The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Even in the darkest hour, God's people possess a nevertheless: they are troubled yet not forsaken, sorrowful yet always rejoicing. The God who forms light and creates darkness has set bounds to both; He can say to the dimness, Thus far you shall go and no further. This is our comfort when all grows black.
AI summary
Commenting on Isaiah 9:1-7
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (d) Which were in captivity in Babylon and the prophets speaks of that thing which would come to pass 60 years later as though it were now done. (e) Meaning, the comfort of their deliverance.
the people--the whole nation, Judah and Israel. shadow of death--the darkest misery of captivity.