Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 9 to a beleaguered and oppressed Israel would have been a ray of hope in an otherwise dark existence. The promised Messiah who would be King gave them hope for the future, since this King would be different than any other they had ever experienced. This was demonstrated in the royal names ascribed to Him, which demonstrated HIs character and the kind of kingdom which He would establish. Carrying the government of all creation on HIs shoulders, Christ would truly be the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Father of Eternity, and the Prince of Peace.