Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 11

Isaiah 9:8–10:4 shows that the Lord’s moral law is supreme. This means God’s standards of right and wrong stand above every nation and ruler. The next section explains what this truth means:

1. Assyria was only a tool in God’s hands. Because of this, Assyria was also responsible to God. Like every other nation, it would face judgment for its sin (Isaiah 10:5–19, 28–34).

2. Those among God’s people who trusted in him and obeyed his covenant would be rescued (Isaiah 10:20–27).

3. God would establish his kingdom on earth (Isaiah 11).

These prophecies occurred when Assyria rose to power. Syria and Israel formed an alliance against Judah (Isaiah 7:1–2; see 2 Kings 16:5). God used Assyria as a tool to punish Syria, Israel, and Judah (Isaiah 7–10).

The kingdom of the Messiah, first mentioned in Isaiah 9:1–7, is now explored in more detail. Isaiah questioned the Israelites about their trust in other nations when God had far better plans in mind.

shoot … stump … Branch from his roots: This new growth represents the continuation of David's royal family line, even after it almost ended during the exile in Babylon (see also Isaiah 6:13; 39:7; Rev 22:16). This new growth from the old roots will not resemble the previous weak and unjust descendants of David (see Isaiah 4:2). Jesus, the Messiah (God's chosen one), is the final fulfillment.

• The Spirit of the Lord will rest on the Messiah. The Spirit ensures David's line continues. The Messiah's arrival will bring:

  • justice and righteousness (Isaiah 11:4),

  • peace (Isaiah 11:8), and

  • the extension of God's kingdom to all nations (Isaiah 11:10; see also 32:15–16).

• The promised Messiah will have great wisdom and understanding, like King Solomon. He will also have knowledge and reverence for the Lord (1 Kings 3:28; 4:29; Proverbs 1:1–7; 2:6–7).

• The Spirit of counsel and strength refers to Isaiah 9:6. The Messiah will be wise and have the power to rule righteously.

the fear of the LORD: This means having deep respect and reverence for the Lord. It does not mean being afraid in a frightened way (see also Isaiah 11:2 and Proverbs 1:7).

• The poor and the exploited would receive the justice due to them, which the wicked leaders of Judah had previously withheld.

• the rod of his mouth: See Psalm 2:9; Revelation 19:15.

Because the Messiah is righteous in his character, his rule will show justice, righteousness, and truth. These qualities will mark his reign.

This will be very different from the condition of Jerusalem described in Isaiah 1:21. There, the city is described as unjust and unfaithful.

This prophecy was partly fulfilled during Isaiah's time or soon after. The complete fulfillment will occur when the Messiah (God's chosen one) arrives to begin and fully establish the age to come.

neither harm nor destroy: There will be no wrongdoers, corruption, or sin on God's holy mountain (Zion).

• the Root of Jesse: See Isaiah 11:1; Revelation 5:5; 22:16.

• The Messiah will bring salvation to the entire world (Isaiah 2:1–5). People from other nations will serve as priests and Levites (Isaiah 66:20–21), but only if they repent and believe in the true God.

• The first time the Lord reached out his hand was during the exodus. The second time will be in the future when the Messiah gathers non-Jewish people (Isaiah 11:10) and his own people living among them (11:11).

  The exodus remained a symbol of hope for those in exile (see Isaiah 11:16; 35:8; 40:3; 43:19–20; 48:21).

• The remnant of his people included Israelites who survived the Assyrian and Babylonian invasions and were exiled.

jealousy of Ephraim … and … Judah: The two kingdoms became enemies during Judah's war with the alliance of Syria and Israel (see Isaiah 7:1–12). In the future, they would work together in military missions.

• the Philistines to the west: The Philistines were Israel’s historic enemy.

• The nations to the east included the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites. All these enemies would be defeated.

Isaiah used images from Israel's past exodus to encourage his listeners. He promised that God would lead his people out of Assyria just as he led them out of Egypt (Exodus 14:29–15:18; see also Revelation 16:12).