The verse in Isaiah 9:6 that says “the government will be on His shoulders” is a prophecy about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. It describes several attributes of Christ, including that the responsibility and authority to rule will rest upon Him.
To understand the meaning of this phrase, it’s important to look at some context. Isaiah 9:6 reads: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This verse comes in the midst of Isaiah’s prophecies about the coming Messiah. The titles given to this child indicate His divine nature and purpose.
Specifically, the statement that “the government will be on His shoulders” carries a few implications:
- Jesus will bear the weight and responsibility of governing. The government being “on His shoulders” depicts Christ carrying the burden of rulership.
- Jesus will possess the authority to rule and reign. Saying the government will be “on His shoulders” indicates full authority being given to Christ.
- Jesus’ reign will supersede all other rulers. With government on His shoulders alone, it points to the supremacy and exclusivity of Christ’s reign.
There are a few Old Testament connections that help illuminate the meaning of this phrase. The word “government” can also be translated as “dominion” or “kingdom.” Several passages depict God’s kingdom in similar terms:
- Isaiah prophesies about a child being born who will be called “Mighty God, Everlasting Father” (Isa 9:6), pointing to deity.
- Isaiah 22:22 speaks of a coming king who will have authority over God’s people.
- Psalm 2 talks about God installing His chosen king in Zion to have dominion over the earth.
These Old Testament prophecies and themes come together in describing Jesus’ purpose and the scope of His rule. He is the divinely appointed King who will bear the full weight of governing God’s kingdom.
When this verse is read in light of the New Testament, the meaning becomes even clearer. Passages like Matthew 28:18 record Jesus proclaiming His complete authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus also told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). These and other verses indicate that biblical prophecies about His reign were fulfilled in Jesus.
Ephesians 1:22 further describes Christ’s authority saying God “placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church.” Jesus presently rules from heaven and He will one day return to establish His rule on the earth (Revelation 19:11-16). Though rejected by mankind in His first coming, Jesus will return in power and great glory to judge and rule (Matthew 25:31-32).
In summary, the statement that “the government will be on His shoulders” points to the supremacy, exclusivity, and eternality of Jesus’ reign. He alone has the divine right and absolute authority to rule as King over all. This rule began at His ascension and continues with His present reign from heaven. And one day, every knee will bow to the universal authority of the government that rests on His shoulders alone (Philippians 2:10-11).
1. Jesus as the promised Messiah and King
Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 9 came at a time when the people of Israel faced judgment from God after rebelling against Him and going into idolatry. Isaiah 9 points to the hope of a future Messiah who would come from the line of David and establish His righteous rule. The titles “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” all indicate this promised ruler’s divinity. He would come not only as a human descendant but as the Son of God.
By saying “the government will be on His shoulders,” Isaiah connects back to the promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 that his offspring would establish an eternal kingdom. Though David’s physical line would face judgment for their disobedience, the promise still stood that a perfect and everlasting King would come from his lineage. Isaiah prophesied that this Messiah would bear the weight of governing God’s people with perfect righteousness, justice, and peace.
Isaiah 11 goes on to describe more about the rule of this promised Branch from Jesse who would have God’s Spirit rest upon Him (Isaiah 11:1-2). He would rule with righteousness, faithfulness, and holiness while also being a source of protection for His people. Ultimately, this prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ – the descendant of David who established the eternal Kingdom of God.
2. Connection to God’s covenant with David
The Old Testament contains several promises pointing to a coming, ideal King who would rule God’s people forever. God’s covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7 is a key passage laying the foundation for these prophecies. God promises that after David’s death, “I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom” (2 Samuel 7:12). He goes on to declare, “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (v.13).
Though Solomon did reign after David, this promise looked ahead to the even greater King – Jesus. He would come from the line of David and establish an eternal throne and kingdom. The book of Isaiah contains multiple prophecies pointing to the Messiah fulfilling this promise to David (Isaiah 9:7, 16:5, 22:22). Jeremiah and Ezekiel also contain prophecies about the righteous Branch coming from David to execute justice (Jeremiah 23:5, Ezekiel 34:23-24).
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he confirmed that her son Jesus would fulfill this promise and receive the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32-33). Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant with David. The book of Acts affirms that God fulfilled his promise by raising up Jesus from David’s descendants to sit on his throne (Acts 2:30). His present reign in heaven and future return to rule on earth will complete the eternal kingdom promised to David’s offspring.
3. A kingdom not of this world
Jesus’ statement to Pontius Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36) provides insight into the nature of His rule and government. Unlike human rulers who gain authority by force, Jesus’ kingdom originates from above. This helps explain Isaiah’s prophecy that government would rest upon His shoulders – not gained by earthly power but divinely appointed.
The spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom also helps make sense of why He didn’t come as a militaristic ruler to overthrow Rome, but rather humbled Himself and even went to the cross. His purpose was not to establish an earthly political kingdom at His first coming. As Jesus said, had His kingdom been of this world His followers would have fought (John 18:36). Rather, His kingdom advances through the spreading of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit.
While Christ’s kingdom is indeed a present reality, its full consummation still awaits the future. When Jesus returns, He will execute perfect judgment and justice, overthrow all evil powers, and bring righteousness and peace to the earth. God’s kingdom will hold universal authority over all creation. But until that day, believers live in the “already, but not yet” of Christ’s kingdom reign.
The spiritual design of Jesus’ reign also reminds us that His kingdom functions differently than earthly ones. Submission to His kingship comes not through political force or control, but through laying down our lives in service of Him and others.
4. A reign that is supreme and uncontested
A key part of Isaiah’s prophecy about government resting on the Messiah’s shoulders is that it points to the supremacy and exclusivity of His reign. As the one and only divine King, Jesus holds sole and absolute authority.
Passages like Philippians 2:9-11 depict a time when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. While many earthly powers actively reject and rebel against His reign now, a day is coming when His authority will be universally recognized. No world leaders or spiritual powers will be able to contest His supremacy.
Jesus also reigns supreme because He conquers and judges all competing rulers and authorities. Colossians 2:15 depicts Jesus triumphing over the spiritual forces of evil, while Revelation 19 shows Him overthrowing the wicked powers of the antichrist. And Hebrews 10:13 says that Jesus awaits the day when all His enemies will be made a footstool under His feet.
The government rests solely on Jesus’ shoulders because there is no higher power or authority than Him. His supremacy stems from His divine nature and glorified position at the Father’s right hand. Someday at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is the sole King of kings and Lord of lords.
5. A reign with judgment and justice
Central to the Messiah’s reign would be His administration of perfect justice and judgment. Isaiah 11 prophecies about this coming King who would strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and the breath of His lips (v. 4). His reign would be marked by righteousness and equity as He judges the poor and defends the meek (v.4).
Jesus fulfills this picture by asserting all authority to judge mankind (John 5:27). He reigns from heaven presently until the appointed time when His enemies will be made a footstool under His feet (Acts 2:34-35). On that day, He will return with recompense, judgement and justice (Isaiah 35:4).
As sovereign King, Jesus alone possesses the right to judge. When He returns, He will judge all nations (Matthew 25:31-32), mete out justice for rebellion, and destroy wickedness. Until that day, believers can take encouragement that though the kingdom has not yet arrived in fullness, the government remains securely on His shoulders. He reigns from on high as the sovereign and righteous King.
6. A reign bring peace and security
An important part of the Messiah’s reign described in Isaiah would be establishing peace and security for God’s people. Isaiah 9:7 says this coming ruler would occupy David’s throne and establish his kingdom with justice and righteousness. As a result, the “zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Given Israel’s situation when Isaiah prophesied, this promise of perfect peace through the Messiah’s reign would have been incredibly encouraging. Surrounded by enemies, Israel yearned for a ruler who could establish lasting peace. Jesus fulfilled this promise of providing peace and rest for His people amidst turmoil (Matthew 11:28-29).
Though Jesus did not usher in geopolitical peace during His time on earth, His sacrifice made peace with God possible for all who place faith in Him (Ephesians 2:14-17). He reconciles believers to Himself, thereby providing them spiritual peace and rest. As His followers, we don’t have to strive for righteousness but rest in His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-11).
Upon Jesus’ return, He will finally bring lasting peace on the earth as the Prince of Peace. His just and righteous reign will result in harmony, order, and security for those who submit to Him. Until then, believers can find confidence that the government remains on His capable shoulders, even amidst unrest in the world.
7. A reign with compassion and welcome for outsiders
In describing the Messiah’s reign, Isaiah says He will be a refuge for those in distress (Isaiah 25:4). He will also pity the weak and needy and save the lives of the poor (Psalms 72:13). Though coming with judgment for wickedness, His rule would offer sanctuary for the oppressed, afflicted and humble.
Jesus exemplified these kingdom qualities during His time on earth. In Matthew 11:28-29, He welcomed the burdened and heavy-laden to find rest under His gentle rule. He showed compassion to outcasts, sinners, women, and every other marginalized group. His ministry made God’s kingdom accessible to all who humbly submitted to His authority.
As Jesus carried out His earthly ministry, He gave people a preview of what His eternal reign will look like. It will have none of the harshness or exclusiveness of oppressive human governments. Rather, Jesus will rule His kingdom with gentleness, meekness, and concern for the weak and downtrodden.
8. A universal and eternal reign
Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would sit on David’s throne and establish his kingdom forever (Isaiah 9:7). His reign would have no end. Passages like Daniel 7:13-14 also point to the Son of Man being given an indestructible, universal kingdom over all creation.
As the hymn in Hebrews 1:8-12 declares, Jesus is the divine King whose reign is everlasting. His years will never end. While human rulers come and go, Christ’s throne remains secure. This points to the unshakable nature of His universal rule and kingdom.
The Gospels present Jesus as the long-awaited King coming to fulfill these promises. In Luke 1:32-33, Gabriel tells Mary her Son will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And the book of Revelation depicts the consummation of His kingdom extending over all creation for eternity. Earthly kingdoms will pass away, but Christ’s kingdom will stand forever.
9. A reign from heaven that will one day come to earth
An important aspect of Christ’s kingdom involves the current and future dimensions of His rule. Jesus inaugurated God’s kingdom on earth during His first coming but He did not establish the fulness of the kingdom at that time. His present reign continues from heaven rather than on earth.
The book of Hebrews depicts Jesus sitting at the right hand of God’s throne in the heavens (Hebrews 8:1, 12:2). From there He reigns over the present, spiritual expression of God’s kingdom – the church. Believers are now His subjects who bow to His authority and receive the blessings of His rule.
But the physical establishment of Christ’s rule on earth remains in the future. Jesus will return to execute perfect justice, defeat all enemies, and rule His kingdom from Jerusalem. Only then will the government fully rest on His shoulders here on earth. Isaiah’s prophecy remains partially fulfilled until the glorious appearing of the great King to reign physically over the nations.
This two-stage fulfillment can be difficult to understand at times. But Scripture holds in tension both the present, spiritual reality of the kingdom as well as the future, physical kingdom. Jesus’ second coming will complete the realization of the government on His shoulders over the whole earth.
10. The responsibilities of Christ’s followers during the present kingdom
If Jesus’ kingdom reign has been inaugurated but not yet consummated, what responsibilities do His followers have during this present age? How should believers relate to the government on His shoulders prior to the kingdom’s earthly establishment?
First, Christians are called to submit fully to Christ’s authority in their personal lives and exalt Him as supreme King. Every area should come under His rulership as believers commit to learn from and obey His Word (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Secondly, believers live as kingdom ambassadors who represent its values of righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17). Though still living in the fallen world, they reflect God’s coming kingdom through acts of service, justice, and charity.
Finally, Christians live with readiness and eager anticipation of the kingdom’s consummation (Titus 2:13). They set affections not on earthly kingdoms but the eternal one soon to arrive. Until that day, believers pledge sole allegiance to the government on the shoulders of the reigning King Jesus.