Embracing Adoration

The promise that David’s kingship would endure forever through a Greater Son is reiterated throughout the Psalms and the Prophets. Isaiah picks up that promise in chapter 9 and develops the identity of David’s Son through the attribution of four titles.

Wonderful Counsellor. This title could also be translated as “one who counsels in wonders.” In the Hebrew, “wonders” is the way God’s mighty acts of creation and salvation are described (Ps 136:4). This coming King, then, will perform mighty acts, only possible for God.

Mighty God. Confirming the expectation that this King will be no ordinary man, Isaiah calls Him by a name reserved for the Divine King (Isa 10:21).

Everlasting Father. Another name for God, indicating this King’s ability to provide for and protect His people as a father would (Isa 63:16). Forever.

Prince of Peace. Further, this King will be a bringer of peace, which in the Bible means more than just the absence of war and includes the idea of total wholeness that never ends.

With such a King as this, we cannot help but come to adore Him—God-became-man who dwelt among us.

We look back and marvel at the faith of the wise men, who travelled from afar in order to pay the Christ-child homage. And we look forward to His return, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship (Phil 2:9-11).