PEACE: Daily Reading Plan #1
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah has been describing Israel's future, when the Lord will return light to their dark land (Isaiah 9:2–3). He will bring rest, security, and abundance to them once more by breaking the oppression of their enemies. He will even bring an end to war itself (Isaiah 9:4–5). How will God bring about all this splendor for Israel?
This verse begins to describe how God will accomplish all of this. He will do it through a person: a human being who will be human born. This is a famous verse that modern Christians tend to think of as a Christmas passage. That's because it predicts the birth of Jesus, the hope of salvation for all peoples. However, it is also the promise of God to Israel of a deliverer, a Messiah, who will restore glory and joy to their nation. This child will be the King of Israel, as well as of the world.
This person Isaiah pictures is truly unusual and remarkable. He is undeniably human because He is born as a child. He will clearly be a king, because Isaiah states that the government "will rest on His shoulders." It was not unusual for kings to be given lavish titles in this era, but the titles given to this king quickly escalate. The titles start with the level of a crown prince, or specially empowered agent of God, to that of God. Isaiah leaves no room for question, this child Who will be born will be God Himself.
Isaiah writes that this deliverer will be called "Wonderful Counselor." This describes the kingly wisdom of a monarch such as Solomon. He will be a leader who will always make the best decisions in every scenario and give unfailing counsel to His subjects.
While that title might be given to an especially worthy human king, the next one could not. This person will be called "Mighty God." Some scholars attempt to render the language here to mean "great hero." But Isaiah clearly means to communicate that this deliverer of Israel, and the world, will be divine in and of Himself. He is describing the Messiah, who will ultimately be revealed to be Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
In addition, this king will be called both "Everlasting Father" and "Prince of Peace." Many kings have been referred to as the father of their people. However, this king's fatherhood will not end. He will continue as Father to one generation after another and then to all generations of His people for eternity. In short, He is God.
This king's reign over Israel and the earth will not be an endlessly bloody one where He rules with an iron fist. This divine king will be so powerful that He will create lasting peace on the earth, bringing an end to all war. He will rightly be given the title of "Prince of Peace." This is one of the names by which we know our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.
Reflection Questions
- What do these verses reveal about peace?
- What are you called to do as a result of recognizing Jesus as the Prince of Peace?
