It Starts Small

Today and tomorrow we are going to spend time in Isaiah 11. Isaiah’s description turns from God’s coming judgment against His people to an amazing future kingdom to come. The Lord had told him that Judah would be reduced to the stump of a once-great tree. Now Isaiah reveals that from that stump of the line of Jesse, a new shoot will emerge. This shoot will grow into a branch and would once more bear fruit. From our previous days, we understand the future leader of Israel described in this passage to be the same person he described in Isaiah 2 and 9. This is the promised Messiah: Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of God (Isaiah 11:1).

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on this leader. He will empower Him with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, and knowledge. He will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge people or situations by appearances that can be perceived with the senses or emotions.

Unlike some of Judah’s ancient kings, this leader will judge the poor with righteousness. He will give fairness to the powerless. He will not be powerless, however, striking the earth with His powerful words. He will kill the wicked with the breath of His lips. He will restore justice. Righteousness and faithfulness will be His belt and His foundation. He will be the perfect leader for Israel and for the world (Isaiah 11:2–5).

During the Messiah’s reign, it is said that even predator and prey animals will live in harmony. Wolves will live with lambs and leopards will rest near young goats. Lions and calves, as well as bears and cows will coexist without killing. Even little children will be safe from deadly snakes.

There is a lot of disagreement what this passage means. Some take it to mean the very nature of animals will be changed. Others believe the meaning is that these animals to represent nations at peace. That would suggest that these nations have lost all interest in conflict. They are now under the peaceful reign of the Son of God on earth. In either case, the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord. Understanding God widely is important. Living in submission to His Son will bring peace and unity. This is the key to the world’s ultimate peace (Isaiah 11:6–9).

When that time comes, this “root of Jesse,” will be a signal to all the non-Jewish nations or the world. All will acknowledge the glory of God resting on Mount Zion in Jerusalem (Isaiah 11:10).

The Lord will also bring Israelites back to the Promised Land despite them being scattered around the globe. This will include those from the northern ten tribes of Israel/Ephraim. It will also include those from the southern two tribes of Judah. The divided Israel will be reunited as one nation. United, they will defeat their enemies in the region. They will bring peace to their land. The Messiah will be their king (Isaiah 11:11–14).

To make their return possible, the Lord will create paths through the Sea of Egypt and the Euphrates River. As the Lord had done before when setting His people free from Egypt. He will create a highway from Assyria. This will allow His people in the east to return to the land given to them (Isaiah 11:15–16).

 How does the description of the Messiah in Isaiah 11:2-3 relate to Jesus Christ?

Reflect on the imagery used in Isaiah 11:6-9. How does it challenge your understanding of peace?

How might the promise of restoration in Isaiah 11:10-16 offer hope in today’s world?

What does the ‘stump of Jesse’ symbolize, and how can this symbolism provide hope during difficult times?

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