Isaiah's Messianic Prophecy

 

In 1013 BC, David began his reign over the United Kingdom, the core of which was the land of Palestine.  He was a member of the royal tribe of Judah.  The United Kingdom was divided in 933 BC following the reign of David’s son, Solomon.  The northern kingdom took the name Israel and the southern kingdom, the name Judah.

Almost two centuries later, Ahaz, a descendant of David, became king of Judah.  In 735 BC, the king of Israel and the king of neighbouring Syria were waging war against Ahaz.

Isaiah was instructed by the Lord to meet with Ahaz and to quell his fear and uncertainty.  Isaiah prophesied the collapse of Israel and Syria and urged Ahaz to ask the Lord for a sign confirming his prophecy.  Ahaz refused but Isaiah gave him a sign despite his objections. 

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold the virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”

In the Holy Scriptures, prophecies slated for fulfilment in Old Testament times often slide into prophecies destined for fulfillment in New Testament times.

In 732 BC, the king of Israel was murdered by his successor to the throne.  Shortly thereafter, Assyria captured the Syrian capital of Damascus and slew its king.  Then in 722 BC, Assyria conquered the kingdom of Israel by capturing its capital city of Samaria.  Isaiah’s first prophecy to Ahaz was fulfilled.  His second prophecy, the Christmas prophecy, was fulfilled some seven centuries later.  Indeed, from the royal tribe of Judah sprang forth the child Immanuel a.k.a. Jesus Christ.

Isaiah described the child Immanuel as follows:

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

This passage leaves no doubt as to the identity of Jesus.  He is Mighty God and He is co-eternal and co-equal with God the Father.