FOR TO US A CHILD IS BORN

Isaiah 9:1-7

Key Verse 9:6

1. Read v. 1. Who are "those"? Why were they in distress (8:19)? When did the Lord humble the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali? (2Ki 15:29)  When did the Lord fulfill this prophecy? (Mt 4:13-15)

2. Read vs. 2-5 and compare them with v. 6.  According to this Bible passage what does the birth of the Messiah mean to you realistically?  To the U.S. as a nation?  To the militant world we are living in? 

3. Read v. 6a. What does this passage teach us about the role the Messiah would play? Why is "government" important to a man? To a nation? To the world?

4. Read v. 6b. What does this passage tell us about the Messiah as a "governor"?  How can one come under His governorship? (John 1:12; Rev 3:20)

5. Read v. 7a and compare the messianic government and its characteristics with human governments and their characteristics in human history. How are they different? What does this comparison teach us about the hope we have in Jesus?

6. Read v. 7b. What does it mean for Him to "reign on David's throne and over his kingdom"? (2Sa 7:12-13, 16; Jer 33:15, 20-22)  Describe the way in which He establishes and upholds His kingdom.  How can we receive His kingdom? (Rom 3:25-26; 4:1-3)

7. Read v. 7c. Why do you think the Lord Almighty is so zealous to accomplish this? (Song of Songs 8:6-7)