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The Revelation Continues as We Study God’s Word

 

With Christmas and New Year’s Day behind us, maybe you’ve already put away your decorations. But don’t put away the wonder of Christ’s birth just yet!

Just in time to inform our reflections on Iasiah’s “Prince of Peace” is the newest volume of the Christian Standard Commentary series: Gary V. Smith’s Isaiah 1-39.

For a child will be born for us,

a son will be given to us, 

and the government will be on his shoulders.

He will be named

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, CSB)

Smith writes: 

“The first paragraph in this section introduces a future, righteous, Davidic king who will bring a period of light and peace to God’s people. This figure is not directly or explicitly contrasted to King Ahaz, but the light, joy, and peace of his era sharply contrasts with the war, distress, and darkness of Ahaz’s reign in 7:1–8:22. There is also an interesting connection between the Davidic son called “Immanuel,” who will choose what is right (7:14–15), and the Davidic son called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace,” who will rule the nation with justice (9:6–7). This new progressive rev- elation about an important future son gave Isaiah new insight into his earlier prophecy, clarifying both the identity and the role of this son.

The peace and justice the future Davidic ruler will establish is also contrasted with the sinful pride and oppression that led to the downfall of both Israel and Assyria (9:8–10:34). 

The titles of Isaiah 9:6 are powerful, but they’re also just the start. What Smith calls the “progressive revelation” continues as we search God’s Word to learn about, experience, and live out the character of Christ.

Ready to start your search? 

Read more from Isaiah 1-39 or the wider Christian Standard Commentary series

 

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