Isaiah 9:6-7 is a prophecy about a future child who would bear the government on his shoulders and be called by titles that could only rightfully be attributed to God: “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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” 1. This is one of the most well-known Old Testament prophecies about Jesus.
The historical context of Isaiah 9 is that Isaiah is speaking to the southern kingdom of Israel (Judah) before the Babylonian exile. Israel and Syria are pressuring Judah to form a coalition against Assyria. Ahaz, the king of Judah, is afraid to go against Assyria, so he sends a king’s ransom to Assyria asking for their help. Isaiah spoke into a situation where Judah felt powerless, and they were afraid of the rulers to their north. As their enemies only seemed to grow in strength and tighten their grasp, they didn’t know if God was for them or against them or if he had simply abandoned them. And among Isaiah’s prophecies about their future defeat, exile, and return, he included two prophetic visions of a child who would represent God’s presence, embody his characteristics, and bear the responsibility of governing his people 1.
The prophecy of Isaiah 9:6-7 is an encouragement that God is indeed on Judah’s side, and an assurance that by the time this child is grown, Assyria and Syria will be defeated. The names that this child would be called tells us a lot about him. He would be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace 2. These titles could only rightfully be attributed to God, revealing the divine nature of the child who would be born.
Isaiah 9:6-7 is a powerful prophecy that gives hope to God’s people in difficult circumstances. It reminds us that God is with us, even in our darkest moments, and that he has a plan to bring about our salvation and redemption. Jesus Christ is the child who was born and is the fulfilment of this prophecy. He continues to bring hope and peace to all who trust in him.
This prophecy also reminds us that we are not alone, and that there is always hope. God’s love and grace are always available to us. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is evidence of God’s love for us and his desire to bring light into our lives.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us remember the hope and light that God has brought into our lives through his son, Jesus Christ. We are never alone, and God is always with us. We should hold onto this hope and let it guide us through the challenges of life, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Merry Christmas and a Happy new year