Isaiah 9:4

Translations

Modern

For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.

Traditional

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

Literal

For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder—the rod of one pressing on him—You have broken as on the day of Midian.

Latin

Jugum enim oneris ejus, et virgam humeri ejus, et sceptrum exactoris ejus superasti, sicut in die Madian.

Original

Hebrew

English

For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.

Notes

Isaiah 9:4

The people experienced the rule of other nations as a yoke of slavery and a heavy burden. A yoke is a wooden bar placed on animals to control them. Here it describes harsh control and forced labor (Jeremiah 30:8).
the rod of their oppressor: In Isaiah 10:5, the Assyrians are called “the rod of [the Lord’s] anger.” This means God used Assyria to punish his people. But God’s anger would not last forever. When his anger ended, Assyria’s cruel rule over Judah would also end (Isaiah 14:5).
The Lord had destroyed the army of Midian through Gideon (see Judges 6:35; 7:22–25).

Isaiah 9:1–7

After judgment and destruction, there would still be hope. God promised that the Messiah (God’s chosen one) would come and rule.

In the Messiah’s kingdom, darkness would end and great light would begin. This light would first appear in Galilee. Then it would spread to the whole nation of Israel and finally to the whole world.

The Messiah would defend those who suffer and are treated unfairly. He would bring an end to cruelty and injustice. He would rule with justice (what is right and fair) and righteousness (living in a right way before God). His kingdom would be a kingdom of peace, and it would last forever.

Isaiah 7:1–12:6

These prophecies occurred when Assyria rose to power. Syria and Israel formed an alliance against Judah (Isaiah 7:1–2; see 2 Kings 16:5). God used Assyria as a tool to punish Syria, Israel, and Judah (Isaiah 7–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah Salvation in Isaiah

Events

Prophecies of Isaiahc. 759 BC

Related verses

Isaiah 14:25
I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.”
Jeremiah 30:8
On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will break the yoke off their necks and tear off their bonds, and no longer will strangers enslave them.
Isaiah 10:26–27
And the LORD of Hosts will brandish a whip against them, as when He struck Midian at the rock of Oreb. He will raise His staff over the sea, as He did in Egypt.
Nahum 1:13
For I will now break their yoke from your neck and tear away your shackles.”
Isaiah 54:14
In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, for you will have no fear. Terror will be far removed, for it will not come near you.
Isaiah 49:26
I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”
Isaiah 14:3–5
On the day that the LORD gives you rest from your pain and torment, and from the hard labor into which you were forced,
Leviticus 26:13
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk in uprightness.
Isaiah 30:31–32
For Assyria will be shattered at the voice of the LORD; He will strike them with His scepter.
Genesis 27:40
You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.”
Judges 8:10–12
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen.
Isaiah 10:5
Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath.

Parallels

Matthew 4:12–17 Mark 1:14–15 Luke 4:14–15

Places

Midian: A nation descended from Abraham; oppressed Israel in the time of the judges

Glossary

Foreknowledge Gideon Isaiah, Book of King Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven Oreb Pekah Prophet, Prophetess Redeemer, Redemption Yoke

Topics

Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Isaiah: Prophecies, Reproofs, and Exhortations of Denounces Calamities Against Israel and Judah Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Midianites: Completeness of Their Destruction, Alluded To Scepter (Sceptre): Figurative Yoke: Figurative

Isaiah 9:4

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Original?

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Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?

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Glossary?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

Topics