Isaiah 11 Commentary
A good teacher uses many examples to explain one point. Isaiah uses countless symbols and images, not to explain a point, but to explain an indefinite number of lines of prophecy that neatly converge on the LORD Jesus Christ. Probably, no other book has this amount of visuals and teaching aids.
Each image has its own context. Therefore, each set of symbols has its own unique taste. Saints who claim that the LORD Jesus Christ is their ‘everything’ would enjoy a journey into these many facets of the same blessing.
The Branch of Chapter 4 was a “Cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night.”
Isaiah has lifted Israel’s experiences in the wilderness and projected a similar experience under the future Branch. The Branch will wash away the filth of the women of Zion.
Chapter 11 anchors its message in the LORD’s promise to David as recorded in Second Samuel 7. But there is more. David’s son is now called the Branch. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him. The Spirit of wisdom and of understanding; the Spirit of counsel and of might; the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. It is a complete cast!
The “armor of Ephesians” mirrors Verse 5 of this chapter. The Branch has righteousness for his belt and faithfulness as his sash.
To explain his earlier title of the LORD Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace, Isaiah uses another interesting set of images. The infant will play near the cobra’s den. The wolf will live with the lamb. It is a time of total peace!
Isaiah’s picture is drawn with thoughts of Eden, the wilderness, his own time, his immediate future, and his distant future. It includes the closing days of history and the life we know.
However, as warned by the Prince of Peace Himself, this peace isn’t exactly like the peace the world gives!
Isaiah has a global appeal. It’s for humanity! “To recover the remnant of His people who are left, from Assyria and Egypt, from Pathros and Cush, from Elam and Shinar, from Hamath, and the islands of the sea.” Verse 11.
Salvation in the LORD Jesus Christ isn’t an isolated blessing. All are welcome. All must find their way back to the LORD. It is a global call. We are all included. We are all invited.
The LORD then promises another exodus. Verse 16. An individual enslaved by sin and the desires of the flesh can be rescued. That is the function of the Branch, the LORD Jesus.
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