The whole purpose of this beautiful scripture is to describe the majesty of the Savor as Isaiah envisions it. The use of several rhetorical devices conveys Isaiah's feeling very efficiently.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah makes the same statement twice in different words at
the begging of this verse. “For unto us a child is born” is essentially the
same as “unto us a child is given.” This use of anaphora amplifies the
statement and creates more emphasis because the reader notices the how the idea
is stated twice in different ways, but both start with the word “unto us a.”
Isaiah then gives the Savior several titles which all have
great significance to those with a knowledge of the scriptures. These descriptions of parts and roles of the
Savior are meant to describe him in a more exact sense. The emphasis is added by
each successive title added. The final title is also an alliteration, which
sounds pleasant to the hearer because of the repeated “p” sounds.
There is a lot of interesting use of language in this verse; but, I just want to expound on the alliteration you noted. For me, as I read this verse the repetition of the "p" sound in the concluding title makes the verse feel like it is completed. To have it end any other way would just not do it justice. I even sat here trying to come up with another word for "prince" that I could substitute and reach the same end, and I could not.
ReplyDeleteI've never looked at these verses with such depth. The rhetorical devices used are so powerful that this has become one of the most famous verses in all sects of Christianity. It is even referenced in songs. There is a reason that songs can get stuck in our heads, and there is a reason that this sounds like and fits into a song- it is melodic and enchanting with its repetition, anaphora, and alliteration.
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