THE PRINCE OF PEACE: Isaiah 9:2-7

DAY 15: THE PRINCE OF PEACE    

LINK: Isaiah 9:2-7  

                  

Symbol: Globe with Dove & Crown

Listen to the news or read the newspaper together as a family, noticing how many times wars or violence is mentioned. Look up the meanings of PEACE in the dictionary. Find Scripture that tells us how to have peace in our lives. How does this prophecy relate to Jesus?

BBC BACKGROUND from Isaiah 9

In the time of Isaiah's prophecy, the people turned to demons instead of God (Isaiah 8:19; Deut. 18:10-12) which led them into greater darkness and decline. Yet, into this utter darkness (8:22), a light will dawn (9:2).

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

I love Isaiah 9 because it is the dawn after the darkness! It is the promise of the Messiah (Matthew 4:13-16) who will come from "Galilee of the Gentiles" (9:1). 

Jesus is the light in a dark world (Luke 1:78-79; John 1:9; 8:12)!

But the prophet looked beyond the first coming of Christ to His second coming and the establishing of His righteous kingdom (Isa. 9:3–7). Instead of protecting a small remnant, God would enlarge the nation. Instead of experiencing sorrow, the people would rejoice like reapers after a great harvest, soldiers after a great victory (see Jud. 6–7), or prisoners of war after being released from their yoke of bondage. Of course, some of this occurred when God defeated Assyria and delivered Jerusalem (Isa. 37). But the ultimate fulfillment is still future; all military material will be destroyed (9:5) because the nations will not learn war any more (2:4). 

Isaiah 9:6 declares both the humanity (“A Child is born”) and the deity (“A Son is given”) of the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet then leaps ahead to the Kingdom Age when Messiah will reign in righteousness and justice from David’s throne. God had promised David that his dynasty and throne would be established forever (2 Sam. 7:16); and this is fulfilled literally in Jesus Christ (Luke 1:32–33; Zech. 9:9), who will one day reign from Jerusalem (Isa. 11:1–5; Jer. 23:5–8; 30:8–10). This kingdom is called “the Millennium,” which means “one thousand years.” 

If His name is “Wonderful,” then there will be nothing dull about His reign! As Counselor, He has the wisdom to rule justly; and as the Mighty God, He has the power to execute His wise plans. “Everlasting Father” does not suggest that the Son is also the Father, for each Person in the Godhead is distinct. “Father of Eternity” is a better translation. Among the Jews, the word “father” means “originator” or “source.” For example, Satan is the “father [originator] of lies” (John 8:44, NIV). If you want anything eternal, you must get it from Jesus Christ; He is the “Father of eternity.” (Wiersbe, W.W. Be Comforted. “Be” Commentary Series, p. 36–37)

REFLECTION/APPLICATION

Isaiah 9 is part of Handel's Messiah. We will be going through this oratorio little by little starting in December as a way of reviewing what we have learned in the three years of the Bible Book Club (35 out of the 53 musical movements are Old Testament Scriptures!)  

So, if you do not already have this oratorio, it will be a great addition to your Christmas music. After going through the Jesse Tree and/or the Bible Book Club, you will have a much deeper appreciation of the Scripture in this God-inspired oratorio!

You can find it here on the blog or download an electronic document. I go through it almost every year!

As a result of meditating on these verses today, I have been listening to Isaiah 9:2 & 6 in Messiah, and I danced all over the living room (my family is at the library, but they are used to me dancing)!

This is my favorite version:

PRAYER

Let this wonderful audio meditation in Isaiah 9 lead you into a deeper experience of God in prayer:

God In All Things · And He Is Named