Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Considering the titles ascribed to the child mentioned in this verse (especially "Mighty God" and "Everlasting Father"), it is clear that Isaiah is referring to an individual who is more than merely human or an earthly ruler, no matter how exalted from a human standpoint that ruler might be or become. 

At the same time, it would also seem to be clear that the prophet is referring to someone who is truly human, since he is to be born as a child, rather than appearing only as a ruler, or as someone immediately exercising the authority and power described in the verse.

As such, it could only be Jesus whom the verse is describing. This is reinforced in the larger passage from which this verse comes (Isaiah 9:1-7) by the references in Isaiah 9:1 to the honor that is to be given to Galilee (by being the area in which Jesus would grow to manhood), and in Isaiah 9:7 to the person to whom the prophecy refers occupying David's throne, and therefore being a descendant of David, as Jesus was (Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38). 

Some of this verse still awaits complete fulfillment at the time when Jesus returns in glory at the close of the present age, as He Himself said he will (Matthew 25:31-46). But the overall verse refers unmistakably to Christ.

December 21 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Dear Anonymous, 

Yes, Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy of the Christ child! First, Isaiah calls him or predicts him to be:

a Wonderful Counselor: The Hebrew word פֶּלֶא pele’ is used in Scripture to describe things that are beyond human comprehension, often miraculous acts of God. פֶּלֶא (pele) is the Hebrew word for "Wonderful." Its core meaning conveys something that is extraordinary, miraculous, or utterly beyond the scope of human understanding or ability. In the Old Testament, it is often used to describe the awe-inspiring acts of God. As the "Wonderful Counselor," Jesus provides perfect wisdom and guidance.

Secondly, Isaiah prophesies that he will be a Prince of Peace: This title signifies that the Messiah's rule will bring perfect and eternal peace (Isaiah 9:7). Everyday I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and I ask Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to bring it about. He's the only One who can bring in the Kingdom of Peace which won't cease. It seems to me that Israel is always fighting. Jesus can bring Israel peace like a river, a peace that passes understanding, and a peace that is not like the world gives. 

Elllicott says, “Prince of Peace.” The prophet clings, as all prophets before him had done, to the thought that peace, and not war, belonged to the ideal Kingdom of the Messiah. That hope had been embodied by David in the name of Absalom (“ father of peace “) and Solomon. It had been uttered in the prayer of Psalm 72:3, and by Isaiah’s contemporary, Micah (Micah 5:5). The Psalm 72:2 reference does not actually mention peace but it does mention prosperity. You can't have much prosperity if your country is devastated by war.

Earth-powers, like Assyria and Egypt, might rest in war and conquest as an end, but the true king, though warfare might be needed to subdue his foes (Psalm 45:5), was to be a “Prince of Peace” (Zechariah 9:9-10).

The Prince of peace — This is another title, which certainly does not agree to Hezekiah, whose reign was far from being free from wars, as we see 2 Kings 18., but it agrees exactly to Christ, who is called our peace, Micah 5:5; Ephesians 2:14; and is the only purchaser and procurer of peace between God and men, Isaiah 53:5; and between men and men, between Jews and Gentiles, Ephesians 2:15; and of the peace of our own consciences; and who leaves peace as his legacy to his disciples, John 14:27; John 16:33. Benson

As the hymnwriter put it:

His Name shall be the Counselor,
The mighty Prince of Peace,
Of all earth’s kingdoms Conqueror,
Whose reign shall never cease.

Clinton Utterbach's BLESSED BE THE NAME

1 day ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report