His Name Shall Be Called

Immanuel, The Christ, Son of God, The Messiah, The name’s of Jesus is an extensive study that would take us several

weeks to work through, but today, in preparation for Christmas, we

will focus on four that are found in one verse. They reveal so much

regarding the character of who the Messiah would be, when He was

physically born into this world some 2000 years ago.

1. Wonderful Counselor

Judges 13:18 “And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?””

Isaiah 28:29 “This also comes from the Lord of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.”

Isaiah, Volume 1 Chapter 9

Wonderful. פֶּלֶא. This word is derived from the verb פָלָא pâlâ, to separate, to distinguish, or to make great. It is applied usually to anything that is great or wonderful, as a miracle;

Isaiah, Volume 1 Chapter 9

Counsellor. This word has been some times joined with ‘wonderful,’ as if designed to qualify it thus—wonderful counsellor; but it expresses a distinct attribute, or quality. The name counsellor here, יוֹעֵץ, denotes one of honourable rank; one who is fitted to stand near princes and kings as their adviser. It is expressive of great wisdom, and of qualifications to guide and direct the human race. The LXX. translate this phrase, ‘The angel of the mighty counsel.’ The Chaldee, ‘The God of wonderful counsel.’

2. Mighty God

Isaiah 10:21 “The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, To the Mighty God.”

Deuteronomy 10:17 “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.”

Isaiah, Volume 1 Chapter 9

The mighty God. Syriac, ‘The mighty God of ages.’ This is one, and but one out of many, of the instances in which the name God is applied to the Messiah: comp.

3. Everlasting Father

Psalm 10:16 “The Lord is King forever and ever; The nations have perished out of His land.”

Isaiah, Volume 1 Chapter 9

The everlasting Father. The Chaldee renders this expression, ‘The man abiding for ever.’ The Vulgate, ‘The Father of the future age.’ Lowth, ‘The Father of the everlasting age.’ Literally, it is the Father of eternity, אֲבי עַד. The word rendered everlasting, עַד, properly denotes eternity, and is used to express for ever; see

4. Prince of Peace

Ephesians 2:14 “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,”

Isaiah, Volume 1 Chapter 9

The Prince of Peace. This is a Hebrew mode of expression denoting that he would be a peaceful prince. The tendency of his administration would be to restore and perpetuate peace. This expression is used to distinguish him from the mass of kings and princes who have delighted in conquest and blood. In contradistinction from all these, the Messiah would seek to promote universal concord, and the tendency of his reign would be to put an end to wars, and to restore harmony and order to the nations; see the tendency of his reign still further described in ch. 11:6–9; Note, ch. 2:4; see also