For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; – Isaiah 9:6
Today’s verse from Isaiah, sung in Handel’s Messiah, may be glossed over without giving full consideration to what Scripture is saying. Theologians agree that there is a difference between the child and the son. It is an important prophecy that, as the words of the verse continue, could only be fulfilled by the Messiah. In both cases, this person has been given “to us.” Pastor and Bible teacher David Guzik writes, “Us is the Jews—for their benefit. This child will come from the Jews… That He will be born indicates that He has human parents and thus speaks of the incarnation of Christ… And while He emptied Himself of His divine prerogatives, He never ceased being God.”
That He was a child fulfills the human portion of the remainder of today’s verse. He would be called “Wonderful Counselor.” In His humanity, Jesus had love for His people and sympathy with them. Scholars like Matthew Henry and Charles Spurgeon agree that “In His humility, meekness, and patience, in His wisdom, conduct, courage, and greatness of soul: wonderful in His life; in His private life, many wonderful things are recorded of Him,” all consistent with His humanity fulfilling this part of Isaiah’s prophecy.
Then you see that a son is given. This is the very Son of God, given to the Jew first and also to the Gentile world (Romans 1:16). While the child was born, the Son is a gift from the Father. In fulfillment of Old Testament covenants, He is “The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” He is very God of very God, quoting a phrase from the Nicene Creed. Pastor and author Adrian Rogers says, “This little baby that was upon the straw is the Mighty God of Genesis 1. This little baby who held Mary’s hand as a toddler and learned to walk is the One from whose fingertips suns sprang and oceans dripped. He is the Mighty God.” He is the promise of peace when He comes again to rule and reign. And of His kingdom there shall be no end.
“Hail the Heaven born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die; born to raise the Sons of Earth, born to give us second birth. Hark, the herald angels sing: Glory to the newborn King!”
Today’s Verse: Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
