Isaiah 9:6,7: Who is this, “Mighty God?”
Isaiah 9:6-7 Is viewed by many Christians as a prophesy directly pointing to Jesus’ birth (See end comments). In reality, it is not talking about Jesus’ birth, but is referring to King Hezekiah, in ancient Jerusalem. The actual birth that is mentioned is in the past tense. However, it does not rule out the possibility that this passage could prefigure Jesus. But there are errors. The errors are mainly due to miss-translation. The “titles” in this passage are actually one long title or name, according to Hebrew.
There are a lot of thoughts that go both ways. It’s important not to get too frustrated. It is not critical. But it is good to understand how the word “god” is used in many Hebrew names.
Follow the links for detailed information:
Video by Rabbi Tovia Singer – About 3 minutes
Video by Rabbi Tovia Singer – Detailed – About 26 minutes
The titles/names mentioned in Isaiah 9:6 are actually one title
The correct translation is past tense, as seen in the NETS and Tanakh (1985):
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NETS);
“Because a child was born for us,
a son also given to us,
whose sovereignty was upon his shoulder,
and he is named Messenger of Great Counsel,
for I will bring peace upon the rulers, peace and health to him.
(7) His sovereignty is great,
and his peace has no boundary
upon the throne of Dauid and his kingdom,
to make it prosper and to uphold it
with righteousness and judgement
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord Sabaoth will do these things.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 (vs.5-6; TANAKH);
“For a child has been born to us,
A son has been given us.
And authority has settled on his shoulders.
He has been named
‘The Mighty God is planning grace;
The Eternal Father, a peaceable ruler’ –
(6) In token of abundant authority
And of peace without limit
Upon David’s throne and kingdom,
That it might be firmly established
In justice and equity
Now and evermore.
The zeal of the LORD of Hosts
Shall bring this to pass.”
Compare Isaiah 9:6-7 (NWT)”For there has been a child born to us, there has been a son given to us; and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. To the abundance of the priestly rule and to peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom in order to establish it firmly and to sustain it by means of justice and by means of righteousness, from now on and to time indefinite. The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.”
This is huge for those who think that this passage is directly referring to Jesus, when it reality, it is speaking of king Hezekiah. It is a popular passage. No matter how it is translated, King Hezekiah could be indirectly prefiguring Jesus, in this passage. It is a possibility. In the historical account, Jerusalem was surrounded by the huge Assyrian army of 185,000 men. Defeat looked certain. But through Hezekiah’s guidance and reliance on Jehovah, Jerusalem was saved. The Assyrian army was defeated by Jehovah’s angel, overnight. Compare that with what is said will happen to the king of the north, just before his certain defeat. He goes to wage war, in a rage, apparently to finish off God’s people. It is at this time that, he is soundly defeated. This very well could be from Michael (Jesus) who stands up in behalf of God’s people, at this time. (Daniel 11:44-12:1) That is the beginning of the establishment of God’s kingdom.