Read Isaiah 9:1-7

A Description of the Messiah

God’s prophets often told of impending doom for impenitent men, but also gave hope to those who were seeking the righteous path. Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah on numerous occasions while warning the people of the consequences of their sin. In Isaiah 9:6, we are given a description of the coming Son: “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Some translations combine “Wonderful” and “Counselor” into one description, with no comma separating the two words (ESV, NASB, NIV), while others use punctuation to distinguish two separate attributes (KJV, NKJV, ASV). Indeed, He is Wonderful in every imaginable way. The book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the bringer of a “better hope” (7:19) and the surety and Mediator of a “better covenant” (7:22; 8:6).

The only way man can access these wonderful blessings is by following the words of the Counselor (John 12:48). Through the recorded revelation, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Jesus advises us in the path we should take.

Isaiah declares that the Messiah is “Mighty God.” The apostle John likewise affirmed this truth in the opening lines to his account of the gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

“Everlasting Father” is a term that can cause confusion, as Jesus is the Son and is separate from the Father. The confusion is removed when one considers the symbolic nature of the phrase and recognizes Jesus as the “Father of eternity, suggesting that ‘eternal duration owed itself to His paternity’” (Roy H. Lanier, Sr.).

Finally, Isaiah presents a description that is dear to all who are in Christ: “Prince of Peace.” No, He did not come to bring peace to the world in the sense of ending wars between nations and political conflicts. Rather, He brought peace to be enjoyed among His family, and between man and God.

We must recognize His Wonderful nature, heed His counsel, revere His might as God, and relish in the beauty of His creation. When we do, we can be at peace with God. What a marvelous thought!