It is important to consider what would constitute fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy to his original hearers without assuming knowledge of the NT or later developments in the redemptive story.
First of all, although the text does not specify the Davidic descent of the King, this is certainly implied in verse 6. Isaiah envisions a Davidic descendant ruling on David’s throne (cf. 11:1ff.).
Second, the King will expand Israel’s empire (“You have multiplied the nation” - v.2 ).
Third, this expansion will be progressive. Notice the word “increase” in verse 6.
Fourth, the expansion of Messiah’s kingdom must also be perpetual. This is proven by the use of the word “forever” in verse 6. Alexander says, “The prediction, if fulfilled at all, could only be fulfilled in a reign which, after it began, was never interrupted, and has ever since been growing in extent and power.”[1]
Fifth, in light of the nature of the King’s kingdom and the lofty titles given in verse 5, it is also clear that the coming King must be divine. He must fit the profile of verse 5. Although it is not clear exactly how Isaiah or the people of Israel envisioned a divine-human King sitting on David’s throne, it is clear that this is the teaching of this passage, and it is the dominant OT picture of the Messiah.
Sixth, as this divine-human son of David rules progressively and perpetually on his throne, the result of his rule will be justice, righteousness, and peace (v.6).
Thus, these are the six aspects of what would constitute fulfillment of the prediction of the coming King.
[1] Alexander, Commentary on Isaiah, Kregal: 1972 (original 1867), 207.
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