Few passages in Scripture carry the weight and beauty of Isaiah 9:6:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
This verse is more than a Christmas verse. It is a prophetic declaration of hope, a promise of a coming King, and a revelation of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. Let us walk through the depth of this prophecy and consider what it means for us today.
The Gift of a Child and a Son
The first phrase declares both the humanity and divinity of the Messiah. “A child is born” points to His humanity. Jesus would come into the world through birth, experiencing all that we experience in the flesh. He was fully man.
But “a son is given” points to His divinity. This Son was not created at Bethlehem—He was eternally begotten of the Father, the divine Son given to us. God gave His only begotten Son as the ultimate gift of grace. Humanity sees a baby born; heaven sees a Son given.
The Government Upon His Shoulder
Human governments rise and fall, but Isaiah speaks of one whose rule will never end. The phrase “the government shall be upon his shoulder” reveals the authority of Christ. Unlike earthly rulers who carry authority imperfectly, Christ bears the full weight of leadership.
This speaks of His kingship. He rules not just over a nation, but over all creation. One day, every kingdom will be subject to His reign. Revelation describes Him as “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” The government of this world rests on shaky ground, but the kingdom of Christ rests on His unshakable shoulders.
His Name Shall Be Called…
Names in Scripture reveal character. Isaiah lists five titles that reveal who the Messiah is:
Wonderful, Counsellor
Jesus is both the wonder of God and the wisdom of God. His works are marvelous, His words bring life, and His counsel brings direction to the weary soul. In a world full of confusion, He is the one who guides us into truth.
The Mighty God
This leaves no doubt about His divinity. The child born in Bethlehem is no ordinary child—He is God in flesh. He has power over sin, Satan, and death. He is mighty to save and mighty to deliver.
The Everlasting Father
This does not mean Jesus is the Father in the Trinity, but rather that He is fatherly in His care and eternal in His being. He is the source of life, the protector of His people, and the One who never ceases to love His children.
The Prince of Peace
Where sin brought enmity and strife, Christ brings reconciliation and peace. He gives peace with God through His cross, peace within our hearts through His Spirit, and one day, He will establish peace across the whole earth.
The Fulfillment in Christ
Isaiah prophesied these words some 700 years before Christ was born. At the manger in Bethlehem, the prophecy was fulfilled. Yet its fullness is still unfolding. The child has been born, the Son has been given, but the complete reign of His government is yet to come when He returns to establish His kingdom.
The Hope for Us Today
This verse is not only a prophecy of Christ’s first coming but also a reminder of His reign in our lives now.
- When life feels overwhelming, remember: the government is upon His shoulder—not yours.
- When confusion surrounds you, turn to the Wonderful Counsellor.
- When weakness overtakes you, trust in The Mighty God.
- When you feel alone, rest in The Everlasting Father.
- When anxiety grips you, cling to the Prince of Peace.
The promise of Isaiah 9:6 is not distant history—it is present reality.
Conclusion
Isaiah 9:6 points us to the heart of the gospel: God gave His Son to bring hope, peace, and eternal life. The child born in Bethlehem is the King who reigns forever. Let us not just admire the beauty of these words but embrace the One to whom they point.
He is Wonderful. He is Counsellor. He is the Mighty God. He is the Everlasting Father. He is the Prince of Peace. And He is ours—given for us.