Isaiah 9 describes not only a dawn, but the dawn of victory. With the light comes a multiplication of the nation, a repopulation of the land, gladness like the gladness of harvest (v. 3). This gladness is the result of a deliverance, a new exodus that will deliver Israel from the yoke of the oppressor, and gain a victory like the victory at Midian (v. 4). The battle in view, of course, is Gideon’s victory over Midian with a handful of unarmed warriors. And with the coming of the child king comes a new day of Midian.
That’s what Matthew shows us. He says that Jesus brings the light of dawn to Galilee, announces that God’s kingdom has come and that the yoke of the oppressor is about to be broken. Then He calls four fishermen to follow Him in conquest.
Only four. Who needs more? It’s the day of Midian.
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