Jesus, the Prince of Peace

¹ Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a Shoot — yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. ² And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him — the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might (power), the Spirit of knowledge and the (reverential and obedient) fear of the LORD. ³ He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor decide based on hearsay. ⁴ He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of His word, and one breath from His mouth will destroy the wicked. ⁵ He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment. Isaiah 11:1-5, New Living Translation 2nd Edition

The prophet Isaiah has sometimes been called by scholars the “prince of the prophets.” Isaiah made startling predictions about the future, including the coming Anointed One – the Messiah-King, the son of David!

The prophet Isaiah predicted a new Branch or Shoot would grow from King David’s family (see Isaiah 11:1). David was from the small town of Bethlehem in Judah, located in the southern kingdom of Israel, and David’s father was named Jesse (see 1 Samuel 17:12). The LORD God Almighty found David to be a man wholeheartedly devoted and obedient to Him and His commandments (e.g., see 1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Kings 2:1-4; Acts 13:22). King David was Israel and Judah’s greatest king. The Spirit of the LORD rested on David, and he enjoyed God’s favor because of his obedience to the LORD God (e.g., see 1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Samuel 18:12; 2 Samuel 5:3; Acts 7:45-46). After King David’s death, Israel and Judah were ruled by many evil and disobedient rulers that did not fully obey the LORD God Almighty (e.g., see Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 5:7). Thus, the prophet Isaiah envisioned that the royal line of David would be cut off and chopped down to a stump or stem (see Isaiah 11:1).

However, the prophet Isaiah prophesied that a holy seed or stump would emerge (Isaiah 6:13; Isaiah 11:1; see also 2 Kings 19:30-31). From the stump or seed of David’s family, the prophet Isaiah predicted a Righteous Shoot or Branch of the LORD will grow (Isaiah 4:2; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Isaiah 53:2; see also Acts 13:22-23; Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16). The prophet Isaiah predicted this Righteous Shoot from David’s family would become Ruler as the LORD God will give Him authority, glory and sovereign power (Isaiah 9:6-7; see also Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 28:18). Previously, the living LORD God through His servant Nathan promised David that his Descendent would rule as King forever (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1; see also 2 Samuel 7:11-16; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14; Matthew 1:1; Matthew 2:2; Luke 1:32-33).

Moreover, Isaiah predicted a Messiah-King from David’s family line would produce and bear good fruit for the world to enjoy (see Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 27:6). The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah-King would be filled and empowered with the Spirit of the LORD (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 61:1-3; see also Luke 4:18-19; John 3:34). The Spirit of the LORD would give the Messiah-King from David’s family line the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, and knowledge (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:2-3; see also 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; Colossians 2:3). Even more, the prophet Isaiah predicted the Spirit of the LORD will teach the Messiah-King to honor, respect, and obey the LORD God (see Isaiah 11:3). Honoring and respecting the LORD God would be the Messiah’s joy and delight (Isaiah 11:2-3; see also Exodus 20:2-7).

Even more, the prophet Isaiah predicted the Messiah-King would be an understanding and fair Judge (see Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 11:3; Isaiah 16:5). The Messiah-King will not judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay, but He will judge with fairness, truth, and mercy (Isaiah 11:3, 5; see also 1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 33:15). The prophet Isaiah predicted the Messiah-King would judge by examining a person’s heart, thoughts, and intentions (e.g., see Matthew 9:4; John 2:25; John 7:24). The Messiah-King will seek justice, loving kindness, and goodness for ALL PEOPLE (see Isaiah 16:5). The prophet Isaiah predicts the Messiah-King will bring forth justice to the earth (see Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 42:1-4).

Furthermore, Isaiah predicted the Messiah-King would defend the needy and the exploited, and He will punish the evil leaders and rulers who oppress them with His rod and sword (Isaiah 11:4; see also Isaiah 3:13-14; Revelation 19:15, 21). The prophet Isaiah envisioned the Messiah-King ALWAYS doing what is right, good, kind, and wise for all people and give honest and fair decisions for the earth’s poor, humble, and exploited (Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 16:5; Isaiah 42:1, 3-4; Isaiah 61:1; see also Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:15). Moreover, the Messiah will be clothed with righteousness, goodness, and faithfulness (Isaiah 11:5; see also Acts 10:38; Ephesians 6:10-20; Revelation 19:11). Righteousness will be the Messiah’s belt and faithfulness the sash around His waist (see Isaiah 11:5). In fact, the Messiah’s Name will be the “LORD Our Righteous Savior” (Jeremiah 23:6; Jeremiah 33:16; see also 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Furthermore, the prophet Isaiah prophesied the Messiah-King would bring transforming peace on earth for humans and animals alike (Isaiah 11:6-9; see also Hosea 2:18). Some biblical scholars have characterized this peace as a restored Eden where humans and animals live in harmony (see Genesis 2:4-25). The living LORD God Almighty has always wanted to create peace on earth through our love and obedience to Him and His commandments (e.g., see Leviticus 26:1-12; John 14:21-23; Galatians 6:7-10; James 1:22-25).

Under the Messiah-King’s leadership, the prophet Isaiah envisioned the LORD God Almighty creating a new heaven and new earth (Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 66:22; see also 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). In that future day, the prophet Isaiah predicted the wolf and the lamb would lie down together, and the leopard and goats living at harmony (Isaiah 11:6; see also Isaiah 65:25). Also, Isaiah envisioned the calf and lion eating from the same trough, and a little child tending and leading these animals (see Isaiah 11:6). Even more, the prophet Isaiah predicted in the future cows grazing among bears; cubs and calves living together, and lions eating grass like the cows (see Isaiah 11:7). Moreover, babies will crawl safely among poisonous snakes, and a little child will place his hand in a nest of deadly serpents without harm (see Isaiah 11:8).

Most important, the prophet Isaiah envisioned neither animal nor human hurting or killing on the LORD God’s holy mountain (Isaiah 11:9; see also Ezekiel 34:25-27). All nations and people will flow to the holy mountain of the LORD God (Isaiah 2:1-4; see also Revelation 21:10). As the waters fill the sea, so the earth will become full of the knowledge of the LORD God’s glory and power (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 66:18-23; see also Habakkuk 2:14). Isaiah predicts the whole world will FINALLY acknowledge there is only One God – the LORD God Almighty, and worship Him (e.g., see Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 45:5-7).

Even more, the prophet Isaiah envisioned the Messiah-King becoming a signal, hope, and banner of salvation to ALL NATIONS and PEOPLE, not just the Jews (Isaiah 11:10, 12; Isaiah 42:7-7; Isaiah 49:6; see also Luke 2:30-32; Acts 11:18; Romans 15:12). All nations and people of the world will worship the Messiah-King and look to Him as a standard for living (see Isaiah 11:10). The Messiah will have a Kingdom filled with His glory (see Isaiah 11:10). Truly, the Messiah will transform the world!

Then, the prophet Isaiah predicted the LORD God of heaven will open oceans and highways once again to restore the faithful remnant of Israel who wholeheartedly trust and obey Him and His Messiah-King (Isaiah 10:20-22; Isaiah 11:11, 15-16; Isaiah 27:12-13; see also Zechariah 10:20-21; Romans 2:28-29). The LORD God will gather His faithful Israel and Judah refugees scattered around the world and return them into His Promised Land (see Isaiah 11:11-12). Also, the prophet Isaiah predicted there would be peace and unity amongst His people, Israel and Judah, and the Messiah-King will rule God’s people (Isaiah 11:13; see also Ezekiel 37:16-18, 22). There will be no more rivalry, anger, and jealousy between Israel (also known as Ephraim, or the northern kingdom) and Judah, the southern kingdom (see Isaiah 11:13). Together and united, the LORD God’s faithful people will destroy the wicked and evil nations of the world (see Isaiah 11:14).

Notably, not only did the prophet Isaiah see and predict the coming Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 12:41), but also many other Old Testament prophets of God saw the coming Messiah from a distance and trusted Him. For instance, the writer of Hebrews noted that Moses saw the coming Messiah (see Hebrews 11:26). Moses prophesied the coming Jesus as the Great Prophet and Savior whom the LORD God would speak through (see Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19; Matthew 17:5; Acts 3:22-23, 26; Acts 7:37). Because Moses foresaw the coming Christ, Moses believed it was far better to suffer for the promised Messiah (Christ) than to own all the treasures of Egypt (Hebrews 11:26; see also Luke 14:33; Philippians 3:7-8). As with other faithful servants of the living God, Moses was looking forward to the LORD God’s great rewards in His Son Jesus the Messiah (Hebrews 11:6, 26; see also Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:35).

Moreover, Joshua met the Lord Jesus just before conquering the Promised Land at Jericho (e.g., see Joshua 5:13-15). The living LORD God through His servant Nathan promised that a Descendent of David would rule as King forever (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Like Isaiah, Jeremiah predicted the Lord Jesus’ coming as a Righteous Branch of David that will rule a King (Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; see also Luke 19:38). Prophet Jeremiah prophesied the Lord Jesus as King will execute justice and righteousness on the earth (e.g., see Jeremiah 33:15-16). Even more, the prophet Zechariah also predicted the LORD God Almighty sending a Branch from David’s family that would become the earth’s King forever (e.g., see Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 9:9). Moreover, the prophet Zechariah predicts the Messiah-King rebuilding God’s Temple filled with both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) (Zechariah 6:12-13; see also Ephesians 2:20-22). Then, the prophet Daniel saw the Lord Jesus coming in the clouds of glory to meet the Ancient of Days sitting on His throne (e.g., see Daniel 7:13-14).

Notably, the prophet Ezekiel made similar predictions about the coming Messiah-King from David’s family line, who would be an obedient and Good Shepherd of God’s people (Ezekiel 34:23-24; see also Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11, 14-16). Like Isaiah, the prophet Ezekiel predicted a Messiah-King would come and usher peace and abundance in the land among humans and animals alike and become the LORD God’s Prince (e.g., see Ezekiel 34:24-29; Ezekiel 37:24-25). Most importantly, all people will know and obey the LORD God Almighty and His Servant, the Messiah (e.g., see Ezekiel 34:30-31). In summary, the Old Testament is filled with predictions of the Lord Jesus’ coming into the world! Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy (e.g., see Romans 10:4).

The New Testament declares the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Jesus the Messiah (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 16-18, 21-23)! Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) both mean Anointed One. All four Gospel writers and the author of Acts wrote that Jesus was filled with the Spirit of the LORD (e.g., see Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:10-11; Luke 3:22; John 1:32-33). In fact, Jesus was filled with the life-giving Spirit of the LORD from His birth (e.g., Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35). During His time on earth, Jesus the Messiah filled with the Spirit of the LORD went around doing good to ALL PEOPLE – the poor, the blind, prisoners, the oppressed, etc. – with compassion, justice, and mercy (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38).

Moreover, Jesus is the righteous Descendent and Branch of David the living LORD God Almighty has graciously given to the world as Savior (e.g., see Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16-17; John 4:42; Acts 5:31; Romans 1:3-6; Titus 2:13-14). Even more, the Gentile wise men from the East acknowledged the Lord Jesus as King of all people – Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) (e.g., see Matthew 1:1; Matthew 2:1-2; Luke 1:32-33). Many first century Israelites recognized Jesus as not only the Christ (Messiah) and Son of God but also the long-awaited Son of David who would royal David’s throne (e.g., Matthew 9:27; Matthew 20:29-34; Luke 1:31-32, 69; Luke 19:38; John 1:49; John 20:30-31). Even more amazing, Jesus the Messiah specifically states Isaiah’s prophecy applies to Him (e.g., see Matthew 12:18-21, quoting Isaiah 42:1-4).

The New Testament writers teach and proclaim that Jesus the Messiah has come into the world as a light to ALL PEOPLE – Jews and Gentiles (e.g., see Matthew 4:14-16; Acts 11:17-18; Acts 13:47; Acts 26:23). Jesus the Messiah is the King from David’s family the LORD God Almighty has given to bring salvation to ALL PEOPLE (e.g., see Acts 13:22-23). Even more, through faith in Jesus the Messiah, the apostle Paul teaches we become the righteousness of God (e.g., see Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21). The apostle Peter teaches that Jesus the Messiah took away and absorbed our sins in His body on Calvary’s Cross as the prophet Isaiah predicted, so that we might STOP SINNING and live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24; see also Isaiah 53:4, 11; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 6:18-19; Hebrews 9:28).

As we STAY CLOSE and have FAITH in Jesus the Messiah, the LORD God Almighty and His Son Jesus fills believers with the life-giving Spirit of the LORD (e.g., see John 3:3-8; John 14:23; John 15:5, 10). We become brand new (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 5:16-17), and the LORD God is with us (Isaiah 7:14; see also Matthew 1:23). Always trust in the LORD.

IMMANUEL HAS COME – MERRY CHRISTMAS!

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Message Bible (Colorado Springs, CO:  NavPress, 2002).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).