Isaiah 9:7

The extension and consolidation of the Messiah's rule.

Of the increase … end Rather, For the increase of authority and for peace without end, &c. The final M (ם) in the original points to some uncertainty of text, which can also be traced in the translation of the LXX. It is thought by some to have arisen through dittography of the last two letters of Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 9:7 would then begin "increased is authority." But the Qěrêgives the better sense.

upon the throne … kingdom On the throne and kingdom of David. The Messiah succeeds to David's throne and is doubtless conceived as his lineal descendant.

to order it Better, to confirm it. The throne is established (Proverbs 20:28; Isaiah 16:5) not by force and conquest but by the moral qualities of judgment and righteousness (see ch. Isaiah 1:21) in the government.

the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this exactly as ch. Isaiah 37:32. The word "zeal" or "jealousy" is used of passionin a variety of senses, but chiefly with the implied idea of resentment. When applied to Jehovah it appears always to express the reaction of His holiness called forth by some injury to His honour. Perhaps the closest parallel to the idea here is Zechariah 1:14; Zechariah 8:2 "I am jealous for Zionwith a great jealousy."