6-23-07 Isaiah 9:3, 4

Isaiah 9:3, 4 (NAS)
Thou shalt multiply the nation, Thou shalt increase their gladness; They will be glad in Thy presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For Thou shalt break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.

Isaiah 9:3, 4 (NIVUS)
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

Isaiah 9:3, 4 (NRSV)
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

Are there certain people who bring great joy to your life? Perhaps you are in a loving relationship, whether it is intimate or platonic, that blesses you more than you could express. Just being with that person brings a smile to your lips and a light to your eyes.

Did you know that your relationship with the Lord God should produce the same reaction? Adonai the Most High wishes to increase and multiply you in abundance. He see excelling and becoming greater, for He has set aside plenty of provision to nourish you now and to keep in store for the future.

When you think of all that God has done and is doing your have a measurable increase of joy. Your heart fills with mirth and gladness. When you come into the presence of the Lord, you come rejoicing, for He has given you a bountiful harvest. You have no reason to grieve, mourn, or be discouraged. You will reap as a victorious army, gathering spoils of the battle. The booty that you receive is a great portion and allotment.

Not only are you blessed materially, but you have also benefited in other ways. The Lord your God has broken the yoke of abuse and pain that kept you beaten down and discouraged. Your enemy used confusion and fear to chastise you. It was a heavy load to bear, but Jehovah lifted that burden from your shoulders. The rod that your oppressors used for punishment, to drive and harass you, has been abolished. His tyranny over you is weak and useless now, for the Lord has rescued and delivered you from his brawling and contention.

Therefore, continue to rejoice in the Lord and the power of His might, for your harvest and deliverance are great indeed!