Isaiah 9:2
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined on those who lived in the land of the shadow of death.
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Interpretation

The prophet calls a great light that is worked out in relationships and commitments in Isaiah 9:2—look for "who" and "light". Align great light in the use of resources—season power with mercy.

Context

Isaiah speaks here as prophetic oracle writing, developing great light. Read in Isaiah 9, its force becomes clearer. It also intersects prophetic hope & judgment. Listen for “who” alongside “light”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Isaiah was received under the name of the prophet Isaiah, Amoz’s son. Modern scholarship on Isaiah sees Often read as a multi‑stage composition (Deutero/Trito‑Isaiah).. Scholars commonly date Isaiah 8th–5th century BC. Here the thread of prophetic hope & judgment comes into view. Chs 40–55 commonly exilic (Deutero). Chs 56–66 commonly post‑exilic (Trito). Exilic and post‑exilic horizons color sections of the book.

More details
Traditional:Isaiah son of Amoz
Modern scholarship:Multiple authors (Proto‑, Deutero‑, Trito‑Isaiah).
Date:8th–5th century BC
  • Chs 40–55 commonly exilic (Deutero).
  • Chs 56–66 commonly post‑exilic (Trito).
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
In the Masoretic tradition the Hebrew text is preserved with remarkable accuracy. The Dead Sea Scrolls (1947-1956 discoveries) confirm the Hebrew text's reliability, showing minimal variation over 1000+ years of transmission.