Wonderful (Isaiah 9:1-7)

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful..." (Isa 9:6).

1. What judgment is announced in Isaiah 8 (Isa 8:7-8)?
• How does this transition to hope (Isa 9:1) shape your understanding of God?
2. Why were Zebulun and Naphtali (Galilee) the first to suffer invasion and conquest (Isa 9:1; 2 Ki 15:29)? Why is this area called "Galilee of the nations"?
• What does God's great light dawning first in this "humbled" and Gentile-influenced area teach you about God (Ps 47:2, 7, 8)?
3. What does this imagery of "walking in darkness" and seeing "a great light" reveal about the human condition and the nature of God's intervention (Isa 9:2; 8:22)? 
• In what ways have you personally experienced God as light breaking into darkness in your own life?
4. What are 3 ways God increases joy (Isa 9:3)? 
• What does this teach you about God (Ps 37:4)? About joy (1 Th 5:16; Gal 5:22)?
5. What is “the day of Midian's defeat” (Isa 9:4; Judges 6-7)? How does this historical allusion shape your understanding of how God brings deliverance? What this it say about who gets the credit? 
• Do you recollect how God delivered you in your weakness?
6. What does this powerful symbol of the burning of the battlefield gear (Isa 9:5) suggest about the ultimate goal of the coming King's reign (Lk 2:14; Jn 14:27; Phil 4:7)? Is this a transient, temporary, fluctuating, evanescent, or a permanent peace?
7. How would you differentiate between "a child is born" and "a son is given" (Isa 9:6)? Who is he (2 Sam 7:12, 16; Lk 1:31-33)? 
• How is God a "wonderful counselor" (Isa 28:29; Jn 14:26)? How will this help you?
• What are the implications for a child to also be the Mighty God (Zech 9:9; Zeph 3:17)?
• What does God as "everlasting father" reveal about Him (Isa 40:28; Ps 90:2; 103:13)? How is He different from worldly leaders?
• What is “peace” (Shalom) in the Hebrew context (Isa 26:3; 48:18; 66:12)? How does this title crown the other three?
• In a world of proud, weak and bad leadership, what does it mean for a government of perfect wisdom, power, compassion, and peace to rest securely on one capable ruler?
• Read the quote above by J.I. Packer.
8. What does it mean that "of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end" (Isa 9:7; Dan 2:44; Rev 11:15)?
• How is his kingdom established and upheld (Ps 89:14; Isa 11:3-4; Heb 1:8-9)?
• How will this prophecy be fulfilled? Is human effort required?

• How does this child save you (2 Cor 5:17, 21; 1 Pet 2:24; Eph 2:8-9; 1 Cor 15:3-5)?