Question

41. In the Trinity, since the three Persons of the Godhead are distinct and are not each other, how do we interpret Isaiah 9:6, which says that one of the names the Son to be born will be "Everlasting Father"?
Asked by: Female, 26-35, North America, Christian on November 12, 2021 9:25:22 am

Answer

Hello,

Thank you for the excellent question.

You seem to have a good grasp of the basic principles in our understanding of the Trinity.

With that, it is easy to find this passage confusing or cause us to wonder if we understand the Trinity correctly. For one, even though I have gone through many years of ministry and Theological studies, I find that the sovereignty of God can trump our understanding and simplification of Biblical concepts. If we can ever put God in a box, where we can say we understand everything about Him, He would no longer be God. So I keep open that my understanding is not enough and that God can always trump over things that may not make sense to me. Doing so also helps me stay open to miracles of God, such as healing the sick person whom doctors have given up on and raising the people who are dead.

However, God has given us knowledge and experiences so that we may better understand Him. So, your question is excellent, and let's try to resolve this one together. Isaiah 9.6, like many verses, is stated from the context of its surrounding verses. Isaiah 9 begins with:

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. -Isaiah 9:1(NLT)

Consider times of difficulty where things are grim and filled with "darkness" and "despair." While everything seems wrong, this passage talks about some Messiah who will resolve all this pain and suffering. How would this person resolve all the troubles?

The answer is given to us in verse 6.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
-Isaiah 9:6(NLT)

The Messiah

• will be given through a child, the son
• the government can rest on Him (there will be nothing to worry about as long as He reigns)
• is called (or provides the benefits of):
  • a Wonderful Counselor (good and right advisor)
  • the Mighty God (comes with the power of the mighty God. No one can stand up to Him.)
  • an Everlasting Father (provides protection, direction, and covering over the people)
  • the Prince of Peace (one who brings and sustains peace)

When reading the passage in context, it is clear that these words are descriptors of the Messiah. Just as a father cares for and provides for his children, that is what this Messiah would do.

When we try to connect the term concerning the Trinity, it may seem like a conflict. Still, when we read the verse in context, we can see and find comfort in Isaiah's original intent, that the Messiah will take away all our difficulties, and He will not lack in any of the attributes that we need from this Savior.

Again, thank you for asking such an excellent question. Please continue to seek God and ask whenever you need help. Many blessings.

Answered by Dr. Sang Sur

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