Lesson: Psalms 89:35-37; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:18-22
Golden Text: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying…” (Matthew 1:21-22).
INTRODUCTION.
In this week’s lesson we will see how God confirmed His
promises made in the Davidic covenant, and revealed more fully through Isaiah
how the Messiah would be God incarnate, or in the flesh. We will
also examine how the prophecies of the coming Messiah and King were fulfilled
with the birth of Jesus Christ.
CONFIRMING THE COVENANT
(Psalms 89:35-37).
The 89th Psalms was written by Ethan the
Ezrahite. He was a descendent of Levi and the son of Merari (see I
Chronicles 6:1). As a Levite leader, he was probably one of the
head musicians in the temple (see I Chronicles 15:17, 19). Ethan
was known for his wisdom in Solomon’s time (see I Kings 4:31).
This Psalm was written to describe God’s greatness (see verses 1-18) and
the glorious reign of David and how God would deal with his descendents (see
verses 19-34). Ethan probably wrote this psalm sometime after
Solomon’s death when the kingdom was divided into the northern and southern
kingdoms as a result of Rehoboam’s pride (see I Kings chapter 12).
With verses 38-52, the psalmist could have been expressing grief over
this split of David’s house, or maybe Rehoboam’s humiliation by Shishak (see I
Kings 14:25-26). However, in verses 35-38 which is the first part
of our printed text, Ethan speaks of God’s reliability regarding the Davidic
covenant.A. The firmness of God’s oath (Psalms 89:35). In this verse, Ethan writes that God said “Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.” In other words, God’s word is so reliable that He only had to swear “Once” that He “will not lie unto David.” This was affirmation that God would keep his oath to fulfill all He had promised to David’s house or his descendents (see Psalms 89:19-34). God’s promise which was covered by the Davidic covenant was so solid that God said “I sworn by my holiness.” Very little, if anything is more important to God than His holiness or His righteous nature (see Amos 4:2). What God is actually saying in this verse is that His very holiness was at stake in the fulfillment of His promise to David and his descendents.
B. The nature of God’s oath (Psalms 89:36-37).
1. (vs. 36). Part of the oath that God had sworn to David was that “His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.” Not only would David’s “seed” or descendents endure or continue forever, his “throne” or rule would continue forever as well. God compared the lasting throne to “the sun before me (God).” Just as sure as the sun rises every day, in the same way God’s covenant with David’s seed will be reliable and permanent (see Jeremiah 33:20-26).
2. (vs. 37). God also said that David’s throne “shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.” Like the sun, the “moon” is permanent and so will be David’s throne. No matter how things may look now, David’s throne will continue permanently under the future reign of Christ. The phrase “and as a faithful witness in heaven” could mean that as long as the sun and the moon remain where they are, they are a witness or confirmation of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with David. However, there are some who see this phrase to mean the witness is God Himself. Regardless of how we interpret it, God’s promise is sure. The term “Selah” occurs 71 times in the Book of Psalms and 3 times in Habakuk. Most scholars agree that the term is a musical direction of some sort, but they can’t agree on what the direction is. However, most agree that it is an interlude or pause in the singing while the orchestra continues to play
III. FORESEEING THE KINGDOM (Isaiah 9:6-7). Like Psalms 89, Isaiah wrote this passage while Israel was undergoing trying circumstances. The Southern Kingdom of Judah was threatened by an alliance between Israel and Syria (see II Kings 16:5-9; Isaiah 7:1-2). Even though Isaiah assured King Ahaz that this alliance against Judah would not succeed, Ahaz still appealed to the Assyrians for help (see II Kings 16:7-9) exposing him to an even greater threat---the fast growing Assyrian Empire (see Isaiah 8:5-8). But even in those times of darkness, the Lord gave Isaiah a message of light and hope for His people (see Isaiah 9:1-5). This is where the next section of our lesson begins.
A. The character of the King (Isaiah 9:6). In this verse Isaiah says “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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” The word “For” gives the reason why Israel will enjoy victory, joy, and peace according to Isaiah 9:1-5 (which are not part of our printed text). The reason is that “unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” The words “unto us” clearly reveals that Messiah would come specifically to Israel, but the New Testament includes the entire human race as the recipients of the gift of the Messiah (see John 3:16). He is said to be both a “child” who will be “born” and a “son” who will be “given.” As a “child” the Messiah was “born” just like all other children. He would enter the world the normal way except that He had no earthly father and was miraculously born to a virgin (see Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). He was nourished in the womb of Mary, who experienced a normal pregnancy and the usual pains of childbirth. As a baby, Jesus was as helpless as any other and required the same kind of care. Therefore, the word “born” reminds us that the Messiah was fully human and could identify with our needs. Jesus was also a “son” who is “given” by a gracious God (see Romans 8:32). “Son” here could simply mean that this was a male child. Or it could be identifying Him as the son of David. However, it’s more likely that He is being identified as the Son of God (see Psalms 2:7). As God’s Son He is “given” not born, because His divine sonship is eternal. Isaiah went on to say that “the government shall be upon his shoulder.” Some scholars understand this to mean that the weight of governing will rest on His shoulders. However, since the word “shoulder” is singular, it may indicate a different meaning, referring to His authority to rule the entire universe. But in the context of our lesson, the emphasis is on the Israelite kingdom of David. The Messiah will be well qualified for His position as evident in His titles. The phrase “and his name shall be called” does not refer to proper names, but describes the reputation and attributes of the coming King. In Scripture, the name of a person indicates his character or nature, and that is the significance of the titles given here. In the King James Version five attributes are listed, but many Bible scholars believe there are only four as listed in the NIV. These scholars see “Wonderful” and “Counselor” as one characteristic. Of course either interpretation is acceptable. “Wonderful” is actually the Hebrew noun for “wonder.” It implies that distinct aspects of His character are wonderful as well as the fact that Jesus Christ is a wonder. “Wonderful” also points to the Messiah’s deity and sets Him apart from anything humans could do or understand. Elsewhere in Scripture, this term always refers to the works of God, not men (see Psalms 88:12; 119:129). If “Wonderful” is taken with “Counsellor” as one characteristic, it means that Messiah is a wonder of a Counselor. In His role as “Counsellor,” Jesus devises plans and advises others to carry them out. Every king ought to be a counselor (see Micah 4:9) and the Messiah is the greatest counselor of all. Isaiah prophesied that He would possess the “spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord” (see Isaiah 11:2; Colossians 2:3). Other rulers need counselors to guide them, but He wouldn’t, for all of His decisions will be made with wisdom. The Messiah is also called “The mighty God.” This is a striking title and some have suggested that Isaiah merely meant that Messiah would be a godlike hero. But since the exact same title is used of Yahweh, or Jehovah in Isaiah 10:21, it clearly describes deity. The title of “The everlasting Father” expresses the Messiah’s relationship with His own. He is eternally a Father to them. As God, the Messiah is eternal by nature and His rule will also be eternal. He demonstrates a fatherly love and care in every aspect of His rule and this does not change with circumstances, because He is eternal. Finally, the Messiah is described as “The Prince of Peace.” Messiah’s rule will demonstrate peace not only in the ending of wars (see Isaiah 2:4), but even in the peacefulness of creation (see Isaiah 11:6-9). This peace will be based on a deeper peace between God and man that He gained through His death on the cross (see Romans 5:1, 11).
B. The duration of His kingdom (Isaiah 9:7). Regarding Messiah’s kingdom, this verse says “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” The government of the Messiah and the peace it brings will increase, expand, and endure for “there shall be no end” to it. David’s throne and kingdom will last forever. While Scripture speaks of a thousand year reign of Christ on earth (see Revelation 20:1-4), it also speaks of the eternal duration of His reign (see I Corinthians 15:24, 28; Revelation 11:15; Daniel 7:14). The phrase “to order it, and to establish it” means that Messiah’s rule will be eternally upheld. It will be upheld “with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.” Simply put, Messiah’s rule will last forever and will be upheld with justice and righteousness. The last phrase of this verse tells us how this can be done: “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” As noted earlier, when Isaiah gave this prophecy, Judah was in a pitiful condition not knowing how the prophecy would come about. Only Yahweh’s zeal could do it! “Zeal” refers to God’s intense passion or affection for His people. God’s “zeal” combined with His jealousy for His own honor will lead Him to overrule human weakness and vindicate His purposes through the Anointed One, His Son, the Messiah.
IV. FULFILLING THE PROMISE (Matthew 1:18-22). In his gospel Matthew presented the royal credentials of Jesus Christ to the Jewish people. He first gave Jesus’ genealogy which traced Him to David and Abraham. Then Matthew turned to the circumstances of Jesus’ birth which is where our remaining text begins.
A. Joseph’s dilemma (Matthew 1:18-19).
1. (vs. 18). This verse says “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew tells us that Jesus’ birth was like this: “When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph.” The word “espoused” means “betrothed” or engaged to someone. In this case Mary was engaged to Joseph. Note: Jewish engagements were as legally binding as marriage, and the couple were considered husband and wife (see verse 19). The engagement lasted for a year during which time they would not live together and their faithfulness would be tested. The betrothal or engagement could only be ended by marriage or divorce. The phrase “before they came together” refers to the year-long betrothal period when the couple lived separately and had no sexual relations. During this time, Mary “was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Note: The angel Gabriel had earlier informed Mary that she would miraculously conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit (see Luke 1:35). Mary then went to visit Elisabeth (see Luke 1:39-40) and returned to Nazareth after three months (see Luke 1:56). It was only then that her pregnancy became known to Joseph, either by her own words or by the words of others.
2. (vs. 19). Here Matthew writes “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.” Joseph is identified as Mary’s “husband” even though they were not yet married. However, as noted above, the betrothal or engagement was as legal as marriage. Joseph is presented with a dilemma. He now knew that the Child Mary was carrying was not his, and even if she tried to tell him the truth about this Child, who would believe such a fantastic tale? Adding to his dilemma was the fact that Joseph was “a just man.” This means that he was a moral, or righteous man. As such, his morals wouldn’t allow him to marry Mary who Joseph had concluded was unfaithful. But because of his morals he was “not willing to make her a public example.” This means that Joseph could divorce her publicly shaming her by stating his reasons for the divorce (see Deuteronomy 24:1). In addition, the law prescribed the death penalty for unfaithfulness (see Deuteronomy 22:23-24) though this was not carried out in New Testament times. No doubt it was Joseph’s love for Mary that prevented him from making a public example of her. Therefore, he thought about another alternative. He “was minded to put her away privily” or privately. This involved handing her a letter of divorce in private (see Deuteronomy 24:1) without stating his reasons for the action. He would then have been keeping the law and at the same time showing compassion to Mary.
B. The angel’s reassurance (Matthew 1:20-21).
1. (vs. 20). This verse says “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” The phrase “while he thought on these things” reveals that Joseph was not a man of hasty or quick actions. He took time to meditate and perhaps pray. Note: If some of us faced a crisis of this magnitude, would we have taken action quickly, without much thought? What a mistake that would have been in this case. Joseph’s example reminds us that meditation is just as necessary as action. It gives God the opportunity to speak to us before we act (see Proverbs 16:3; 21:5). At this point, Matthew says “behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream.” The word “behold” calls on one to take notice or pay attention. Joseph was to take notice of the angel that God had sent to him in a dream with a crucial message. The angel addressed him as “Joseph, thou son of David.” This royal title reminded Joseph that in spite of his humble circumstances, he was of royal blood and heir to the vacant Davidic throne (see Matthew 1:16). Although he wouldn’t be Jesus’ biological father, he would provide the legal basis for Jesus to claim Davidic kingship. The angel then said “fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife.” Joseph was to remove all fears he had about marrying Mary. Since their engagement had bound them legally, she was already considered his wife according to verse 19 where Joseph is called her husband. Note: While Joseph considered what to do about Mary, he thought he only had two options: divorce Mary quietly or have her stoned. But God had a third option---marry her. In view of the circumstances this had not occurred to Joseph. However, God often shows us that there are more options available in situations than we may think. Although Joseph seemed to be doing the right thing by breaking the engagement, only God’s guidance helped him make the best and wisest decision. When our decisions affect the lives of others, we must always seek God’s wisdom. Remember, the right thing may not always be the wise thing; but the wise thing will always be the right thing. Now Joseph could feel free to marry Mary because the angel said to him “for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” Therefore, the same message that Mary received was now confirmed to him (see Luke 1:35).
2. (vs. 21). The angel went on to say to Joseph “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” As a result of the conception by the Holy Spirit, Mary would “bring forth a son.” Note: It’s important to note that when the angel appeared to Zacharias to announce that his elderly wife Elisabeth was pregnant, the angel told him that Elisabeth would “bear thee a son” (see Luke 1:13). However, in Joseph’s case the angel said that Mary would “bring forth a son.” The difference is that Zacharias would be John the Baptist’s biological father, but Joseph would only be Jesus’ legal or adopted father. Jesus’ true Father is God Himself (see John 1:29-34). The name of the Child had been previously given to Mary (see Luke 1:31), but was now given to Joseph. The angel said “thou shalt call his name Jesus.” Not only did the angel tell Joseph what to name Jesus, but he also told him the significance of the name. He said “for he shall save his people from their sins.” The name “Jesus” means “Jehovah is salvation.” This name signified the saving work Jesus would accomplish through His death and resurrection. Whatever else Jesus Christ accomplished on earth, His primary mission or purpose was to save men from sin (see John 1:29; 3:17; I Timothy 1:15). Jesus was the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name Joshua, Yehoshua, or Yeshua. Joseph may have thought that the words “his people” meant Israel, but the Scriptures tell us that this refers to everyone who trusts in the Messiah as Lord and Savior. Note: During the time of Jesus, the expectation of the Messiah was at a high point among the Jews. However, most of them expected a Messiah who would be a military figure who would save them from the Romans. But not many of the Jews expected the Messiah to give Himself as a ransom for their sins (see Matthew 20:28; John 11:51).
C. The fulfillment of prophecy (Matthew 1:22). Our final verse says “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying.” Matthew now reminded his Jewish readers that all that “was done,” or all that happened in connection with Jesus’ birth was a fulfillment of prophecy. The phrase “all this was done” may refer not only to the virgin birth, but also to the angel’s message preceding it. The Lord had spoken all these things surrounding the birth of Jesus “by the prophet, saying.” The prophet referred to here is Isaiah. The prophecy that God spoke through Isaiah is not part of our printed text, but is given in verse 23 which says “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew quoted from the Greek translation of Isaiah 7:14. This prophecy was given to king Ahaz by Isaiah assuring him that Israel’s deliverance would come through the house of David. Now this virgin conceived son of David was about to appear, and He would be in the true sense “Emmanuel,” God with us.
V. Conclusion. Christians should be thoughtful and discerning people, especially when the Lord sovereignly allows difficult and demanding times to impact our lives. Instead of making rash decisions, or even thoughtful decisions that are not sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, followers of Jesus Christ should include the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible reading in their decision making process. This will enable us to know God’s good and perfect will. Let’s never forget why this Son of David came into the world. He came to save us. This is a need that will never go away while the Lord tarries. There will always be someone here who needs a Saviour. Evangelism needs to go on until everyone in the world has had an opportunity to hear the good news about our Davidic covenant Messiah.
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