Hello Beloved,
Let us continue our study of the names and titles for Jesus. Last month, we considered the title of Jesus’ name as “Everlasting Father.” This month we will examine the name of “Prince of Peace.” As with the names “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “Mighty God,” and “Everlasting Father,” “Prince of Peace” is descriptive of the Immanuel child who is “God with us.” In Isaiah 9:6 we read, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6 (ESV).
The title “Prince of Peace” corresponds with the power to rule. Christ, the Immanuel, will rule in a manner that contrasts with much of the leadership that Isaiah’s prophecy addresses, for He will rule in “peace.” The idea of peace becomes an important theme in the book of Isaiah, which is descriptive of a life that trusts in the Lord and follows his ways in uprightness. The idea of peace communicates a comprehensive type of well-being for the whole of the individual and the whole of the community. Often, the concept of peace is closely connected with the idea of righteousness. When peace is associated with the Immanuel child, Jesus, it becomes a major component of the Messiah’s ministry. That is, Jesus will usher in peace. Consider some of these concepts that relate peace with righteousness and justice as found in Isaiah 32:17-18. The prophet writes, “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” Isaiah 32:17–18 (ESV).
Interestingly enough, “peace” does imply an end of war and appears to be consistent with the time of this Prince King as Isaiah notes in the second chapter. Isaiah writes, “He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” Isaiah 2:4 (ESV). The next verse after Isaiah 9:6 speaks to the peace that this Immanuel child will eventually bring. Isaiah communicates, “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” Isaiah 9:7 (ESV). Gary Smith explains the significance of this verse as he writes:
Four things are known about the government this ruler will establish. First, when this new son rules, he will limitlessly expand his influence and create peace without end (cf. Ps 2:8). This promise implies that no one will be able to successfully oppose his authority or undermine the positive effects of his government. Such strong statements imply that Isaiah is talking about the final eschatological ruler. Second, this ruler will reign on the throne of David and reestablish his kingdom. This pledge certifies beyond the shadow of a doubt that the text refers to the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant through a “messianic” figure. Third, his method of ruling will be based on the principles of justice and righteousness. This fact is consistent with the emphasis on justice in 11:4–5 (and 7:15) and contrasts with the behavior of Ahaz, Judah’s present king. Fourth, this Davidic ruler will reign forever as explained in the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7:16).
We long for the day when King Jesus will reign on this earth in peace. Until then, we are content in knowing that we have peace with God through the blood of the cross (Col 1:20). Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”