Isaiah 9:1-7 "Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first HE lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. 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. THOU has multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before THEE according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
For THOU hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 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, COUNSELOR, The MIGHTY GOD, The EVERLASTING FATHER, The PRINCE of PEACE. 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 forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."
The prophet Isaiah gave a wonderful prophecy 700 years before CHRIST was born. In verse six, we learn of a CHRILD to be born (HIS humanity) and a SON to be given (HIS deity - John 3:16 above). Isaiah had previously foretold the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14 above) emphasizing both CHRIST's humanity ("a virgin shall conceive, and bear a SON") and deity ("HIS name IMMANUEL," meaning "GOD with us"). The coming MESSIAH would be the Earth's KING, with the government (rule, dominion) resting upon HIS shoulder.
This divine CHILD is given four names, each consisting of two Hebrew words:
(1.) WONDERFUL COUNSELOR - the Hebrew term for wonderful means "that which surpasses human thought and power; incomprehensible." HE is the wonder of wonders ! Judges 13:18 uses this word for the name of the ANGEL of the LORD WHO, in verse twenty-two, is identified as GOD. See also Isaiah 28:29.
(2.) MIGHTY GOD - compare this identical phrase found in Isaiah 10:20-21 where "MIGHTY (heroic) GOD" refers to the LORD, the HOLY ONE of Israel. Here HIS deity is emphasized.
(3.) EVERLASTING FATHER - this is not suggesting the the MESSIAH will be GOD the FATHER. The persons of the GODhead are always distinct. Isaiah's prophecy is emphasizing that with respect to HIS people Israel, HE will ever be as a FATHER (Provider/Protector): "THOU, O LORD, art our FATHER; our REDEEMER; THY NAME is from everlasting" (Isaiah 63:16; Psalm 103:13).
(4.) PRINCE (Ruler) of PEACE - Isaiah 2:4 above, describes HIS future reign of peace: "And HE shall judge among the nations, . . .and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks:. . .neither shall they learn war anymore." O come, let us adore HIM ! GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
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