Exploring the Book of Isaiah
Series: The Book of Isaiah (Part 5)
Text: Isaiah 9:6–12:6
In the previous section of Isaiah (Chapters 7–8), we explored how God used the children of the prophet Isaiah as “signs and wonders” to King Ahaz. These signs proved that God was present with His people during the terrifying days of the Syro-Ephraimite war.
But as we move into Isaiah 9 through 12, the scope of the prophecy expands dramatically. “The Book of Immanuel” shifts from a local, historical sign to a global, eternal hope. It moves from the children of Isaiah to The Child of God. This section reveals not just how God was with Ahaz, but how He will be with His people forever through the coming Messiah.
The Future Immanuel: A Two-Fold Promise
The centerpiece of this prophecy is found in Isaiah 9:6, a verse often read during Christmas but containing theology deep enough for a lifetime of study.
For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders… (Isaiah 9:6)
This single verse contains a two-fold distinction regarding the nature of the Messiah:
- “A Child will be born to us”: This points to His humanity and Incarnation. The Messiah would enter the world through birth, specifically to the nation of Israel (“to us”). This was fulfilled in the manger, as revealed to Joseph (Matthew 1:20–23).
- “A Son will be given to us”: This points to His divinity and His role as the Heir to the throne of David. While the “child” is born, the “Son” (who is eternal) is given.
The Four Names of the King
Isaiah provides four titles that describe the character of this coming King:
- Wonderful Counselor: He is the ultimate Rabbi and source of divine wisdom.
- Mighty God: He is not just a man; He is the manifestation of the Almighty, ministering to the needs of His people.
- Eternal Father: He is the source of eternal life.
- Prince of Peace: He is the One who will finally impose true shalom (peace) on a chaotic world.
The Peaceable Kingdom
This prophecy is expanded in Isaiah 11, where the Messiah is described as a “shoot from the stem of Jesse.” Unlike earthly leaders who judge by what they see or hear, this King will judge with righteousness because the Spirit of the Lord rests upon Him (Isaiah 11:2).
The result of His rule is a completely restored creation where natural enemies—the wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the goat—dwell together in peace. This is the government that will rest on His shoulders, a kingdom of justice that has never existed in human history since the fall of man.
The Anger of God: Correction vs. Destruction
Between the glorious picture of the coming King and the final restoration, Isaiah 9 and 10 deal with the grim reality of God’s anger. However, the text makes a crucial distinction between God’s anger toward His own people (Israel) and His anger toward the arrogant world (Assyria).
The Discipline of Israel
In Isaiah 9:8–10:4, we see a cycle of judgment. Four times the text repeats the haunting phrase: “For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is still stretched out.”
Israel faced judgment for their pride, their refusal to turn to God, and their systemic injustice. Yet, for the covenant people of God, this anger is corrective. As Isaiah 54:7-8 later explains, God may hide His face for a moment in anger, but He gathers His people with everlasting compassion.
The Destruction of Assyria
God used Assyria as a “rod” to discipline Israel, but Assyria became arrogant. They boasted, “By the power of my hand… I did this” (Isaiah 10:13).
God’s response to Assyria is different. Because they attributed their victory to their own strength and sought to annihilate rather than correct, God promised to destroy them. This teaches us a sober lesson: There is a judgment that leads to destruction for those who spurn God, but there is a discipline that leads to restoration for the believer.
The Return of the Remnant
The “Book of Immanuel” does not end in judgment, but in gathering. Isaiah prophecies that a “remnant” will return.
Then it will happen on that day that the Lord Will again recover with His hand the second time The remnant of His people who will remain… (Isaiah 11:11)
This recovery is significant because it includes the banished ones of Israel (the north) and the dispersed of Judah (the south). In the Kingdom of Christ, the division of civil war is healed. They gather around a “signal flag” (Isaiah 11:12). For the church today, Christ is that banner.
Theologically, this reminds us that God is a restorer. When a person has a genuine covenant relationship with God, He is obligated by His own faithfulness to seek them out. The New Covenant ensures that God writes His law on our hearts so that, ultimately, the remnant will not be lost.
A Song of Thanksgiving
The section concludes with Isaiah 12—a hymn of praise. The people, once disciplined, now sing:
“I will give thanks to You, Lord; For although You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, And You comfort me.” (Isaiah 12:1)
The anger that seemed unquenchable in chapter 9 is now turned away. Why? Because “God is my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2). The people joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.
Conclusion
The Book of Immanuel (Isaiah 7–12) sums up the proactive involvement of God in the life of His people. Whether through the birth of a child, the discipline of a nation, or the gathering of the exiles, the message remains the same: Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
