Isaiah 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek… If, through the infallible guidance of the Divinely inspired apostles and evangelists, we can find the Messiah spoken of in many passages of the Old Testament, in which we should not otherwise have found Him; in many others He is so evidently intended and set forth, that, even without that guidance, no intelligent person, possessed of any degree of spiritual discernment, can fail of discovering Him (Psalm 2:7, 8; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 61:1; Isaiah 35:4-6; Isaiah 50:6; Psalm 22:16-18; Psalm 69:21; Isaiah 52:13; Isaiah 53:2, 3; Daniel Daniel 9:26 Zechariah 6:12, 13). This paragraph is so manifestly meant of Christ, and of His kingdom, that it is perfectly incapable of any other application. I. THE PERSON AND ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL OFFICES OF THE MESSIAH, — "A ROOT OF JESSE"; "AN ENSIGN OF THE PEOPLE." 1. In the preceding verses, He is set forth in His human nature, as the "Rod" which should "come forth out of the stem of Jesse," "the Branch which should grow out of his roots" (Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8); but here, in His Divine nature, in which alone He could be the "root of Jesse"; the creating "word" (Colossians 1:16). The word here rendered "root," is properly so translated, and never means branch, or rod. This is the case likewise in Revelation 5:5. In Revelation 22:16, we find both natures mentioned and distinguished; and also in Romans 1:3; Romans 4:2. His office. "He shall stand for an ensign of the people." Where they may take oath and swear allegiance to the great King and bind themselves by covenant to be His loyal subjects. Where they may enlist, and engage to be His faithful soldiers to their life's end. But how is He an ensign, a banner, or standard, visibly displayed? By manifestation of His real character, and showing Himself to be the very Messiah that should come. By unfurling and unfolding the truth in His doctrine. By exerting and displaying His power in miracles. By manifesting His love in all His actions and sufferings. As lifted up upon the Cross (John 12:32). As exalted to the Father's right hand (Acts 2:33). As preached and declared to every creature, to every nation under heaven, for the obedience of faith. As coming in the clouds of heaven, gathering His elect, gathering "all nations and tongues," to see His glory. II. THE APPLICATION THAT IS TO BE MADE TO HIM BY THE GENTILES. "To Him shall the Gentiles (Hebrews, 'the nations') seek." He Himself came to seek and save the lost, and He is often found of those that before sought Him not. Those, however, that are first found of Him do themselves also seek Him. 1. But for what purposes? As an infallible Teacher, for truth and grace. As a Mediator, for pardon, etc. As an all-sufficient Saviour, expecting deliverance from the power and pollution of sin, from the flesh, the world, and the devil. As their rightful Sovereign, to give law to them, to rule, protect, and exalt them. As the Captain of their salvation, to go before them and conquer for them, to enable them to conquer, and to crown them as victorious. 2. But how do they seek Him? By desire, earnest, constant, increasing, restless (Isaiah 55:1; John 7:37; Revelation 22:17). By prayer (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13; 1 Corinthians 1:2). By faith and trust (Isaiah 28:16; Romans 10:11; Romans 15:12). III. THE EFFECTS THAT SHALL FOLLOW. "His rest shall be glorious." As a Teacher, the "light of the world," and as made of God to His people "wisdom," He gives rest to the understanding from the uncertainties of error, by the clear and satisfactory knowledge of the truth, and faith therein, or "the full assurance of understanding." As a Priest, and as made of God to us "righteousness," He gives rest to the conscience. As a Saviour from sin, and as made of God unto us "sanctification," He gives rest to the will, affections, and passions, humbling our pride, subduing our rebellious dispositions (Matthew 11:29). As a King, by delivering, defending, governing, ordering, disposing, and making all things work for good, and setting up His kingdom in our hearts, He gives us rest from cares, fears, and anxieties. As the Captain of our salvation, He gives the rest consequent on victory over our enemies, in deliverance from all tormenting fear of them, even the fear of death, and enabling us, while on earth, to live in peace, love, and harmony, with one another. He gives rest to the earth during the millennium (Isaiah 11:6-9; Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 32:15-19; Micah 4:1-4; Zechariah 14:6-9). (J. Benson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. |
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