The Glory of God's KingIsaiah 9:7
The Bible Teacher's CommentaryPaul J. Bucknell |
Isaiah 1-6 | 7-12 | 13-23 | 24-27 | 28-33 | 34-35 | 36-39 | 40-66
Light & Dark Illustrative Diagram
Isaiah 9:1-7 Intro | 9:1-5 The Promises of God| 9:6 Wonderful Counselor | 9:6 Mighty God | Eternal Father | 9:6 Prince of Peace | 9:7 Security | Isaiah 9:1-7 Bible Study Questions
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Isaiah 9:7 reflects the glorious and ongoing nature of the new kingdom of peace that God will set up through the Messiah.
B) The Source of Comforting Light (Isaiah 9:6-7)
“There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this” (Is 9:7).
The sixth promise here is security: the peace and joy that you have will be retained. Once one knows all that you were hoping to experience goes on forever, then one can focus on true enjoyment!
Most people get anxious during tragedy and sudden changes because they fear what they have will be taken away. In this case, it is the great Ruler, the descendant of David namely Jesus, who has the eternal kingdom (2 Sam 7:14).
The words indicating the permanence of His rule standout: “Will be no end,” and “From then on and evermore.” They form a special sandwich effect on guaranteeing there will be no rebellion to thrust him from power, an oversight of the situation that his peace, justice and righteousness will continue on and on. The exquisite glory of this situation inspires one to long for such an age.
Most important is this program's high place on the Lord’s agenda: "The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” We need not ask what the Lord is interested in. He has made it clear that this kingdom has become an all-encompassing plan that he is presently enacting. All the prophecies are subtly but surely pointing this way.
The New Testament promises of “forever be with the Lord” and eternal life are all based on the Lord’s purpose to establish this kind of king and kingdom and maintain it. The kingdom concept is repeated by both New Testament gospels and epistles.
“But of the Son He says, “THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM” (Heb 1:8).
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (Heb 12:28).
Peace is only peace that is eternal. Glory only is glory when it is never extinguished. And so the Lord will remake all to reflect the glorious preservation of what is noble, good and pure for ever and ever.
Think of a dark and dirty city. Trash everywhere. But then the slightest snow begins to fall. The snow slowly increases with its flakes twirling about as they brighten every dark corner with their silvery shine. With not much time, the very dark world has become white. The ugliness has been miraculously changed into beauty. Snowstorms wonderfully remind us of how fast and complete these changes can occur, changes that do occur because of Jesus the glorious king.
Jesus’ four names highlight key principles of God’s kingdom. It sets on four beautiful crystals: wisdom, power, love, and peace. Combined together, we find an irresistible reign. We long to be part of it. We see it partly in David and Solomon’s kingdoms but that is nothing in comparison to the eternal and most glorious reign of Jesus Christ.
Do you live under the reigning influence of our great savior or do the world’s words and ways dominate you? As we approach this Christmas time, let us step back and remember the Christ who was born is now the ruler of all. As we live in response to His kingdom and ways, His counsel, might, love, and peace become our way of life.
Jesus has the cure for anxiety, despair, injustice and confusion. Turn to Him. Let His light shine through you in this season and into the beyond.
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