Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Considering the titles ascribed to the child mentioned in this verse (especially "Mighty God" and "Everlasting Father"), it is clear that Isaiah is referring to an individual who is more than merely human or an earthly ruler, no matter how exalted from a human standpoint that ruler might be or become. 

At the same time, it would also seem to be clear that the prophet is referring to someone who is truly human, since he is to be born as a child, rather than appearing only as a ruler, or as someone immediately exercising the authority and power described in the verse.

As such, it could only be Jesus whom the verse is describing. This is reinforced in the larger passage from which this verse comes (Isaiah 9:1-7) by the references in Isaiah 9:1 to the honor that is to be given to Galilee (by being the area in which Jesus would grow to manhood), and in Isaiah 9:7 to the person to whom the prophecy refers occupying David's throne, and therefore being a descendant of David, as Jesus was (Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38). 

Some of this verse still awaits complete fulfillment at the time when Jesus returns in glory at the close of the present age, as He Himself said he will (Matthew 25:31-46). But the overall verse refers unmistakably to Christ.

December 21 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report