- What is the “great light” and the “bright light” which the people walking in the darkness have seen — and to which people is reference made?
- Isaiah 9:5 is a classic (parade) example of text utilized by those who wish to find references to an other worldly messiah in biblical text. But, to whom is the child born? To whom is the son given?
- Is this a royal child?
- What is a “prince of peace”? What is a “strong advisor”?
- Is this a new strain of monarchy or does it continue the Davidic line?
- What guides this ruler — special contact with Divinity? The miraculous? Or, the two characteristics set down in Isaiah 9:6 indicating what will establish the throne?
- Is the anticipation of this development immediate or (see the verses which follow) to follow after a very difficult time?
- What is done to leadership which represents a serious punishment for the people (Isaiah 9:13)?
- Will no mercy be shown to anyone in the time of judgment (Isaiah 9:16)?
- Why this intense, searing anger?
