Isaiah 9:6a For to us a child is born….
When I read this verse, I hear a Christmas choir singing this song in my head. It’s beautiful, light, and hopeful. Focusing on the last bit of the verse specifically, I found it interesting that some translations separate Wonderful and Counselor with a comma, though most do not.
Isaiah 9:6b …to us a son is given….
What’s the difference? The difference is—You are wonderful. Full stop. You are Counselor. Full stop.— and you are Wonderful Counselor. (Imagine my Christmas choir belting out each descriptor, and it becomes even more powerful.) Semantically, if parallel structure is in play, Wonderful Counselor goes together (to mirror the other adjective-noun pairs), but when I think of my Jesus, I’m going to continue to hear my Christmas choir describing Him as Wonderful! Counselor! Thank You, Jesus.
Isaiah 9:6c …and the government will be on his shoulders….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You that I see You, acknowledge You, and love You in my life as Wonderful. Help me to draw closer to You every day. Amen.
Isaiah 9:6d …And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Have a blessed day.