2. Background The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

3. 1. What prophecy does Isaiah give to people? Isaiah 9:6a For unto us child is born, unto us a son is given… the promise of "a child," "a son," is first made - to be "God with us" Read Psalm 2:7

4. 2. What is it that will rest on his shoulders? Isaiah 9:6b

5. Government Was sometimes symbolized by a key laid upon the shoulder, "burdened." The Latin civil power as borne on the shoulders of magistrates. Read Isaiah 22:22

6. Government of the Church Of all things for the church’s benefit. The most weighty and important trust. All power being given to Christ in heaven and on earth. The shoulder is metaphorically great burdens of the church laid upon it. Read Ephesians 1:15-22

7. 3. What are the titles given in prophecy for Christ?

8. Wonderful It has been proposed to unite these two expressions and translate, "Wondrous Counselor." Scholars agree that The Messiah would be "wonderful" in his nature as God-Man; in his teaching, which "astonished" those who heard it; in his doings; in his birth and death; in his resurrection, and in his ascension. Read Isaiah 28:29 Matthew 7:28

9. Counselor As the Word, as Wisdom itself, as he who says, "Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am Understanding" (Proverbs 8:14), he is well named "Counselor." None will ever seek his counsel in vain, much less repent of following it.Proverbs 8:14

10. The Mighty God Mighty God, since El, God, contains within itself the singularity of one God. It denotes "divinity in an absolute sense in superhuman measure. It means that the divine energy works through him and is displayed in his rule. Read Hebrews 1:8-9

11. The Everlasting Father Eternal Father. One Everlasting Father, one Creator, Preserver, Protector of mankind who is absolutely eternal. Earthly kings leave their people after a short reign; He will reign over and bless them for ever.

12. The Prince of Peace As in Melchizedek, "King of Salem," i.e. "of Peace;" Compare the song of the angels at our Lord's birth (Luke 2:14).Luke 2:14 The peacefulness of our Lord's kingdom has yet to come into the hearts of most people.

13. Read Jeremiah 17:14 and Acts 2:21

14. 4. How will people live in the government of Christ? Isaiah 9:7a Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,

15. 5. What elements will Christ use to rule his kingdom? Isaiah 9:7b upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.

16. REVIEW 1. What prophecy does Isaiah give to people? 2. What is it that will rest on Christ shoulders? 3. What are the titles given in prophecy for Christ? 4. How will people live in the government of Christ? 5. What elements will Christ use to rule his kingdom?

17. What is the Good News in This Lesson?