What is the meaning of Isaiah 11:3? He will delight in the fear of the LORD – Isaiah pictures the coming Messiah, Jesus, finding His greatest joy in reverent submission to the Father. Unlike fallen humanity that recoils from God’s authority, Christ treasures it. – Cross references underscore this attitude: • Psalm 40:8: “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” • John 4:34: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” • Philippians 2:8 shows that this delight carried Him even “to the point of death — even death on a cross,” revealing perfect obedience. – Practical takeaway: true wisdom and joy flow from the same posture—glad, willing submission to the LORD’s authority (Proverbs 1:7). He will not judge by what His eyes see – Earthly rulers make decisions limited by outward appearance, but “the LORD does not see as man sees” (1 Samuel 16:7), and neither will His Messiah. – Jesus discerns motives and truth beneath the surface (John 2:25); therefore His judgments are perfectly just. – John 7:24: “Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” The verse echoes Isaiah 11:3, showing Christ applying this principle during His earthly ministry. – At His return, Revelation 19:11 depicts Him as the Rider on a white horse who “judges and wages war in righteousness,” never swayed by mere optics. He will not decide by what His ears hear – Hearsay, rumors, and partial testimony cannot sway the Messiah. Proverbs 18:13 warns against making a decision “before he hears the facts.” Christ embodies that wisdom flawlessly. – In the Gospels, false witnesses rose against Jesus (Mark 14:56), yet His final verdicts will be based on perfect knowledge, not on second-hand reports. – Isaiah later affirms this supernatural insight: “His ears will be attentive,” ensuring He defends the oppressed and crushes wickedness (Isaiah 11:4). summary Isaiah 11:3 shows the Messiah’s inner character and perfect governance: He delights in reverent obedience to the Father, judges unclouded by appearances, and renders decisions unswayed by hearsay. These traits guarantee a reign marked by flawless justice and enduring peace, inviting believers to share His joy in fearing the LORD and to trust His righteous judgments both now and in the coming kingdom. |
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