 | The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. |
 | The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. |
 | The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. |
| Isaiah 9:2 |
Commentary
The district of Galilee, located in the hill country of Zebulun and Naphtali, was inhabited by a mixed population of Israelites and heathen. Years after Joshua led the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan, Canaanites still inhabited the region (Judg. 1:30-33; 4:2). Galilee was also situated on a major trade route, which brought foreigners to the area. Thus it came to be frowned upon as "Galilee of the Gentiles" (9:1).
Yet God promised to send a "great light" on these "people who walked in darkness" (9:2). Who was this Light, who came for both Gentiles and Israelites? According to the Gospel of Matthew, it was Jesus Christ: "When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee .. that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah" (Matt. 4:12-17).
Jesus is the Light that God sent even to the Gentiles, the expression of His love for the whole world.
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