Isaiah – Chapter 11 (2 sermons)

Introduction:

1. This is one of the best chapters in Isaiah, for its content, density, applicability, and heresies corrected.
   1. The content is entirely Messianic about the gospel era of the N.T. from the first verse to the last.
   2. The density is very high without other Judah, Israel, or other Middle East content of Isaiah’s time.
   3. The applicability includes us Gentiles clearly; Paul applied it to the church at Rome (Rom 15:12).
   4. The heresies corrected are the millennial fantasies and fables of Jews and Zionist premillennialists.
2. The gospel-spiritual kingdom of Jesus has been mentioned, but this prophecy is much more extensive.
   1. In chapter 1 it was alluded to very simply in one verse that points ahead to a new era (Isaiah 1:26).
   2. In chapter 2 it was summarized in a few verses with much content of this chapter (Isaiah 2:2-4).
   3. In chapter 4 Isaiah described a new era with beauty, glory, holiness, and Presence (Isaiah 4:2-6).
   4. In chapter 6 a great blinding is foretold, but an elect tenth would get the kingdom (Isaiah 6:9-13).
   5. In chapter 7 the promise of Immanuel is given for a sign of the virgin-born King (Isaiah 7:14-15).
   6. In chapter 8 Immanuel as rock and stone would be a sanctuary and stumbling (Isaiah 8:7-8,13-18).
   7. In chapter 9 plain promises of David’s Son and His gospel kingdom are given (Isaiah 9:1-2,6-7).
   8. In chapter 10 there is an obscure reference to the Messiah – David’s Anointed Son (Isaiah 10:27).
3. This chapter needs to be understood thoroughly before proceeding, for many prophecies are similar.
   1. If you cannot grasp or accept spiritual interpretation of similitudes, more obscure ones are coming.
   2. Until you recognize and believe that the gospel era is by far most important, you will be hindered.
   3. The careful steps of timing followed in the interpretation here will also be followed elsewhere.

 

David’s Son to Set Up Kingdom  –  Verses 1-5  

 

 

1  And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

1. Is there a connection here between the preceding prophecy and this one about Messiah?
   1. The ruin of Sennacherib was in 631 B.C. (Ptolemy corrected); Jesus born in 5 B.C.
   2. Yet, God crushed and lifted the Assyrian threat because of the anointing (Is 10:27).
   3. This prophecy of Sennacherib’s ruin followed explicit Messiah facts (Is 9:1-2,6-7).
   4. See the introduction to the chapter above for Messianic prophecies thus far in Isaiah.
   5. Exposition of Isaiah 10 (10:27 for anointing) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/isaiah-10.pdf.
2. Others waste much time parsing rod, stem, branch, and roots, but we will not go there.
   1. The words matter little, for the only issue here is Messiah the descendant of David.
   2. The Holy Spirit used various plant terms (Isaiah 11:10; Rom 15:12; Rev 5:5; 22:16).
   3. But the matter at stake is Messiah coming from Jesse and David (Is 11:10; Ac 13:22).
3. Jesus was and is a Man – any confusion here will compromise doctrine and/or worship.
   1. He is the Man Christ Jesus (I Tim 2:5) – born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth.
   2. He is tied to the first woman (Eve), to a virgin (Mary), and to all women (I Ti 2:15).
   3. He was the Word made flesh, truly Immanuel, but His human nature died for us.
   4. The Sonship of Jesus Christ (slides) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/sonship-simplified-slides.pdf.
   5. Sonship of Jesus Christ (sermons) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/bible/christ/sonship-of-christ.php.
4. Jesus the Messiah was of Abraham, Judah, and especially of David for God’s purposes.
   1. Thus the New Testament opens with Jesus from Abraham and David (Matthew 1:1).
   2. He is Seed of the woman, Shiloh of Judah, Star of Jacob (Ge 3:16; 49:10; Nu 24:17).
   3. Also Son of God, He is of David (Matt 1:20; 12:23; 21:9; Acts 2:30; Rom 1:3; etc.).
   4. He was legally David’s son by Joseph (Matt 1:6) and biologically by Mary (Lu 3:31).
   5. Genealogies of Jesus … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/sermons/christ/genealogy-of-jesus/sermon.php.
5. David tried to build God a house, but God promised to build him one (II Sam 7:1-11).
   1. God’s promise of David’s eternal throne is key (Ps 89:1-4; Is 55:3; Acts 13:34; etc.).
   2. He Deserves Better than That! … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/he-deserves-better-than-that.pdf.
   3. Exceeding Magnifical … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/sermons/church/exceeding-magnifical/sermon.php.
6. Jesus the Son of David (sermon outline) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/jesus-the-son-of-david.pdf.

 

2  And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

1. God promised Him the Spirit above all others, and He did so (Ps 45:7; Heb 1:9; Jn 3:34).
   1. His prophesied anointing was significant (Psalm 2:1-2; 89:19-21; 132:17; Dan 9:24).
   2. He was anointed at His John Baptist baptism (Is 61:1; Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38).
   3. The Spirit rested upon Jesus and never left Him, as John witnessed (John 1:32-34).
   4. The Holy Spirit is with Jesus; He is called the Spirit of Christ (Rom 8:9; Gal 4:6).
   5. The Holy Spirit is with Jesus; He can remove Him from churches (Rev 2:5; 3:1; 5:6).
   6. Jesus is the Word made flesh, but His human nature perfected wisdom by the Spirit.
   7. Yet, wisdom by the Word and Spirit did not include all divine things (Mark 13:32).
   8. As mediator, the combined Godman, He was inferior and subordinate (I Cor 15:28).
2. Before parsing these six descriptions of Holy Spirit power in Jesus, let’s combine them.
   1. Paul declared all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge were in Christ (Col 2:3).
   2. His discernment and doctrine were perfect and immediate (Matt 7:28; 16:8; 22:33).
   3. God had given Him perfect comprehension of all things (John 7:16-17; 18:19-21).
   4. Hearing Him preach, even by enemies, brought the discovery (John 7:14-15,45-46).
   5. Most of the Gospels and much of the epistles could be linked here for more support.
3. Wisdom and understanding … Jesus had them by the Holy Spirit of Jehovah as foretold.
   1. They may be divided as the power of right judgment and grasp of all circumstances.
   2. While we want to exalt our Lord as high as possible, excessive parsing is distracting.
   3. He grew in wisdom along with stature (Luke 2:52), but baptism gave Him the Spirit.
   4. He could take apart their best laid plans to trap Him (Matt 22:15-46; John 8:1-11).
   5. Whether de facto government by currency or no marriage in heaven, He taught truth.
4. Counsel and might … Jesus had them both by the Holy Spirit of Jehovah as prophesied.
   1. They may be divided as conveying wisdom and courageous strength to execute it.
   2. While we want to exalt our Lord as high as possible, excessive parsing is distracting.
   3. Isaiah already introduced us His name of Wonderful and Counselor (Isaiah 9:6-7).
   4. He exposed the Pharisees and taught the true righteousness of God (Matt 5:19-20).
   5. He gave counsel about the temple and drove the offenders out, twice (John 2:13-17).
5. Knowledge and fear of the LORD … Jesus had them by the Holy Spirit of Jehovah God.
   1. They may be divided as aware of all facts and perfect grasp of God’s will & worship.
   2. While we want to exalt our Lord as high as possible, excessive parsing is distracting.
   3. He showed it at 12; He shamed all opponents (Luke 2:46-47; Matt 7:28-29; 22:46).
   4. His Sermon on the Mount corrected abuse after abuse of scribes (Matt 5:21-22, etc.).
   5. With the adulteress and other traps He easily saw the cruel compromise (Jn 8:1-11).

 

3  And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

1. The Holy Spirit gave Jesus the ability to respond immediately with God’s perfect will.
   1. Though he was sorely tried by Satan and enemies, He always had the perfect answer.
   2. His answers caused hearers great joy and those asking to wisely avoid it in the future.
2. As He taught disciples, He did not fall for mere appearances in a matter (John 7:21-24).
   1. Most people only reason in terms of black and white based on things seen or heard.
   2. For example – they saw only one angle of Jesus healing on the Sabbath – the letter.
   3. David saw and grasped far more, so Jesus blessed him (Matt 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28).
3. This is a tremendous trait of our Lord, and one we should aspire to acquire in prudence.
   1. Real wisdom is circumspect, seeing all angles of a case for God’s will (Ep 5:15-17).
   2. The woman taken in adultery is how He judged beyond appearance (John 8:1-11).
4. Christian Ethics (slides linked to slides) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/christian-ethics-case-studies.pdf.

 

4  But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

1. This character and conduct is opposite Jews in context (Is 1:15-17,23; 3:14-15; 10:1-2).
2. Jesus would not fall for false witnesses or slanderers seeking to devour the poor or weak.
   1. He judged to the superlative degree what king Lemuel’s mother taught (Pr 31:4-9).
   2. He rescued the adulteress from the legal corruption of the Jewish rulers (Jn 8:1-11).
   3. He blasted the hypocrisy of the Jews for long prayers to fleece widows (Matt 23:14).
   4. Whether little believing children or the Canaanite woman, Jesus defended the poor.
   5. He saw a widow giving two mites and exalted her above rich givers (Luke 21:1-4).
3. Jesus’ doctrine crushed the foolish errors of men and exposed their wicked agendas.
   1. They durst not ask more questions after He exposed their heresies and wickedness.
   2. The Sermon on the Mount was a fabulous paradigmatic correction of the Pharisees.
   3. With authority He rebuked the Jews for turning the temple into a den of thieves.
   4. With authority He told the Jews they would burn and His kingdom go to Gentiles.
   5. With authority He told the Jews they were not of His sheep possessing eternal life.
   6. With authority He told Caiaphas and rulers they would see Him coming in power.
   7. With authority He told the Jewish leaders they could not escape hell’s damnation.
   8. With authority He mocked their phylacteries, praying, fasting, giving, vows, etc.

 

5  And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

1. What wonderful words from merely a political-social standpoint – a perfect monarch!
   1. David foretold such a king but knew his natural sons did not match (II Sam 23:2-5).
   2. Moses required traits inferior to Jesus (Ex 18:21; 23:6-8; Deut 1:13-17; 16:18-20).
   3. Jehoshaphat also required traits and conduct, but inferior to Jesus (II Chr 19:5-11).
2. The girdle of his loins – a decorative ornament to bind loose clothes – used for action.
   1. Isaiah listed the girdle in his catalog of female attire as something attractive (Is 3:24).
   2. It is described for men as a tight article to hold without slipping (Is 22:21; Jer 13:11).
   3. Jesus’ rule of God’s kingdom would be adorned and maintained in righteousness.
   4. Jesus loved righteousness, hated iniquity, and was honored for it (Ps 45:7; Heb 1:9).
   5. He always did the things approved and defined as right by the righteous God of all.
3. The girdle of his reins – the binding rule of motives and emotions – to control thoughts.
   1. Reins intend internal affections or feelings (Ps 7:9; 16:7; 26:2; 73:21; Pr 23:15-16).
   2. Peter exhorted men to gird up the loins of their minds – to think right (I Peter 1:3).
   3. Jesus’ rule of God’s kingdom would be adorned and maintained in true faithfulness.
   4. Jesus is the Faithful and True Witness of great faithfulness (Rev 3;14; 19:11; 22:6).
   5. Faithfulness, truth, integrity, loyalty, and related aspects make an impeccable king.

 

  His Kingdom of Internal Peace  –  Verses 6-9  

 

 

6  The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

1. Some few rules of interpretation will help us avoid the Legion of lies taught from here.
   1. The timing is final by the context on both sides of this section – the N.T. gospel era.
   2. The also here ties this section to the previous one – peace in addition to His just rule.
   3. The in that day of verse ten ties this section to the next by a demonstrative adjective.
   4. The timing is connected to God’s holy mountain and worldwide knowledge (Is 11:9).
   5. The character of the reign of David’s Son by the Holy Ghost is the key (Is 11:1-5).
   6. The conversion of Jews and Gentiles by the gospel is the divine event (Is 11:10-12).
   7. The elimination of hatred between Ephraim and Judah gives another view (Is 11:13).
   8. The prophets used similitudes, so there are no literal or real animals (Hosea 12:10).
   9. With seventeen creatures to illustrate one similitude, we shall not inspect each one.
   10. For a person reading and believing this far, they were already taught this (Is 2:2-4).
2. The foolish, ignorant, or malicious Zionists have made a monstrosity from this section.
   1. Paul warned against Jewish fables early (Tit 1:14), and they interpret this literally.
   2. Dispensationalists, always in love with the Jews, the blindest of men, follow them.
   3. Futurists envision zoos eliminating cages and fences for attempts at crossbreeding?
   4. They write Bible story books with pictures of a little child and wild beasts of prey.
   5. Their ability is limited to drawing their fantasies, for they cannot interpret scripture.
   6. Principal heretics are C.I. Scofield, Clarence Larkin, Tim LaHaye, John Hagee, etc.
   7. They chose to deny Jesus His reign like murderous Jews before them (Luke 19:14).
   8. The solution for those postponing Messiah’s reign is terrible indeed (Luke 19:27)!
   9. But we know from many angles that Jesus has been reigning as King for 2000 years.
   10. It is only Jewish fables or willful ignorance to think Jesus is waiting to be crowned.
3. Here is the truth – Jesus’ spiritual reign would change the hurtful, violent nature of men.
   1. The Holy Spirit put the truth in plain sight, if any man will read to the end (Is 11:9).
   2. Jesus Christ’s spiritual kingdom would be peaceful for all by worldwide knowledge.
   3. The gospel of the kingdom was preached in all the world before 70 A.D. (Mat 24:14).
   4. Jesus would rule righteously and faithfully … also with harmony and peace (Is 11:5).
   5. The animosity and enmity among nations would disappear under His rule (Is 2:2-4).
   6. Jesus would take away longstanding envy and vexation among men (Is 11:13-14).
   7. The character and nature of man is hateful, selfish, destructive, and violent (Tit 3:3).
   8. The regenerating grace and power of Christ changes men (Eph 2:1-3; Phil 2:12-16).
   9. The glorious truth and wisdom of His gospel changes men (II Co 5:17; II Pet 1:3-4).
   10. This interpretation is plain and obvious to anyone that will read chapter and section before drawing a little effeminate lad in pajamas feeding Skittles to a huge Grizzly.
   11. There is peace and safety for all in the N.T. gospel kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.
   12. There should never be envy, strife, divisions, or schisms; Christians hate all disunity.
4. Here is the illustration – a few simple thoughts about the creatures listed in the text.
   1. Wolves usually eat lambs, but they live together without desire to eat – or fear of it!
   2. Leopards usually eat young goats, but the leopard would relax and sleep near a kid.
   3. A calf, young lion, and fatling are entirely incompatible, but they would congregate.
   4. Furthermore, a young child could lead all three, though very different by their nature.
   5. In a church, all members will respect others, even the strong and aged respect youth.
   6. Jesus accepted adulation of children and rejected what seminary grads demanded.
   7. Paul ordered kingdom respect for Timothy though by age he would be dishonored.
5. Here is the distraction – Isaiah used three verses of similitudes to illustrate the one rule.
   1. All that is in the three verses are animals to illustrate the prophecy of peace (Is 11:9).
   2. All that is in the three verses are animal combinations or traits contrary to nature.
   3. The seventeen creatures or living things illustrate and shout a change in character.
   4. The most cruel, violent, and destructive are matched with the vulnerable and weak.
   5. If you wish to study each animal, then join the Girl Scouts and visit a large zoo.
   6. There is not a single creature listed that you need to study beyond basic knowledge.
   7. You want to know what an asp and cockatrice are? They are snakes. Happy now?
   8. What if they were black widow spiders? Would that change the interpretation? No!
   9. Are you the safest member in the church? The one least likely to ever hurt another?
   10. Do you do all in your power to make peace among all members at all times? Do it!
6. Here is the fulfillment – converts and churches of the N.T. fulfilled the section perfectly.
   1. The Gadarene shocked his town by a total change of nature and life (Mark 5:1-20).
   2. Our King’s lesson of the Good Samaritan shocked a selfish lawyer (Luke 10:29-37).
   3. Saul of Tarsus was the most violent man – turned into a gentle nurse (I Thess 2:7).
   4. A mighty centurion of Italy worshipped a redneck fisherman of Galilee (Acts 10:25).
   5. A jailor abused Paul and Silas … then washed and fed them (Acts 16:23-24,33-34).
   6. Jews from all over with very different backgrounds had total peace (Acts 2:42-47).
   7. Jews and Gentiles hated each other, but they embraced liberty to love one another.
   8. Christ ends differences of sex, race, culture, nation, status, etc. (Gal 3:28; Col 3:11).
   9. International peace like the U.N. is not the prophecy, but rather Christians at peace.
   10. The swords into plowshares sculpture at the U.N. is from the most violent U.S.S.R.
   11. Thus your pastor has committed to preach on brotherly love at least once a quarter.
   12. Thus there is emphasis on body life outside assemblies to take us beyond the RCC.
7. Here is the application – if you have bitterness, grudges, hatred – you may not be saved.
   1. This king said, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matt 18:3-4).
   2. Without joyful, loving, peaceful unity with Christians, you are Esau (Heb 12:12-17).
   3. Christians are known by love, not by doctrine, fighting, or strictness (John 13:35).
   4. If you do not live selflessly, exalting others, you are not a citizen of Zion (Psalm 15).
   5. Put off the old man of fighting and put on the new of love and peace (II Cor 13:11).
   6. Envy and strife are from the devil and hell; never think otherwise (James 3:14-18).
   7. It takes constant conviction and work to keep a church in Holy Spirit unity (Eph 4:3).
   8. God’s grace and gospel – two things – make radical changes in men (Eph 4:29-32).
   9. It is a testimony to God’s glorious grace that visitors see Isaiah 11:6-9 in our church.
   10. Some Christians come from selfish, hurtful families and genes and know not peace.
   11. Like belly worshippers, most churches have snakes, and God and pastors hate them.
   12. David knew pretenders with twisted hearts and minds may sneak in (Ps 144:7-8,11).
   13. Good pastors know, feed, and maneuver them until God and he cut their heads off.
   14. Paul rebuked Euodias and Syntyche very publicly for all men of all time (Phil 4:2).
8. Here are the specifics – for you to examine your relationships in light of kingdom rules.
   1. Our King by example and doctrine requires esteem in heaven and earth (Luke 2:52).
   2. Some have few real friends – certain evidence they have not learned love or peace.
   3. Husbands had better not discourage or hurt their wives (Malachi 2:13; I Peter 3:7).
   4. Even one Christian spouse in a marriage can give peace (I Cor 7:14-16; I Pet 3:1-2).
   5. Wives were made for husbands, but husbands are to show great love (Eph 5:25-30).
   6. Shechem and Solomon showed that only fools are harsh with wives (Gen 34:3; SS).
   7. Fathers should not provoke or discourage children (Eph 6:4; Col 3:21; Ps 103:13).
   8. Every contention is always due to pride, so hate it and forgive everyone (Prov 13:10).
   9. Anyone holding a grudge has a devilish heart, and Jesus will judge him/her (Jas 5:9).
   10. You are at all times the least important person in the church without regard to self.
   11. Let me tell you the plain truth – there is nothing special about you – think J-O-Y.
   12. The Definition of Love (I Cor 13:4-7) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/definition-of-love.pdf.
   13. Relationships Chart (to recall all of them) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/relationships-chart.pdf.
   14. Oral Love in Marriage … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/marriage-speech-lips-mouth-tongue.pdf.

 

7  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

1. Read and embrace the notes for the opening verse (Is 11:6), which will answer this one.
2. Carnivores were herbivores before the Flood, but such knowledge has little value here.
3. The cow and the bear would pursue their own growth without fear or desire of the other.
   1. A cow would ordinarily be unable to eat and nourish itself with a bear due to fear.
   2. A bear would ordinarily be unable to eat and nourish itself with a cow due to desire.
4. Natural parents in the flesh tell children not to play with so-and-so, but not in the church.
   1. The New Testament eliminated the ordinary differences of race, nation, status, etc.
   2. Class and racial distinctions so important among natural men would end in Christ.
5. Lions, intensely competitive and ferocious in appetite, territory, etc. would be at peace.
   1. Picture the ox munching on its straw, no harm to any living thing, and copy the lion.
   2. Both creatures, though differing greatly in nature, would be fed by the same supply.
   3. The lion, as testosterone-filled as any, would be docile like the testosterone-less ox.

 

8  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.

1. Read and embrace the notes for the opening verse (Is 11:6), which will answer this one.
2. What is an asp? A venomous serpent or snake, likely the Egyptian cobra. Get the lesson!
   1. This dangerous snake would no threat to a helpless, inquiring, simple, nursing infant.
   2. The child may play – take pleasure in approaching Christians that had been violent.
   3. None in a church of Jesus Christ should fear – especially children of their Master.
   4. New converts or novices need not fear older men with great knowledge and zeal.
3. What is cockatrice? An adder or venomous serpent or snake of some kind (Jer 8:17).
   1. Even a Christian with little achievement may be bold with the greatest in Christ.
   2. Jesus declared that even the least in the kingdom was greater than John the Baptist.
   3. These fatal adders cannot be charmed (Ps 58:4-5), but King Jesus charmed such men.
   4. The most insensitive and inconsiderate of men would be harmless to the ignorant.

 

9  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

1. The peaceful character and conduct of Christ’s kingdom would be gloriously different.
   1. Kingdoms of Judah and Israel – assassinations, betrayal, cruelty, violence, war, etc.
   2. Even David’s kingdom had division, murder, sedition, and treason, and he knew it.
   3. The kingdoms of this world are constantly at war internally and externally, always.
   4. International peace of pagans is not the prophecy, but rather Christians of all nations.
   5. Our website and inquiries from 230 nations are met with blood-brother affection.
2. The holy mountain here is the N.T. kingdom and gospel era of the Lord Jesus Christ.
   1. You may read of the true Mt. Sion and Jerusalem from Paul to Jews (Heb 12:22-24).
   2. If you forget or neglect his truth, you will be vulnerable to Jewish fables and heresies.
   3. Exposition of Isaiah 2 (for 2:2-4 for holy mountain) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/isaiah-2.pdf.
3. What are you doing to make sure there is no harm or destruction in the holy Mt. Zion?
   1. King Jesus ordered great efforts to preserve peace (Matt 5:9; Eph 4:3; Jas 3:14-18).
   2. See the notes for the opening verse in this section above for application (Isaiah 11:6).
   3. The gospel of Christ is so much more than doctrines of election and predestination.
4. Grasp the connection between a peaceful kingdom and preaching the gospel worldwide.
   1. All nations of the earth have fought internally and externally since Cain and Abel.
   2. The N.T. kingdom of Jesus Christ would include men from all nations (Is 2:2; 11:10).
   3. The conflict and hatred of these nations is indicated in context here (Is 11:11-14).
   4. The gospel – rules of citizenship for Christ’s kingdom – defines and orders peace.
   5. Whether America or Russia, India or Pakistan, the gospel demands selfless peace.
   6. Since the gospel went worldwide before 70 A.D., it brought all Christians to unity.
   7. In our King there are no national, cultural, or racial distinctions (Gal 3:28; Col 3:11).
5. The earth and sea here describe the gospel conversion of many worldwide in all nations.
   1. For God’s elect are united in every kindred, tongue, people, and nation at war before.
   2. This language does not mean universal peace of all men, elect and reprobates alike.
   3. This language means universal peace among Christians from all the earth’s nations.
   4. Learn the context for this prophecy, which is a gospel fulfillment of Christian peace.
   5. Learn prophetic language that uses universal terms differently than you use them.
   6. Israel is used all over the Bible, but there are two Israels, which you should recall.
   7. The earth, all nations, Gentiles are used for elect in them (Rev 5:9; 7:9; Rom 9:24).
   8. The Great Commission (all the earth heard) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/great-commission.pdf.

 

  Gentiles and Jews Both Gathered  –  Verses 10-12  

 

 

10  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

1. There are a lot of days in Isaiah, but that day here is the N.T. gospel era of Jesus Christ.
   1. There are 115 occurrences of day or days in this prophet. We define each by context.
   2. There are four occurrences of that day in this and the next chapter for the gospel era.
   3. Paul applied the first occurrence right here to the gospel era to Gentiles (Rom 15:12).
   4. Furthermore, the previous context, from the beginning is of Jesus at His first coming; the opening section of this chapter has no other fulfillment than Christ (Is 11:1-5).
   5. The other occurrences of that day continue for the gospel era (Isaiah 11:11; 12:1,4).
2. The timing of this prophecy is of great importance, and it cannot be compromised at all.
   1. The context absolutely confirms the gospel era; use it to interpret the whole chapter.
   2. Scofield premillennialists say it is yet in the future when Jesus will reign as a king.
   3. But we know from many angles that Jesus has been reigning as King for 2000 years.
   4. The future tense is only to Isaiah; it was past for Paul to quote it for existing things.
   5. Paul quoted the future tense for Romans 15:12 to maintain prophetic perspective.
   6. It was not future to Paul at all – read his context – but it was future to Isaiah here.
   7. Should we err with timing by assuming an apostle made an error quoting accurately?
3. Prophetic perspective separates future tense of the O.T. prophet from N.T. fulfillment.
   1. Future tense of Acts 2:17 was future only to Joel, not Peter limiting it to Pentecost.
   2. Future tense of Acts 15:16 was future only to Amos, not James limiting it to then.
   3. Future tense of Heb 8:8-12 was future only to Jeremiah, not Paul limiting it to then.
   4. Future tense of Heb 12:26 was future only to Haggai, not Paul who limited it to then.
   5. Future tense of Mat 17:11 was future only to Malachi, not Jesus, limiting it to then.
   6. Future tense of Rom 11:26-27 was future only to Isaiah, not Paul limiting it to then.
   7. These events are 2000 years past; we defy Futurists that foolishly make them future.
4. The root of Jesse is Jesus the Son of David. Do not let the plant terms bother you at all.
   1. Others may waste time parsing rod, stem, branch, and roots, but we will not do so.
   2. The words matter little, for the only issue here is Messiah the descendant of David.
   3. The Holy Spirit used various plant terms (Isaiah 11:1; Rom 15:12; Rev 5:5; 22:16).
   4. But the matter at stake is Messiah coming from Jesse and David (Is 11:1; Ac 13:22).
   5. Jesse’s family might have appeared dead, but there was life in the root (Job 14:7-9).
   6. Both branch (Is 11:1) and root (Is 11:10) are Jesus Christ of David (Jer 23:5; 33:15).
   7. Inspired prophets called Jesus, David (Jer 30:9; Ezek 34:23; 37:24-25; Hosea 3:5).
5. Jesus the Son of David (outline) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/jesus-the-son-of-david.pdf.
   1. Romans 15 (exposition for Romans 15:12) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/romans-fifteen.pdf.
   2. Jesus of Nazareth is first ensign of the people of Israel – their Leader and Commander.
   3. Ensign. A badge or symbol of dignity or office; chiefly plural – the Latin insignia.
   4. This is a military standard or banner to muster an army (Isaiah 49:22; 59:19; 62:10).
   5. The Branch or Root of Jesse or David grew up to be publicly known by all the earth.
   6. Try to imagine the hippie at a garden door with an ensign? Military terms defy Him.
   7. Jesus Christ has the key of David by John’s inspired words – His authority (Rev 3:7).
   8. Jesus was sent first to His people (Gen 49:10; Matt 10:6; 15:24; Acts 1:8; Rom 1:16).
   9. David was a glorious king to Israel, but Jesus far better to both Israel and Gentiles.
   10. The great shepherd of the sheep had to gather Gentiles also (John 10:16; 11:51-52).
   11. In one way this Ensign was lifted up being murdered on a Roman cross (John 12:32).
   12. By 144,000 Jewish missionaries? Never! Twelve apostles with far greater power!
6. The Gentiles would also seek to this ensign, banner, standard of Jesus the Son of David.
   1. Gentiles rallied to the banner of their King and Savior by the gospel for 2000 years.
   2. This is an incredible thing – that the darkest idolaters of men would love the Savior.
   3. The council at Jerusalem heard the gospel exploits of Peter and Paul (Acts 15:7-12).
   4. This is Jesus Christ the Prince of the kings of the earth, and Gentiles flocked to Him.
   5. Psalm 2 gloriously prophesied of this event fulfilled at His ascension (Heb 1:1-14).
   6. Jesus declared to John He had taken His rule over the Gentiles (Rev 2:26-27; 3:21).
   7. More than Gentiles, Jesus was also promoted over all angels/devils (Eph 1:20-22).
   8. Better than His rule over enemy Gentiles is His rule over His believers (Gen 49:10).
   9. Men have pressed into His kingdom since the John the Baptist (Luke 11:20; 16:16).
7. Consider examples of Gentiles and make sure you match their grace, faith, and works.
   1. Why were Greeks in Jerusalem ignoring the apostles to see Jesus Christ (Jn 12:21)?
   2. Why was the Ethiopian eunuch in Jerusalem and reading Isaiah 53 (Acts 8:26-40)?
   3. Why was an Italian centurion in Caesarea always praying to God (Acts 10:1-48)?
   4. Why did a Philippian jailor cry to be saved? There was no Savior but Paul’s Jesus!
   5. Jesus charged the apostles; they took the gospel to the world (Mat 24:14; Col 1:6,23).
8. The rest of Messiah is glorious – no earthly kingdom of gentle snakes on sand in Israel.
   1. Listen to His glorious words about rest from labor and heavy loads (Matt 11:28-30).
   2. The real rest is in the gospel, not in anything of Moses and the O.T. (Heb 4:1-11).
   3. David had prophesied of His rest surpassing that of rest in Canaan (Psalm 95:7-11).
   4. One High Priest and one sacrifice has forever destroyed other priests or offerings.
   5. Jesus finished all the Father gave Him to do and guaranteed eternal life (John 19:30).
   6. Baptism is the wonderful event when good consciences thank God for it (I Pet 3:21).
   7. The N.T. church is made of believers, those who trust in Christ, Jews and Gentiles.
9. The Kingdom of David (Acts 15 slides) … www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/dispensationalists-best-verse.pdf.
10. Gospel Millennium … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/sermons/prophecy/gospel-millennium/sermon.php.
11. You should also seek to Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven for us (Ac 4:12).
    1. Do you love Him today? Do you have a good conscience for all He did for you?
    2. Have you believed on Him in your heart and confessed Him openly by your mouth?
    3. Have you answered God with a good conscience by His resurrection from the dead?
    4. Communion is the church ordinance of affection and appreciation for this ensign.

 

11  And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

1. We know that day from the previous context – timing is absolutely the N.T. gospel era.
   1. It is certain in the first section (Is 11:1-5) and previous verse (Is 11:10; Rom 15:12).
   2. Do not allow any compromise about timing, or you will end up inventing heresies.
   3. Zionist premillennialists end up with a carnal, earthly kingdom of sand in Palestine.
2. For the second time, the Lord would do something special to recover a Jewish remnant.
   1. We absolutely know this recovery of Jews was by Jesus and apostles in the N.T. era.
   2. Do not allow any compromise about timing, or you will end up inventing heresies.
   3. Two choices – Babylon is second after Egypt … Messiah is second after Babylon.
   4. We do two things – disprove Egypt as the first recovery and Babylon as the second.
   5. There is only one other recovery … of a remnant … from various places … Babylon!
   6. The exodus from Egypt does not qualify … not a remnant … not from various places.
   7. This second recovery was of Israel and Judah (Is 11:12-13), so not from Babylon.
   8. This second recovery was joined with Gentiles (Is 11:9-10), so not from Babylon.
   9. This second recovery was from Egypt and islands of the sea, so not from Babylon.
   10. So the first recovery cannot be from Egypt, and the second cannot be from Babylon.
   11. Thus we conclude with certainty, the first was from Babylon, the second the gospel.
   12. If the gospel ensign of Christ, then it is not geographical as much as it is spiritual.
3. All these places in the world were where the scattered remnant of Israelites converted.
   1. Elect remnant Jews have been identified many times (Is 1:9; 10:20-22; 11:16; 46:3).
   2. We absolutely know this recovery of Jews was by Jesus and apostles in the N.T. era.
   3. Do not allow any compromise about timing, or you will end up inventing heresies.
   4. To stay on track, read these N.T. texts (Acts 2:5-11; 11:19; I Peter 1:1; 5:13; Jas 1:1).
   5. Assyria and Egypt had captive remnant Jews for the gospel ensign of Jesus Christ to find (II Chron 12:1-9; II Kings 15:29; 17:6; Jer 44:1,15; Am 5:27; Ezra 4:2).
   6. The other places listed are near Assyria or Egypt and known and unknown islands.
   7. Some Jews regathered locationally but the greater number was recovered spiritually.
   8. This is the gospel era of worldwide conversions of Jews and Gentiles (Ac 15:13-18).

 

12  And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

1. The ensign has been clearly identified as Jesus Christ the Son of David to recover Jews.
   1. The event under consideration in this chapter is the first coming of Jesus of Nazareth.
   2. The kingdom of Jesus for all nations and Jews was foretold earlier (Isaiah 2:2-4).
   3. The ensign, Jesus Christ and His gospel kingdom, were for all the Gentile nations.
   4. The standard, banner, flag, or coat of arms was the promised Messiah and His rule.
   5. The outcasts of Israel were Jews of the ten tribes scattered everywhere by Assyria.
   6. The dispersed of Judah were Jews of the two tribes scattered abroad by Babylon.
   7. The gospel eliminated all differences among them and called them to one kingdom.
2. The gospel ministry of the apostles reached throughout the whole world for Jews first.
   1. Jesus limited His ministry and His apostles’ to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
   2. He also told the apostles to expand their ministry outward from Jerusalem (Acts 1:8).
   3. Persecution and the Spirit led preachers further and further away (Acts 8:1; 13:1-4).
   4. To stay on track, read these N.T. texts (Acts 2:5-11; 11:19; I Peter 1:1; 5:13; Jas 1:1).
   5. Some Jews regathered locationally but the greater number was recovered spiritually.
   6. The million in Jerusalem and Israel by 70 A.D. were mostly reprobate blasphemers.
3. This is the gospel era of worldwide conversions of Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15:13-18).
   1. Paul began with the Jews in every city and in general but was redirected to Gentiles.
   2. Elect Gentiles were grafted in among elect Jews to make up a new temple of God.
   3. The Holy Spirit was given to Jesus without measure to build and adorn this kingdom.
   4. David’s tabernacle or kingdom was built by gospel converts of Jews and Gentiles.
4. Zionists and futurists foam about Jews moving to the Middle East, missing the spiritual.
   1. Like blinded Jews, they exalt the national and physical over the spiritual and eternal.
   2. The Jews hated Jesus of Nazareth because He did not fit their Marvel Comics ideal.
   3. Premillenialists like Scofield hate gospel millennialists for the very same reasons.

 

Enmity and Obstacles Eliminated  –  Verses 13-16  

 

 

13  The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

1. The timing of this prophecy is of great importance, and it cannot be compromised at all.
   1. The context, verses ten and eleven, absolutely requires the gospel era for the chapter.
   2. That day twice (Is 11:10-11) unites 1-11 and also twice (Is 11:6,13) combines 1-16.
   3. This event, a second recovery of remnant Jews, occurred only in the N.T. gospel era.
   4. This event, reconciliation of civil war, cannot happen again – no such division exists!
   5. There is a perfectly consistent, logical application of it to the apostolic, gospel era.
   6. Do not allow any compromise about timing, or you will end up inventing heresies.
2. The envy, adversaries, and vexation of these two enemies characterized Isaiah’s time.
   1. Ephraim had joined with Syria to destroy Judah if they could (Is 7:1-7; II Kgs 16:8).
   2. Ephraim always envied Judah, for Judah had Jerusalem, the temple, Mt. Zion, etc.
   3. Judah was adversary to Ephraim extending back to Israel’s revolt from Rehoboam.
   4. The change in character and conduct of both nations was profound and miraculous.
3. There would be peace in the kingdom of David as was previously presented differently.
   1. Instead of using the animal kingdom (Is 11:6-9), Isaiah used the longstanding hatred.
   2. The Jerusalem Church had members from all tribes in peace and unity (Acts 4:32).
   3. Ezekiel prophesied of this event with two sticks for each nation (Ezekiel 37:15-28).
4. Each effort you make to keep church peace, you fulfill related prophecies in this chapter.

 

14  But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.

1. The timing of this prophecy is of great importance, and it cannot be compromised at all.
   1. The context, verses ten and eleven, absolutely requires the gospel era for the chapter.
   2. That day twice (Is 11:10-11) unites 1-11 and also twice (Is 11:6,13) combines 1-16.
   3. This event, a second recovery of remnant Jews, occurred only in the N.T. gospel era.
   4. This event, a recovery of remnant Jews, cannot happen again – no such nations exist!
   5. There is a perfectly consistent, logical application of it to the apostolic, gospel era.
   6. Do not allow any compromise about timing, or you will end up inventing heresies.
2. Do not forget the importance of prophetic similitudes for language like this (Hos 12:10).
   1. For literalists, when did Israel again dominate all these nations as described here?
   2. This is a metaphor, using military dominance to describe spiritual, gospel successes.
3. The plural they here is Ephraim (ten tribes) and Judah (two tribes) combined (Is 11:13).
   1. The disjunctive but emphasizes the two nations now united to subdue former foes.
   2. The Philistines were west of Israel; Assyria and Babylon were together in the east.
   3. Enemies Edom, Moab, Ammon were generally east and south of Israel and Judah.
   4. For nations to be east, the Jews were back home to the west of those easterly nations.
   5. As Isaiah had already taught, Christ’s law would go forth from Jerusalem (Is 2:2-4).
4. This verse describes complete success and victory over well-known enemies of Israel.
   1. However, this is not Hezekiah, Zerubbabel, Nehemiah, or the Maccabees in a war.
   2. The context proves this is a spiritual conquest of gathering converts of these nations.
   3. The scattered remnant of Jews living among them would be converted to Messiah.
   4. The gospel of Christ would gain souls of enemies and kingdom peace united them.
   5. The gospel exploded out of Zion in stages and waves to turn the world upside down.
   6. Philip was found at Azotus or Ashdod of Philistia and Peter at Joppa for some time.

 

15  And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod.

1. The timing of this prophecy is of great importance, and it cannot be compromised at all.
   1. The context, verses ten and eleven, absolutely requires the gospel era for the chapter.
   2. That day twice (Is 11:10-11) unites 1-11 and also twice (Is 11:6,13) combines 1-16.
   3. This event, a second recovery of remnant Jews, occurred only in the N.T. gospel era.
   4. This event, a recovery of remnant Jews, cannot happen again – few Jews in Egypt!
   5. There is a perfectly consistent, logical application of it to the apostolic, gospel era.
   6. Do not allow any compromise about timing, or you will end up inventing heresies.
2. Do not forget the importance of prophetic similitudes for language like this (Hos 12:10).
   1. For literalists, what happened to poor Egypt when all their water utterly disappeared?
   2. This is a metaphor, using the Red Sea and Nile River as water hindrances to travel.
3. Jehovah, to assist the gospel conquests of the world, would get rid of water obstacles.
   1. Isaiah foretold conversions to the west in Egypt and neighbors past water barriers.
   2. The Egyptian sea is the Red Sea by location, and it does have the shape of a tongue.
   3. The Nile River empties into the Mediterranean Sea by seven lesser rivers or streams.
   4. These known obstacles hindered easy and rapid movement, so God destroyed them.
   5. If the water impediment were utterly destroyed, then men could travel must faster.
   6. There was no need to rent boats or circle any water; they went straight and dryshod!
   7. The highway out of Assyria in the next verse has no water in the way, so no mention.
4. Rejoice for other inspired highway prophecies of the apostolic, gospel N.T. era (Isaiah 11:11; 19:23-25; 27:12-13; 35:8-10; 40:3-5; 49:8-12; 57:14; 62:10-12). Hallelujah!
5. God made it easy and plain for some of His people to get locationally back to Judah.
   1. This recovery was described in this chapter from Egypt and elsewhere (Is 11:11).
   2. Some of Israel and Judah were captives or living in Egypt (Jer 24:8; 41:17; 44:1,28).
   3. The easy route would have God’s presence and provision like from Egypt to Canaan.
   4. Moses was a great leader by signs, so the apostles would do similarly (Mic 7:12-15).
   5. The Day of Pentecost had many Jews present from all over the region (Acts 2:5-11).
6. God made it easy and plain for most of His people to get spiritually to heavenly Zion.
   1. This is to be understood spiritually as God saved His elect sons in various locations.
   2. Never forget the opening of James … to the twelve tribes scattered abroad (Jas 1:1).
   3. Never forget the opening of I Peter … with the distant locations listed (I Pet 1:1-2).
   4. Some of these most took back from they heard and saw at Pentecost (Acts 2:5-11).
   5. Apollos was of Alexandria, Egypt to be a mighty gospel preacher (Acts 18:24-28).
7. You should thank God for destroying the obstacles for your conversion (II Thess 2:13).
   1. No wonder Paul asked prayer for this precise need – a free course (II Thess 3:1-2).
   2. Whether the Gadarene, eunuch, Cornelius, or jailor, the Lord got the word to them.
   3. If you will take the time, you will know He arranged many circumstances for you.

 

16  And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.

1. The timing of this prophecy is of great importance, and it cannot be compromised at all.
   1. The context, verses ten and eleven, absolutely requires the gospel era for the chapter.
   2. That day twice (Is 11:10-11) unites 1-11 and also twice (Is 11:6,13) combines 1-16.
   3. This event, a second recovery of remnant Jews, occurred only in the N.T. gospel era.
   4. This event, a recovery of remnant Jews, cannot happen again – no Jews in Assyria!
   5. There is a perfectly consistent, logical application of it to the apostolic, gospel era.
   6. Do not allow any compromise about timing, or you will end up inventing heresies.
2. Do not forget the importance of prophetic similitudes for language like this (Hos 12:10).
   1. For literalists, is this an American highway or Chinese highway, or just a metaphor?
   2. This is a simile, using the term of highway, by comparison to the exodus from Egypt.
3. Jehovah, to assist gospel conversion of His remnant, would recover them from Assyria.
   1. The easiest way to travel far, as from Assyria to Jerusalem, would be by a highway.
   2. This highway would have every provision for travel like in the exodus from Egypt.
   3. There are no hindering bodies of water like Egypt (Is 11:15), so none are mentioned.
4. Rejoice for other inspired highway prophecies of the apostolic, gospel N.T. era (Isaiah 11:11; 19:23-25; 27:12-13; 35:8-10; 40:3-5; 49:8-12; 57:14; 62:10-12). Hallelujah!
5. God made it easy and plain for some of His people to get locationally back to Judah.
   1. This recovery was described in this chapter from Assyria and elsewhere (Is 11:11).
   2. Many of Israel and Judah were taken captive by Assyria in several stages of capture.
   3. The highway would have God’s presence and provision like from Egypt to Canaan.
   4. Moses was a great leader by signs, so the apostles would do similarly (Mic 7:12-15).
   5. The Day of Pentecost had many Jews present from all over the region (Acts 2:5-11).
6. God made it easy and plain for most of His people to get spiritually to heavenly Zion.
   1. This is to be understood spiritually as God saved His elect sons in various locations.
   2. Never forget the opening of James … to the twelve tribes scattered abroad (Jas 1:1).
   3. Never forget the opening of I Peter … with the distant locations listed (I Pet 1:1-2).
   4. Some of these most took back from they heard and saw at Pentecost (Acts 2:5-11).
   5. Peter wrote from a church in Babylon, about 1000 miles from Jerusalem (I Pet 5:13).
7. You should thank God for destroying the obstacles for your conversion (II Thess 2:13).
   1. No wonder Paul asked prayer for this precise need – a free course (II Thess 3:1-2).
   2. Whether the Gadarene, eunuch, Cornelius, or jailor, the Lord got the word to them.
   3. If you will take the time, you will know He arranged many circumstances for you.