Isaiah 9:6 Christmas 2014

The name Isaiah means salvation of the Lord The name Isaiah means salvation of the Lord. Salvation (deliverance) is the key theme of this book.  Isaiah was called to his ministry in the year that King Uzziah died (6:1) (739 BC).  Isaiah ministered through the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (who died in 686).  Tradition says that Manasseh, King Hezekiah's successor, killed Isaiah by having him sawn in half (Hebrews 11:37). The context of Isaiah 9:6 is judgment because of sin. There is constant warfare because of invading armies.  Even in the midst of this constant turmoil God gives a message of hope: “Immanuel” (7:14) – “God with us,” and the promise of a coming deliverer (9:6).

Isaiah 9:6 ( NKJV ) For unto us a Child is born (the Humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ), Unto us a Son (the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ) is given; That's it! That is the Christmas message! The rest of the verse is 2nd Advent! And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Some see 2 titles here - Wonderful and Counselor, but it is best seen as a couplet like the following 3 titles. "Wonderful" pele' (H6382 - TWOT 1768a) a wonder; a marvel; extraordinary; hard to understand; a miracle; a marvelous thing. Refers to the acts of God that are unusual, beyond human capabilities. It awakens astonishment in man. It is translated "too hard" in Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27.

"Counselor" ya'ates (H3289 - TWOT 887) to advise; to deliberate; to resolve; to counsel; to determine; to devise; to guide. Refers to a well thought out plan; reflects the careful deliberation that goes into planning for battle or for defense; strategy. Cf. Acts 2:23; 4:28; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 6:17. The NET Bible translates these 2 words, "extraordinary strategist."

Here it probably refers to the King’s ability to devise military strategy, as suggested by the context (cf. vv. 3-4 and the following title, El Gibbor). The Lord has placed us in the very best possible strategic position for the conflict (involving tactics) facing us. Jeremiah 29:11 shows that God has a wonderful plan for our lives, as does Ephesians 2:10 and 2 Timothy 1:9. 1 John 5:4 shows that we will always have the victory as long as we are walking with the Lord. See Ephesians 1:19.

“The Mighty God” (El Gibbor) Next in Isaiah 9:6 is “The Mighty God” (El Gibbor). One might translate “God is a warrior” or “God is mighty.” He is the God of all power – dunamis (G1411) – inherent power; power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature; ability. He has the power to raise the dead - 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:43. He has the power to give us strength in our times of weakness, reproaches, needs, persecutions, & distress - 2 Corinthians 12:9

“The Mighty God” (El Gibbor) He is able to work great things through us as we trust in His working in our lives - Ephesians 1:19. “exceeding” huperballō (G5235) – to surpass in throwing; to throw over or beyond any thing; to transcend, surpass, exceed, or excel. “greatness” megethos (G3174) – greatness or magnitude. “power” dunamis (G1411) - inherent power; power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature; ability. “working” energeia (G1753) – operative power; in the NT used only of superhuman power. “mighty” ischus (G2479) – ability; force; strength; might (cf. 6:10). “power” kratos (G2904) – force; strength; power; might; a mighty deed;[ a work of power; mighty with great power; manifested power. “worked” (vs. 20) energeō (G1754).

“The Mighty God” (El Gibbor) He is able to work great things through us as we trust in His working in our lives - Ephesians 3:20. “able” pres. act. part. of dunamai (G1410) – to be able; have power; to be able to do something; to be capable, strong, & powerful. “to do” aor. act. inf. of poieō (G4160) – to make; to be the author of; cause; to do. “exceedingly” huper (G5228) – over; beyond; more than; above. “abundantly above” huperekperissou (G5228, G1537, & G4053) – in over abundance; beyond all measure; superabundantly. huper (G5228) (see above). ek (G1537) – out of. perissos (G4053) – exceeding some number, measure, rank, or need; over & above; more than is necessary; superadded; exceedingly abundantly. “Superabundantly above the greatest abundance – to an extent we cannot express or imagine.” “power” dunamis (G1411) – inherent power. “works” pres. mid. part. of energeō (G1754) – operative power.

“The Mighty God” (El Gibbor) The power that El Gibbor gives is associated with His Word - 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (dunamis – G1411) & Hebrews 4:12 (energēs – G1756). The power that El Gibbor gives has no fear associated with it - 2 Timothy 1:7 (dunamis – G1411). El Gibbor’s power is so strong, that it holds together the universe - Hebrews 1:3 (dunamis – G1411). El Gibbor’s power is so strong, that it can protect us from anything - 1 Peter 1:5 (dunamis – G1411) (cf. 2 Timothy 1:12 & Romans 8:31-39). El Gibbor’s power gives us EVERYTHING that we need to have an abundant, overflowing life & purity of life – 2 Peter 1:3 (dunamis – G1411).

“Everlasting Father” Literally, the “Father (originator or source) of Eternity.” This is not the same as “God The Father” If you want anything eternal, you must get it through Jesus Christ. “eternal” aiōnios (G166) – Without beginning & end; that which always has been & always will be; everlasting; forever; eternal. We have imputed righteousness (+R) which gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord -Rom. 5:21. We Have the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord - Rom. 6:23. Our burdens here are nothing compared to the glory we will have in eternity - II Cor. 4:17, 18. We will have an eternal body so wonderful that we can’t even begin to imagine it - II Cor. 5:1-4.

We have the Hope (assurance) of eternal life - Titus 1:2; 3:7. “Everlasting Father” We are to fight the good fight of faith & we are to endure so that others may be saved & obtain eternal glory - I Tim. 6:12; II Tim. 2:10. We have the Hope (assurance) of eternal life - Titus 1:2; 3:7. We have eternal redemption through the work of Christ on the Cross - Heb. 9:12. We have an eternal inheritance through the work of Christ on the Cross - Heb. 9:15. We are called to God’s Eternal Glory - I Pet. 5:10.

“Prince of Peace” “Prince” – sar (H8269 – TWOT 2295a) – prince; ruler; chief; a noble; a captain, general, or commander; a ruler of rulers (see Josh. 5:14, 15). “Peace” – shalom (H7965 – TWOT 2401a) – peace; quiet; tranquility; contentment; safety. “Shalom“ is used in Judges 6:24 for one of the names of God (YHWH Shalom – The LORD Is Peace). The Lord Jesus Christ will bring peace on earth with an iron hand as Commander of the Armies of Heaven. See context of Is. 9:6. Also see Rev. 19. At His First Advent, Christ came not to bring peace, but a sword (Matt. 10:34).

“Prince of Peace” However, Christ does bring peace to those who walk in His ways (Luke 2:14 – lit., “peace among men in whom He is well pleased”). “Peace” eirenē (G1515) – a state of national tranquility; harmony between individuals; security; safety; well-being. The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God, & content with its earthly lot, of whatever sort that is. Christ brought peace (reconciliation) between us & God by His work on the Cross (Eph. 2:14-18; Col. 1:20). This is the removal of the barrier between God & man.

Trusting in God through His Word brings joy & peace (Rom. 15:13). “Prince of Peace” Trusting in God through His Word brings joy & peace (Rom. 15:13). The peace of God is a referee in our hearts that lets us know when we are walking in His way (Col. 3:15). To walk in our own way kills us, but to walk in God’s way gives us peace & capacity for life (Rom. 8:6). Peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) & is to be sown by us (Jms. 3:17, 18; Eph. 6:15; Heb. 12:14). The God of Peace (YHWH Shalom) has sanctified us, is sanctifying us, & will sanctify us - totally (I Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:20, 21).

“Prince of Peace” It is God’s desire that we have His peace always, in every way (II Thess. 3:16; II Pet. 3:14; Ps. 34:14) – this is NOT dependent on circumstances (John 14:27; 16). We get this peace through the full knowledge (a living participation in the truth) of the Word of God (II Pet.1:2; Ps. 119:165; Is. 26:3). Those that preach this Gospel of Peace are said to have beautiful feet! (Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15). The God of Peace will crush Satan under our feet (Rom. 16:20). There is a false peace that leads to destruction (I Thess. 5:3; Rev. 6:4).

We can have: “Prince of Peace” Peace with God (Rom. 5:1); Peace from God (Rom. 1:7; I Cor. 1:3; etc.); Peace of God (Phil. 4:7, 9; Ps. 4:8). Also see Matt. 11:28-30

Shalom ! Go forth in Peace!