For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father. Isaiah 9:6
Wonderful Counselor
The Child who brings joy to the world is first of all called the Wonderful Counselor. He will bring about universal and everlasting righteousness, peace and prosperity. The nations of the world will look to Jesus sitting upon the throne of David and praise Him for what He has brought about through His wisdom. In terms of human history, many have attempted to bring the world into subjection to particular kings or governments. Yet, if our hope is in a mere sinful human being, then we are to be greatly pitied. But praise God that is not the case. Our hope is in Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor.
He will bring about what man has longed for. We will no longer look to a Congress or to a Parliament or to any kind of political body; we will look to the One who sits upon the throne of David. “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” And here’s the great promise, “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this” (v. 7).
This section of Isaiah, remember, is prophetic, and part of the prophecy has already been fulfilled. The Child was born. The Son was given. Bethlehem and Calvary are in the past, already fulfilled, and now, we wait for the government to be upon His shoulders. Just as God brought the first aspect of the prophecy to pass, we can rest assured that He will fulfill it in its entirety.
Mighty God
He is the Mighty God. He will subdue all of man’s enemies. He will bring an end to war and conflict because He has the power to do so. The subduing of evil is no minor task. It is powerful, and great force must be exercised to break its hold. That is why no one less than the Mighty God can vanquish evil. This Mighty God brings omnipotence, all power, to the problem. It’s interesting that mighty is the Hebrew word gibbowr, which speaks of a warrior. The picture is of a conqueror, and Christ is He who has conquered sin and death.
Everlasting Father
He is the Everlasting Father, or the Father of the Ages, which is a better translation. He is the One who will rule over the coming age like a loving Father.
These three descriptions are a revelation of the heart with which He will govern the world. He will rule with compassion, mercy, and tenderness. Where has there ever been a ruler in history like that? Many have controlled with an iron fist, while some have been disconnected and aloof. Throughout history, some even led with benevolence, but they were few and far between. And those who were sympathetic to the plight of the people had limitations as to what they could do to help. But Jesus has no limitations. He has all power. And coupled with that power is a heart of compassion and tenderness. Psalm 103:13-14 says, “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” This will be the heart and the attitude with which He will rule over the world.
We will conclude our look at Isaiah 9:6 next week and consider His final title—Prince of Peace.