Source/Author: Dr Michael Dalseno

A remarkable prophetic picture passes before Isaiah’s eyes as he sees a Child being born, and a great light that dispels darkness over the regions of northern Israel.

“FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN …”

By Dr   D

A remarkable prophetic picture passes before Isaiah’s eyes (Is. 9. 1-7). At first, the prophetic imagery is one of battles and conflicts, sieges and darkness. But then, all of a sudden, like a bolt out of the blue, the prophetic scenery begins to change.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light … upon them a light has shined” (v.2). And all this occurs in the northernmost part of Israel, in the land of Zebulun, Naphtail, and “Galilee of the Gentiles.” It was in the darkest of places where God chose to reveal His light; dark, because Northern Israel had embraced superstition and idolatry, and dark because they had mingled casually with the pagan nations around about them. But “how” will this light be revealed?

Isaiah sees it all. “For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given” (v.6). Through this amazing Child a “great light” will come (v.2), and there will be increase (v.3), and there will be freedom and liberty (vs 4-5). The depth and breadth of this prophetic revelation soon begins to sink into Isaiah’s spirit, and he attempts to fathom just WHO is this Child that is going to accomplish such astonishing things?

God obliges in satisfying his curiosity (6). Firstly, He is called “Wonderful.” This word was deliberately intended to excite amazement, awe and admiration. Secondly, He is called “Counselor.” It is He who would be intimately acquainted with the counsels of God and the wisdom of His Father. Thirdly, He is the “Mighty God.” Without any mistake, this Person is God Himself, present in human flesh, and He had the power to perform His promises. Fourthly, He is the “Everlasting Father.” Because Christ held the keys of eternity, and of heaven and hell, He was identified as the Father of eternity. And finally, He is identified as the “Prince of Peace.” He is the creator and preserver of peace. He freely gives His peace, and it is a peace that passes all understanding.”

No wonder Mary would eventually exclaim, upon the realization of just WHO she was going to birth to; “How can this be?” (Lk.1.34). But the answer to this question was already given through Isaiah nearly 800 years earlier; “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Is.9.7). Such is the enormity, scale and magnitude of Isaiah’s revelation in chapter 9.