11:1-5
Context:
(BKC) The Assyrian Empire would fall (10:5–34), but another empire would arise. This section about God’s empire (11:1–12:6) includes a description of the Messiah, the kingdom itself, and the remnant who will inhabit the kingdom. Besides contrasting this kingdom with the Assyrian kingdom, Isaiah also contrasted it with the sinful actions of Israel in his day...The Lord would cut down the forests and the mighty trees (10:33–34), that is, foreign soldiers and leaders, but God’s kingdom will arise by a Shoot coming up from the stump of Jesse, David’s father (cf. Rev. 22:16). Isaiah undoubtedly was thinking of God’s promise to David (2 Sam. 7:16) that a Descendant of David will rule over his kingdom (cf. Isa. 9:7) forever.
Ob and In:
1. The Spirit of God will rest on the shoot and branch from Jesse's root v.1-2
(NET) The text mentions David’s father Jesse, instead of the great king himself. Perhaps this is done for rhetorical reasons to suggest that a new David, not just another disappointing Davidic descendant, will arise.
v.2 The LORD’s Spirit will rest on him—
a Spirit that gives extraordinary wisdom, (NET) a spirit of wisdom and understanding.” The synonyms are joined here to emphasize the degree of wisdom he will possess. His wisdom will enable him to make just legal decisions (v. 3). A very similar phrase occurs in Eph 1:17.
a Spirit that provides the ability to execute plans, (NET) a spirit of counsel [or “strategy”] and strength.” The construction is a hendiadys; the point is that he will have the strength/ability to execute the plans/strategies he devises. This ability will enable him to suppress oppressors and implement just policies (v. 4).
a Spirit that produces absolute loyalty to the LORD. (NET) Heb “a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.” “Knowledge” is used here in its covenantal sense and refers to a recognition of God’s authority and a willingness to submit to it. See Jer 22:16. “Fear” here refers to a healthy respect for God’s authority which produces obedience. Taken together the two terms emphasize the single quality of loyalty to the Lord. This loyalty guarantees that he will make just legal decisions and implement just policies (vv. 4–5).
2. Delight in fearing the Lord
v.3 He will take delight in obeying the LORD
(BKC) The Messiah constantly seeks to do what God the Father wants Him to do. This contrasted with the religious leaders in Isaiah’s day who were unconcerned about following God’s Word.
3. Legal decision: How would His judge? Esp, how would He judge the poor and needy?
(BKC) As world Ruler, the Messiah will judge the world (cf. 2:4). But He will not be like an ordinary judge who may be swayed by superficial knowledge. He will judge impartially and in righteousness. The needy and the poor will not be oppressed by Him as they often are by human leaders (10:1–2).
4. Implement just policies: How would He strike the earth and killed the wicked?
v.4b He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and order the wicked to be executed
(NET) The “breath of his lips” refers to his speech, specifically in this context his official decrees that the wicked oppressors be eliminated from his realm.
5. His characters
(NET) If a belt worn outside the robe is in view, then the point might be that justice/integrity will be readily visible or that these qualities will give support to his rule. If an undergarment is in view, then the idea might be that these characteristics support his rule or that they are basic to everything else.
Summary and Reflection: The kingdom of mankind will passed away, but the Messiah will come. Messiah has the Spirit of Go on Him and the Spirit enables Him to judge, to implement justice, and to be loyal to the LORD. As a result, the Messiah is such a person and He is very different ruler than the human rulers. They were not delighted in fearing the LORD, not judging with impartially, oppressing the poor. In His Kingdom, He is able to punish and even eliminating the wicked just by His words.
The rulership and the beneficial results of His rulership is related to Messiah Himself, but also the Spirit which is upon Him. As a result the will of God be done. Am I willing to obey the same Spirit and judge impartially, implement justice, and loyal to the LORD?
In the Messianic Kingdom, wickedness is treated seriously. What shall I do with the wickedness in my heart now?
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