What is the meaning of Isaiah 11:5? Righteousness will be the belt around His hips “Righteousness will be the belt around His hips”. Isaiah is describing the promised Messiah—the “shoot from the stump of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1). A belt in ancient dress held everything together, giving stability, readiness, and dignity. • Security and stability – Just as a belt keeps garments from loosening, Messiah’s righteous character holds His rule together. Psalm 45:6–7 pictures the King who “loves righteousness and hates wickedness.” Revelation 19:11 sees Jesus riding forth to judge and wage war “in righteousness.” • Readiness to act – A belted waist speaks of preparedness (1 Kings 18:46). The Messiah’s every action—teaching, healing, judging—is executed in perfect justice (Jeremiah 23:5). • The model for believers – Ephesians 6:14 tells us, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,” echoing Isaiah. We imitate the King by embracing His righteous standard, not constructing our own (Matthew 6:33). Faithfulness the sash around His waist “and faithfulness the sash around His waist”. A sash (or girdle) was often ornate, signaling honor and authority; priests wore one when serving (Exodus 28:4). • Unchanging reliability – Faithfulness means Messiah is utterly trustworthy (Lamentations 3:22–23). Hebrews 13:8 affirms He is “the same yesterday and today and forever.” • Priestly compassion – Revelation 1:13 depicts the risen Christ “dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet, with a golden sash around His chest,” combining kingly and priestly imagery. As our “faithful High Priest” (Hebrews 2:17), He represents us before the Father, guaranteeing our acceptance. • Foundation for hope – Because He “cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13), every promise stands firm. We can anchor our lives to His steadfast character, confident that He will finish the good work He began (Philippians 1:6). summary Isaiah 11:5 paints a vivid portrait of the coming Messiah. His reign is fastened by righteousness—perfect, unwavering justice—and wrapped in faithfulness—unbreakable reliability and covenant love. These twin virtues secure His kingdom, assure our salvation, and call us to live girded with the same righteousness and faithfulness as we await His glorious appearing. |
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