Who does 'us' refer to in Isaiah's prophecies?
The pronoun 'us' in Isaiah's prophecies refers to the nation of Israel. Isaiah was not writing to Gentiles or to Egypt or Babylon; he addressed Israel directly. So when he writes 'unto us a child is born,' he speaks to and on behalf of the covenant nation of Israel as the recipients of that promise.
Les explains that whenever we look at Isaiah and some of these Old Testament prophets, we must ask who the pronouns refer to. The answer is the nation of Israel. Isaiah did not write to Gentiles, nor to the Egyptians or Babylonians; he was writing to Israel. Therefore, when he says 'for unto us a child is born, and unto us a Son is given,' he is speaking to the nation of Israel. Les then directs attention to John 3:16, which says God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.