Bible Society of South Africa
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War and peace
War and peace – Day 6

War and peace – Day 6

Eternal peace

Bible text(s)

1There will be no way for them to escape from this time of trouble.

The Future King

The land of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali was once disgraced, but the future will bring honour to this region, from the Mediterranean eastwards to the land on the other side of the Jordan, and even to Galilee itself, where the foreigners live.

2The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light.

They lived in a land of shadows,

but now light is shining on them.

3You have given them great joy, LORD;

you have made them happy.

They rejoice in what you have done,

as people rejoice when they harvest their corn

or when they divide captured wealth.

4For you have broken the yoke that burdened them

and the rod that beat their shoulders.

You have defeated the nation

that oppressed and exploited your people,

just as you defeated the army of Midian long ago.

5The boots of the invading army

and all their bloodstained clothing

will be destroyed by fire.

6A child is born to us!

A son is given to us!

And he will be our ruler.

He will be called, “Wonderful Counsellor”,

“Mighty God”, “Eternal Father”,

“Prince of Peace”.

Isaiah 9:1-6GNBOpen in Bible reader

Like the prophet Jeremiah, from yesterday’s reading, the prophet Isaiah paints a picture of hope. The people of God had a hard time, but God has lightened the burdens of the people. The violence they faced has come to an end. God makes the ultimate promise: there will come a king who will provide peace and justice. He is called Prince of Peace, and his peace will have no end. This is the perspective that Isaiah offers, even today. War and violence will pass, and God will provide eternal peace.

The king whom God promised is given four names: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.

With each name, can you think about what that says about God and about the promised king?

Bible Society of South Africav.4.18.14
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