9:6 child is born. This is truly one of the most amazing prophecies ever given. No doubt referring back to the promised virgin-born Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14), the child born is the human Jesus, born as a babe, while the Son given is the eternally begotten Second Person of the Godhead united in the glorious hypostatic union—God with us!

9:6 Wonderful, Counsellor. It is probable that the first name of His fourfold Name, paralleling the adjective/noun structure of the other three, is “Wonderful Counsellor.” The testimony, even of His enemies, was that “never man spake like this man” (John 7:46).

9:6 mighty God. This is a marvelous paradox! The helpless infant in the manger is God Almighty! He has “all power…in heaven and earth” (Matthew 28:18).

9:6 everlasting Father. The question might arise as to how the Son could also be “The everlasting Father.” Actually, this phrase could also be translated “Father of Eternity,” reminding us that the eternal Son was the Creator of Time, as well as Space and Matter and, in fact, all things (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). In the unfathomable, yet glorious mystery of the Trinity, the Lord Jesus noted also that “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30).

9:6 Prince of peace. “Prince of peace” indicates He is the very first leader who will bring true peace to the world. Melchizedek (who was either the preincarnate Christ or at least a type of Christ) is called “King of Salem,” which means “King of Peace” (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:2). He is the great Peacemaker (Matthew 5:9), who “made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20).

9:7 increase. Reigning eternally, Christ and His glorified saints will continue to extend His domain, by exploration, development, and utilization, throughout His infinite creation—forever. See notes on Revelation 22:3.

9:7 throne of David. Although His kingdom will be of unlimited extent, its center will be in the New Jerusalem, on the throne of David, as promised to Mary before He was born (note Luke 1:32,33; also see Ezekiel 37:25).

9:7 zeal of the LORD. This magnificent kingdom can never be achieved by human effort, but only by the “zeal of the LORD of hosts.”