What is the meaning of Isaiah 11:2? The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him” (Isaiah 11:2) • Isaiah promises a permanent, empowering presence, fulfilled when “the Spirit of God [descended] like a dove and rested on Him” (Matthew 3:16; John 1:32–33). • This resting is continuous, echoing Isaiah 42:1 and revealing the Father’s delight in the Son. • The phrase points to the Messiah’s divine anointing and Trinitarian harmony—Father sending, Spirit resting, Son ministering. • Because the Spirit abides, Jesus acts with unfailing authority and purity (John 3:34). the Spirit of wisdom and understanding “…the Spirit of wisdom and understanding…” • Wisdom is the flawless ability to see every matter through God’s eyes; understanding is the capacity to grasp its depths. • In Jesus “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3); even at twelve, His insights amazed scholars (Luke 2:47). • He reads hearts (John 2:24–25), teaches with divine clarity (Matthew 7:28–29), and interprets Scripture perfectly (Luke 24:27). • For believers, His wisdom becomes ours by the same Spirit (James 1:5; 1 Corinthians 2:12–13). the Spirit of counsel and strength “…the Spirit of counsel and strength…” • Counsel speaks of perfect strategy; strength supplies the power to carry it out. • Isaiah 9:6 calls the Messiah “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,” uniting both traits. • Jesus guides His followers with flawless advice (Luke 5:4–10; John 21:6) and supplies the might to obey (Philippians 4:13). • At the cross He displayed ultimate strength, enduring “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2) and rising in triumph (Romans 1:4). • The same Spirit now counsels and empowers us (John 14:26; Acts 1:8). the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD “…the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.” • Knowledge here is intimate, relational awareness; Jesus alone fully “knows the Father” (Matthew 11:27; John 10:15). • Fear of the LORD is reverent delight in God’s holiness, expressed in loving obedience (Proverbs 1:7). • Christ embodies this reverence: “He offered up prayers… and was heard because of His reverence” (Hebrews 5:7–8). • His spotless life and submissive death reveal how true knowledge produces humble worship (John 8:55; 17:25–26). • By the Spirit we too grow in relational knowledge and holy fear (Ephesians 1:17; Philippians 2:12–13). summary Isaiah 11:2 paints a seven-fold portrait of the Messiah’s anointing, fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ. The Spirit rests on Him permanently, equipping Him with wisdom and understanding, counsel and strength, knowledge and reverent fear. As we abide in Christ, that same Spirit shapes us to think wisely, act powerfully, and walk in holy awe before the Lord. |
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