Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

In view of the already-studied uses of the phrase "mighty God," we might find this passage to be rather surprising. The title is ascribed to One who is called a "child" and a "son"! Yet the phrase "mighty God" does exist in this passage; and unless we want to be guilty of adding to or subtracting from the Word of God, we must accept it.

Acknowledging these things does not mean that we will understand all the answers to all the questions that might arise because of what we have read. But it does mean that we are willing to accept God as he reveals himself (whether or not we fully understand it), instead of inventing a "God-concept" that caters to our imaginations and preferences. (Doing so would be idolatry.)

There is much in the Bible that does not appeal to the "natural" (unregenerate) mind. Many things are not presented in the ways that one's "preconceived notions" would mandate. No wonder the apostle Paul declares that our minds must be "renewed"! (Romans 12:2) No wonder he describes the mind that has not submitted to Christ as "darkened in understanding"! (Ephesians 4:18)

We should reflect on the fact that no revelation of the mighty God could ever exhaustively reveal his infinite nature. Any revelation in creation would (and must be) only a finite reflection of the infinite One who created all things. Yet throughout Scripture, we read that - because of his great love for us - God has revealed himself to us in many ways! And here we read about what is perhaps the most amazing - yet most complete (though still finite) - revelation of all!

Let us praise him and give him the glory he deserves. (See Revelation 14:7.) But let us never become so arrogant that we think we - finite beings of the dust - can fully comprehend the God who made us, and who reveals himself to us. We cannot fully comprehend creation itself (Ecclesiastes 8:17); how much less can we comprehend the wonders of our Creator!

The context of this verse refers to a coming Ruler, who will reign on David's throne forever (verse 7) - his rule will never come to an end. Clearly, this will be no ordinary ruler. The four titles he bears show this quite vividly: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And who will accomplish all this? None other than "the LORD of hosts" (or "the LORD Almighty") himself - the one called "the mighty God" in many places throughout the Old Testament!

QUESTIONS/THOUGHTS:

We find in Luke 1:78-79 a reference to Isaiah 9:2 (the "introductory statement" to the verse currently under consideration). What is the significance of this prophetic statement?

Isn't God awesome? Should he receive anything less than our utmost devotion and praise? Should we not be filled with wonder and amazement every time we even begin to try to comprehend his greatness?

What does this passage tell us about "the mighty God"?

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Dennis Hinks © 1993, 2004
Scripture quoted from the English Standard Version. Detailed copyright information can be found on the title page.
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