Isaiah 9:6

From a general description of the future reign of peace the prophet goes on to picture the king upon whom it depends, and whom he apparently identifies with the child of Isaiah 7:14. Then he proceeds to indicate, the features of his rule by a series of majestic titles. Wonderful, Counsellor] RM 'Wonderful Counsellor,' or 'Wonder-Counsellor.' The title implies that the future king's rule shall be guided by a divinely-inspired wisdom (Isaiah 11:2) which shall command the awe with which men regard the counsel of God. The word 'wonderful' (with its cognates) is constantly used of the divine action (Exodus 15:11; Judges 13:19; Psalms 118:23), and is applied to the divine name (Judges 13:18). The mighty God] The word 'God' has been explained by some in the sense of 'ruler' or 'king.' The plural of the same word is sometimes so employed (Exodus 21:6; Psalms 82:1; Psalms 82:6). Isaiah, however, here uses the singular, and directly applies the very same title to Jehovah elsewhere (Isaiah 10:21 cp. Deuteronomy 10:17; Jeremiah 32:18). It should be noted also, (1) that the significance of the word 'God' (El)"as a title of Jehovah was at this time in the prophet's thoughts in the name Immanuel; and (2) the titles that precede and follow this one seem to have a mysterious divine significance. For such direct ascription of a divine title to the Messianic King the nearest parallel is Psalms 45:6 : cp. Zechariah 12:8; 1 Chronicles 29:23. The everlasting Father] Father because of the protecting care exercised by him over his people. Everlasting because his kingdom is to be for ever (Isaiah 9:7). Prince of Peace] peace being regarded as a prominent feature of that great future (Isaiah 2:2) which the Messiah is to inaugurate (Micah 5:5; Zechariah 9:10).