom does this joy come? Verse 6, first part.
- What relation should this Son sustain to the government of the people of God? Verse 6, second clause.
- What should his name be called? Verse 6, last part. Note 2.
- What is said of the increase of his government and of peace?
- Upon whose throne will he sit? Note 3.
- By what power will all this be accomplished? Verse 7, last part.
1. The prophet seems to see the bondage in which Israel had been to other nations as symbolical of the bondage of sin, and the joy when release came from Israel's bondage as typical of the joy which comes when delivered from sin. He says that the yoke of Israel's burden has been broken by the Lord, and it is because of this that Israel rejoices. This looks forward not simply to Christ's first coming, but to his second coming, when the rod of the oppressor shall be utterly broken, and he shall enter upon his reign of peace. 2. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, etc.—The marginal reading unites the two words, making them Wonderful Counselor. Truly, that is what Christ is to his people. In him dwelleth "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," and he bids us, if we lack wisdom, to come to him and obtain it. He is the mighty God; he is one with the Father. When he came he came in the fullness of God. He was "God manifest in the flesh." When he comes again, it will be the appearing of "the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." He is "the Everlasting Father," that is, all those who are born into his kingdom are begotten through his word. The New Jerusalem is the mother. Gal. 4:26. The union of the two at last, when Christ takes his kingdom, will be the marriage of the Lamb, and those who are saved from sin will be the children and guests. He is the "Prince of Peace," because he is the one who makes peace between the sinner and God. The apostle says, "For he is our peace." Eph. 2:14. If we accept of him, we have peace with God. 3. The throne of David.—It will be seen by referring to the 72d Psalm that the promise to David and his seed included the entire world, even as the promise to Abraham included the world. See Rom. 4:13. To David's seed it was said, "He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth;" and so we are told in Dan. 7:27 that the "kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High." Christ is their King.