“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever” (Isaiah 9:6-7).
In this unforgettable passage, is “Wonderful” a noun or an adjective? Is the promised Messiah a wonderful counselor, or is His name “Wonderful Counselor”? Furthermore, is the Messiah named “Wonderful Counselor” or are these two names? In Shakespearian language, the King James translators wrote … “His name will be called “Wonderful, Counselor…” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV). Are these two distinct names. “Wonderful” and “Counselor…”
Though Jesus is indeed a wonderful counselor, and wonderful serves as a powerful adjective, let’s assume that the Divine Author intended this word to be a noun. And, let’s assume that King James got it right. His name, the “name that is above every name”(Philippians 2:9), is “Wonderful.”
The 1959 memorable and inspirational chorus by Audrey Mieir proclaims:
“His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord.
He is the mighty King, Master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord.
He's the Great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages, Almighty God is He.
Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord.”
His name is “Wonderful!”
As “Wonderful… Counselor”, He is wise, with eternally perfect plans and purposes. He is the all-wise Teacher, Trainer, and Guide who leads, shepherds, directs, and disciplines.
He is “Wonderful” and He is “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6). “Wonderful” speaks clearly of miraculous powers. “I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions. God, your way is holy. What god is great like God? You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. With power you redeemed your people” (Psalm 77:11–15). Twice in this passage, the Psalmist uses the same Hebrew word translated here as “wonders”, and in Isaiah as “Wonderful”. Our God has unlimited wonder-working power. Why can He work “wonders”? Because His name is “Mighty God.”
He is “Wonderful… Eternal Father.” “Father” pictures His compassion and tenderness toward His creation. And, in the Hebrew language, “father” was synonymous with “source.” God is the Source, the Creator of Eternity.
And “Wonderful… Prince of Peace” has bought peace for rebellious and sinful souls. He will, in His perfect timing, at last bring peace to this troubled world.
Hum that tune today… “His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord…”
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