Isa 11 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-9 The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, #Col 1:19; 2:9|. Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.

‏ Isaiah 11

* The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects. (1-9)

The conversion of the Gentiles and Jews. (10-16)

1-9 The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words

signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily

broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the

royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground,

it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low

at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early

notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy

Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon

him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him,

#Col 1:19; 2:9|. Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy

Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of

the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be

just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall

be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word.

There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The

gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the

meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it

shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the

great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of

troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they

shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not

only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us

from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the

more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better

disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge

shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this

blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of

Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is

not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and

endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his

kingdom of peace. 10-16 When the gospel should be publicly preached, the Gentiles

would seek Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and find rest

of soul. When God's time is come for the deliverance of his

people, mountains of opposition shall become plains before him.

God can soon turn gloomy days into glorious ones. And while we

expect the Lord to gather his ancient people, and bring them

home to his church, also to bring in the fulness of the

Gentiles, when all will be united in holy love, let us tread the

highway of holiness he has made for his redeemed. Let us wait

for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life,

looking to him to prepare our way through death, that river

which separates this world from the eternal world.