“A child has been born for us.

A son has been given to us.

Authority rests upon his shoulders.

He is named.

‘Wonderful Counselor!

Mighty God!

Everlasting Father!

Prince of Peace!’

His authority will grow continually.

There shall be endless peace

For the throne of David.

There shall be endless peace

For his kingdom.

He will establish it

With justice.

He will uphold it

With righteousness

From this time onward forever more.

The zeal of Yahweh of hosts

Will do this.”

This passage has often been used by Christians to indicate the birth of a messianic male king, the child Jesus. Many of these titles have been applied to Jesus the Christ, wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, and prince of peace. However, Isaiah is probably speaking about a new male king for Israel from the throne of David who would bring endless peace. He speaks in the present tense and may be referring to King Hezekiah. This new kingdom of established justice and upheld righteousness would continue forever. The zeal of Yahweh was going to do this for his people.