Isaiah 9

The great light in Galilee

Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. Isaiah 9:1–2

Isaiah promises a great light to the darkened land of Galilee. Matthew says this came true when Jesus began His ministry there.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Matthew 4:13-16 — Jesus dwells in Capernaum of Zabulon and Nephthalim; the people in darkness saw great light.
• the same title in John 8:12 — I am the light of the world.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 19:1-2 — Nephi's copy.

Deliverer who breaks the yoke

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. Isaiah 9:4

The Lord breaks the oppressor's yoke as He did when Gideon's small band defeated Midian. The deliverance announced here comes through the Child in verse 6.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Judges 7:22-25 — The Lord's victory over Midian through Gideon.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 19:4 — Nephi's copy.

Wonderful, Counsellor

Wonderful Counsellor — one whose counsel is a wonder, beyond all human wisdom

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Christ's counsel is perfect and full of wonder. He is the one to go to for guidance.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 19:6 — Nephi's copy.

The Mighty God

Mighty God — God the strong warrior (Hebrew El Gibbor)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

The promised child is Himself God, full of power. Jesus is Jehovah come to earth.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Isaiah 10:21 — The remnant shall return unto the mighty God.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 19:6 — Nephi's copy.

The Everlasting Father

Everlasting Father — Father of eternity: Creator of the earth and father of all who are spiritually born again through Him

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Christ is not Heavenly Father, but He is called Father because He created the world and because those who make covenants with Him become His spiritual sons and daughters.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Mosiah 15:4 — Abinadi calls Christ the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 19:6 — Nephi's copy.

The Prince of Peace

Prince of Peace — the ruler who brings peace

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Christ brings peace to troubled hearts now and will bring peace to the whole earth when He reigns.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 19:6 — Nephi's copy.

Birth of the Son

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah foretells the birth of a child who is also a Son given by God. It is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Luke 2:11 — Unto you is born this day ... a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 19:6 — Nephi's copy.

King on David's throne

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6–7

The child will rule on David's throne with a kingdom that never ends. Gabriel told Mary these very things about Jesus.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by Luke 1:32-33 — The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David ... of his kingdom there shall be no end.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 19:6-7 — Nephi's copy.