Knowing The Word in the Major Prophets: For to Us a Child is Born, Isaiah 9:2-7

This is an upbeat prophecy for the remnant of Israel who will have lived in the dark days of not hearing from or seeing God. A child will come from God but will be of human parentage. He will be a “Wonder-Counselor,” meaning “supernatural.” He will be “Mighty God,” a title only given to God who will have warrior strength to liberate his people. He will be “Everlasting Father,” which means he will follow the pattern of divine fatherhood. He will be “Prince of Peace,” a whole, integrated man at one with God and humanity. He will achieve a progressive occupation till he rules over all space, not through bloodshed like David and Solomon but through peace without imperialism or exploitation. And he will descend through the line of David.

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.

4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Meditate on these titles of Jesus in awe and thanksgiving: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Son of David.