Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryIsaiah 11

The Coming King from Jesse’s Line This section is a beautiful prophecy about the Messiah, who would come from the family of Jesse, the father of King David. Isaiah describes the character and rule of this special King. He will be wise, fair, and filled with God's Spirit. Under His rule, there will be peace and justice, even nature will be changed. This passage points to Jesus Christ, who brings hope, righteousness, and a new kind of kingdom.v. 1: Isaiah says, A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit . This means a new leader will come from the family of David, even though it looks like the family tree has been cut down.

v. 2: The Spirit of the Lord

v. 3: He will delight in obeying the Lord

v. 4: With righteousness He will judge the poor and decide fairly for the meek of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips . The Messiah will protect the weak and punish evil.

v. 5: Righteousness will be His belt, and faithfulness the sash around His waist (Isaiah 11:5 ). He will always do what is right and can be trusted completely.

Advancement of Messiah's KingdomThis section gives a prophecy about how the kingdom of the Messiah will grow and become strong. It uses the example of how Judah became strong again after God defeated Sennacherib. This message is not only about past events but also about the future, when God will bring together people from many nations into the Messiah’s kingdom. God’s power will remove every obstacle so that people can come to Him.v. 10: The Messiah, called the “root of Jesse,” will be like a banner for all people. Many nations will come to Him, and His kingdom will be a place of peace and glory. This was partly seen when foreign leaders came to learn about God’s wonders in Jerusalem, but it points even more to Jesus. Paul quotes this verse, saying, “In him shall the Gentiles trust” (Romans 15:12 ). Jesus is the “root of David” (Revelation 5:5 ).

v. 11: God will reach out again to gather His people who are scattered in many lands. He will bring back those from Israel and Judah who have been forced to leave their homes. This will be like a second great rescue, similar to when He brought them out of Egypt (the Lord shall set his hand again the second time,.

v. 12: God will set up a sign for the nations and gather the people of Israel who have been driven away. He will bring together the scattered people of Judah from every place on earth (He shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah,; see also James 1:1 ).

v. 13-14: The old rivalry between the tribes of Judah and Ephraim will end. They will unite and together defeat their enemies. God’s people, both Jews and Gentiles, will be joined together in the Messiah’s kingdom and will be safe and strong (Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim, Isaiah 11:13-14 ; see also Ephesians 2:15 ).

v. 15: God will remove every obstacle that keeps His people apart. Just like He dried up the Red Sea and the River Jordan, He will make a way for the people to return. Nothing is too hard for Him (the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea,.

v. 16: There will be a clear and easy path for God’s people to return, like a highway. Just as God made a way for Israel out of Egypt, He will make a way for everyone He calls to join His kingdom (there shall be a highway for the remnant of his people, Isaiah 11:16 ; see also Isaiah 35:8 ).