Tuesday, November 29

Isaiah 9:6-7

Sydney Nordt

Isaiah 9: 6-7

With sounds of Handel’s Messiah ringing in our ears, we read familiar phrases here:

“…for a child has been born to us,
a son given to us,…
and he is named:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. …” (1)

Peake’s Commentary says that “this passage of Isaiah is of the greatest importance for understanding the Messianic hope for Israel” (2) and it still is for us.

The child that is born is described in royal terms; He is given great names to emphasize His power.  This is reminiscent of an Egyptian custom of giving their Pharaohs “five great names” upon accession (3).  Here is this child upon whose shoulder rests authority and four titles.  Note that all of them could be considered both earthly or heavenly powers.  With the coming of Christ, we know the promise of Peace on Earth.  He is the counselor we can turn to for understanding.  He is of one substance with God, the Almighty Father.  He is Everlasting through all time, and He is the Prince of Peace.  In the One we know to be Jesus Christ our faith can be anchored and we can sing joyfully and gratefully of His birth.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we praise You and worship You for all Your power and might.  We find hope in You as we meditate upon the miraculous child You have sent to us to help us know Your love for us.  Let us strive to live as Your people showing love and forgiveness in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

1. Revised Standard Version of the Bible

2. Peakes Commentary on the Bible, p.497

3. Ibid. p.497