The Promised Child

Isaiah 9:6 “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, Prince of Peace.”

In a study of Isaiah, the lesson points out that some interpret this passage and others having to do with the “child of promise” as speaking only of a person born in Isaiah’s day. Many Jewish interpreters say this text is speaking of Hezekiah’s son. Others maintain Isaiah was speaking of His own sons, who were given names as signs of God’s promises: “A Remnant Shall Return” and “Speed the Spoil, Hasten the Booty.” While chapters seven and nine could be referring to these two sons, the text also seems to support a greater promise: the coming Messiah.

The child is described as the “Son.” While this designation can refer to any son, and the capitalization is given by the translator, the term is usually connected with something, i.e. “the son of his father” or “the sons of a hundred years.” But that “Son” with no addition can only mean the Son of God. If this is true, in this text, the promised Messiah is distinguished from the rest of mankind. The Jews would have caught the connection between Isaiah’s prophecy and the well-known prediction “I will be his Father, and he shall be My son” in 2 Samuel 7:14 (repeated in Ps. 2:7: “You are My Son; this day I have begotten You”). Had it not been generally known that the Messiah would be the Son of God, it would have been unclear for Isaiah simply to call Him the Son. The writer of Hebrews reasons in Hebrews 1:5 that this title exalts Christ above all the angels in excellence and glory.

The lesson makes it clear that Isaiah adds that the Son was given to the people, so as to inform them that their salvation and that of the whole church is contained in the person of Christ. The Messiah would be different from all other kings because He would bear the burden of the nation on His shoulders. His government would be one of superiority and grandeur because by His own power Christ would obtain homage to Himself. As the Messiah, He would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. While many of these titles were given to kings in the past, all of them together under the first designation of “Son,” along with the praise and adulation given to this “Child,” speak of the excellency of Christ alone. Man is to glory in no one but God. Such designations as these, that point to the power, glory, and excellency of our King, are reserved solely for God.

How does Christ fulfill each of these designations perfectly and completely? How can you show Christ more honor and respect by thinking of Him in terms of these names? Find assurance and comfort in the power of God.