What does "knowledge of the LORD" mean in Isaiah 11:9? Setting the Scene in Isaiah 11 - Verses 1-5 introduce the promised “Branch from the stump of Jesse,” a literal, future Davidic King—Jesus the Messiah—who will reign in righteousness. - Verses 6-8 picture a renewed creation where predator and prey live in peace, signaling a restored Eden-like order. - Verse 9 crowns the vision: “They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9) Unpacking “Knowledge of the LORD” “Knowledge” (Hebrew: daʿath) in Scripture goes beyond facts; it is personal, relational, and covenantal. To “know” the LORD means: - Personal relationship—walking with Him (Jeremiah 31:34; Hosea 6:3). - Reverent acknowledgment of His character and authority (Proverbs 2:5). - Heart-level obedience that flows from love (1 John 2:3-4). - Experiencing His works and ways firsthand (Psalm 103:7). Thus, “knowledge of the LORD” describes universal, experiential intimacy with God, not mere information. How Will the Earth Be Filled? - By the Messiah’s righteous reign (Isaiah 11:4-5). - Through the outpouring of the Spirit promised in Joel 2:28 and realized in fullness when Christ returns (Ezekiel 36:26-27). - By the removal of sin’s curse, restoring harmony in creation (Romans 8:19-21). - Via global worship: “All the nations You have made will come and bow before You” (Psalm 86:9). What This Means for Us Today - Pursue a growing, relational knowledge of God now (Philippians 3:8-10). - Share the gospel so others may “come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). - Live as previews of that coming kingdom—peacemakers who refuse to “hurt or destroy.” - Rest in the certainty that Jesus will literally accomplish this worldwide transformation. Key Takeaways - “Knowledge of the LORD” is deep, personal, obedient relationship with Him. - Isaiah 11:9 promises a future earth saturated with that relationship, ensured by the reign of Christ. - Believers today anticipate and model that reality while proclaiming it to the world. |
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