Names can carry cultural, historical, or personal significance that adds to our understanding of a person. Take, for example, the name "David," which is often associated with King David, renowned for his courage, leadership, and devotion to the Lord. Additionally, hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah provides four names that are in many attributes of the future Messiah.
The prophet Isaiah records in chapters 7-9 many prophecies related to the coming Messiah. For example, in Isaiah 9:6, the prophet indicates that Messiah would be a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and everlasting Father. The fourth name given to the future Messiah is “Prince of Peace.” The term "Prince" reflects Messiah's divine sonship, as highlighted in the gospel accounts where Jesus is often referred to as the "Son of God" (John 3:16). "Peace" (shalom) denotes completeness and well-being.
“Shalom is not merely absence of war and strife but prosperity, well-being, harmony within and without, peace in one’s heart and peace with God, it is the perfect state of man.”[1]
What Isaiah is indicating is that the future Messiah would bring true peace to individuals. While peace is a trait of the future Millennium, Jesus offers inner peace when we trust in him and restore our fellowship with God. Today, believers have peace with God through Christ Jesus the Lord (see Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20-22).
“The One who brings peace in the fullest sense of wholeness, prosperity, and tranquility. Individuals can now know His peace (Ephesians 2:13–18), and one day the world will experience it as well (Isaiah 2:4).”[2]
Although a person’s name can add depth to our understanding of them, it does not tell us everything. In this case, Isaiah tells us one attribute of Jesus related to peace. Jesus will one day establish peace on Earth in the Millennial kingdom where war will finally cease (Isaiah 2:4). Meanwhile, he offers us peace with God by simply trusting in Him for salvation. When we do, we have the peace that only Christ can provide.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] Victor Buksbazen. The Prophet Isaiah, pg. 165.
[2] Ryrie Study Bible, NASB 95 Updated Edition. Isaiah, pg. 1061.