Government On His Shoulder
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
We don't talk about the government if we don't have to. No matter you're politics, this is one of those hot topics we avoid in polite company these days. But just for a moment, let's examine what it means for Jesus to have "the government upon his shoulder".
Many think that this verse refers to the government putting pressure, or causing trouble for Jesus. Actually, when you look up the word for government in the Hebrew, you find sarah. It has the idea of protecting someone or fighting for someone. The phrase sarah being upon one's shoulder is an expression that is used in the Near East in the climax of a marriage ceremony. In a Jewish wedding ceremony a veil is always used to cover the face of the bride. Removing the veil is the most dramatic moment of the wedding. It is the climax and probably the most romantic part of the ceremony. The bride will walk around her groom three times. It is believed that the groom is closest to God during this time as his future wife's role will be to serve as a gateway to God. Circling the groom 3 times symbolizes declaring that his bride will teach him three things about God as found in Hosea 2:21-22. Righteousness, Love and Faithfulness. After she completes the 3rd circle, the groom will remove the veil from the bride's face and throw it over his shoulder. In this gesture the groom is making a public declaration that the government of his bridewill be upon his shoulder. In other words he will now be her protector and provider. He will protect her heart and provide all the love and affection that God created her to desire, just as God has placed within us the need for love and affection from Him which He has promised to provide.
Isaiah 9:6 is not conveying that the Messiah will have a difficult time with the governments of earth. Instead, He will throw the veil of His bride over His shoulder signifying that he will be the protector and provider for His bride, which is us and His church! Removing that veil from our face and throwing it over His shoulder signifies that He will protect our hearts and love us for all eternity.
Now that's a government I can get excited about!
