Can anyone tell me who or what this verse is referring to?

Probably to authenticate David's reign. Either before or after the actual, depending on your historical slant to the dating of scripture. But with just a little fudge factoring the midieval church had it proclaim Jesus' later arrival. What did Handel know; the lyrics were perfect emotionally (and religiously) to include in the Hallelujia Chorus and when Mary Poppins sang it, I'll bet it sounded great. Some might say, "inspiring," but of what? David did have Bathsheba for breakfast. Sort of takes the original intent down. But on we go, politicising the remains of (at least) Christianity. Conservatives use it to support fascism, more liberal interp used to shill left wing propaganda - all in a very religious and saintly way,of course. Leaving God to shake their head sadly, I'm sure. How 'bout it, XD4U?

 

This is why I really wish people would take more time to read the Scriptures before making their comments. There is no way this verse was written to authenticate Davids's reign. WHY, Because first of all, the chapter in question tells us this person will be called the Everlasting Father, the Mighty God, who's reign will be FOREVER. David may of been good, but he was never discribed as God, nor was his reign forever. And no Jewish writer would of risked his life for blasphemy in suggesting such. And the person in question would reign upon Davids throne. The verse is clearly speaking of Gods eternal reign.

 

David, Son of David - what's the difference? The point was that someone in the line of David was coming, Hope was on the way. Meanwhile, God was, at least to the jews, already present; indeed, was the one promising. Why predict Her coming when shes already here (there)? Handel did well to call it "Messiah." Cambpell34 maybe should get his head into a bit of Hebrew history (esp. "Son-of-Man" expectations of the latter years) to understand with what passion then and now the jews await this promise. Meanwhile the Christian appropriation of the passage has made the "Prince of Peace" part a parody. 2000 years of strife, civil war, murdered witches and executed victims of Inquisition; "troubles" in NIreland, christian backing for slavery (including Boulton's blocking of UN celebration of anniversary of end of cross Atlantic slave trade), poisoned popes and hypocritical evangelists! Ha! who is blaspheming? Me? You may be right regarding my mixed reference (tho I understood it!), but I notice you did not bother to address the heart of my statement.:H

 

There is a big difference between the son of David, and Mighty God. God promised a New Covenant, and the promised one would bring it. Also the prophecy stated the Jews would reject this person when He came, yet the Gentiles would embrace Him. And that is exactly what happened when Jesus Christ appeared, His own people rejected Him, and the Gentiles accepted Him. Jesus Christ fulfilled the Scriptures and the prophecies. And something else to consider, Zec. 12 describes the reaction of the Jews in the time of the end when they see who their Messiah is. If you get your head in to the Old Testament, you will discover the Jews are very upset when they see who their God really is. Tell me, WHY ARE THE JEWS GOING TO BE SO UPSET?

 

Campbell34, I hope your Scottish cultural IQ is higher than your religious one. You have yet to speak to the devastation on earth those who interpret as do you have caused the rest of us poor sinners. At least the Jews haven't had the control to screw up as you folks have. Wise up old man, more evil has been done in the 2,000 years that your virews have prevailed than the world will ever know. And you justify that with your interpretation of an innocent longing for peace in the Hebrew scripture? Whew! If you are also a believer in 'final judgement,' you better be on your knees praying at this advanced point of your life!

 

What devastation on earth have thoses who interpret the Scriptures as I do are you speaking of? Please explain yourself. And please refrain from speaking in such vague terms.