The Eternal Kingdom of the Prince of Peace

Wonderful Counselor: the word translated “wonderful” refers to the ability to work supernatural signs (Exod 3:20); the word counselor refers to the giving of wise advice, as advisors to the king would do (2 Sam 16:23). Jesus came both to do signs and wonders and to give wisdom by his teachings.

Mighty God: the word God ascribed to someone who is a child born absolutely clinches the doctrine of the incarnation—Jesus was a human baby who was also called “Mighty God.” The word translated “mighty” was a common one for powerful men, warriors who could carry the day by the power of their military prowess (Judg 11:1); it is a natural word but still descriptive of great power. But the word translated “God” (Hb el) was absolutely divine, the most common word in the Hebrew Bible for deity.^[4] These words show the infinite power of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who is an omnipotent warrior and who will someday return to earth to slay all his enemies with the sword coming out of his mouth (Rev 19:11-16).

Eternal Father: Again, a mingling of the natural with the supernatural. The title father is obviously an everyday word, but to couple it with the word eternal makes it supernatural—a father whose going forth is from eternity past (Mal 5:2) and who will continue a father forever. Ascribing fatherhood to Jesus is unusual, given that we usually reserve it for God the Father; but Jesus does play a fatherly role toward his disciples, for he often used “son” or “daughter” when addressing others affectionately (Matt 9:2; Mark 5:34).

Prince of Peace: Jesus reigns as a prince, a common word for a government official (Isa 34:12; 49:7), but he will be a ruler who brings peace and is characterized by peace. This is the very thing that most warlike conqueror kings can never bring about, but Jesus speaks peace to his disciples after his resurrection victory (John 20:19,21,26) and previously had said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful” (John 14:27). Most of all, Jesus gives eternal peace with God by his death on the cross (Rom 5:1).

Isaiah 9:7

So this is the supernatural yet natural conqueror who comes to rule. What is the nature of his perfect kingdom? Verse 7 describes it magnificently! The CSB says, “The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end.” That is a fine translation, but perhaps more dynamic is the more famous KJV: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end” (emphasis added). What is the “increase” of Christ’s government? How is it that it will never end? The Hebrew word translated “increase” (or “vast”) gives a sense of ever-growing abundance (7:22), of multiplication (Gen 1:28). So Christ’s kingdom will be characterized by the never-ending multiplication of its prosperity. How can that be true in heaven, especially because there will no longer be babies born or any form of procreation (Matt 22:30)? I think that in heaven Christ’s subjects will be morally perfect and will not forget anything they have learned; but they will still be learning, constantly growing in their estimation of the greatness of Christ’s person and achievements. We will never stop increasing in our love for him and our passionate, knowledgeable worship of him.

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, in direct fulfillment of the promises made to David (2 Sam 7:13,16). God promised David that a son from his own body would have a throne that God would establish forever. Jesus fulfills that by reigning as the Son of David (Matt 1:1) forever. And David himself will be on his face before his infinitely greater Son, worshiping him with the rest of the redeemed forever. Jesus will “establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness.” His kingdom will be a perfect reflection of his own character, of which it is said in Hebrews 1:8-9, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.” In other words, a perfectly righteous King who loves righteousness and hates wickedness will make sure that those attributes will characterize his kingdom forever, protecting the poor and needy rather than exploiting them.

This kingdom was established the moment Christ came to earth, and it will never end. And what guarantees that these things will most certainly come to pass? “The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.” God’s zeal for the glory of his Son will make this happen forever, and no power in heaven or earth or under the earth can stop it.

Understand now, by faith, that the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death is total and complete. He did it alone, no one helped him, so that all the glory would go to him. As in the day of Midian’s defeat, he caused Satan’s kingdom to destroy itself. He gives us the plunder forever: eternal life, peace, righteousness, good counsel. Rejoice greatly in this! Be certain that you are restoring your joy in Christ’s victory over sin and death every single day. Say to your soul, “Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Rejoice in the victory Christ has won for you!”

Meditate on the awesome titles given to Jesus Christ in this chapter: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Allow each word to have a time in your meditation. Worship Jesus for each aspect of these titles.

Resolve to obey Jesus as your King more and more. This is by faith and by the power of the Spirit. Jesus is a ruler who has saved sinners from their rebellion against his rule. Submit fully to his authority.

Look forward to an eternity of learning more and more about Jesus: “of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end” (9:7 KJV). Heaven will not be a static, boring place but a place of rich discoveries of Jesus forever and ever.

Finally, share the gospel with others so that his kingdom might increase now, on earth, before the end of time comes.