We often here about hostages being taken and held in captivity recently we have heard of those British workers held in captivity in Iraq for over 6 months not yet knowing their fate, it must be a fearful time for them and their families. They are held in bondage, they are in need of liberation. You may also remember a few months back of Alan Johnson the BBC1 news reporter was recently liberated from his captivity in Palestine his liberation was a time of great joy and wonder for him and those who know him.
9:4 Isaiah is speaking with a prophetic voice about liberation to a people: The people are in a tight squeeze they are in difficult times the Assyrian empire is breathing down their backs the Northern Kingdom were taken into captivity and now it was Judah’s turn to experience the wrath of the Assyrians. Isaiah is saying liberation is coming!