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Christ's RuleIsaiah 11:6-16The power of the Gospel
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Intro
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Sometimes the most simple observations can bring about the most powerful insights into the scriptures. The simple observation I recently found has brought about a whole new appreciation for the kind of ministry God wants to be working through our lives.
Do you or I have the faith that is necessary to bring about a ministry like Christ's? Often Isaiah 11:6-9 is moved to the distant future and thus contributes to our lack of faith for our present era. Below we show you not only how this passage refers to the NT era but how His people are to impact the earth as His Spirit-filled people.
Text: Isaiah 11:6-16
(6) And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the kid, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them.
(7) Also the cow and the bear will graze; Their young will lie down together; And the lion will eat straw like the ox.
(8) And the nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den.
(9) They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:6-9, NASB).
(10) Then it will come about in that day That the nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious.
(11) Then it will happen on that day that the Lord Will again recover the second time with His hand The remnant of His people, who will remain, From Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, And from the islands of the sea.
(12) And He will lift up a standard for the nations, And will assemble the banished ones of Israel, And will gather the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth.
(13) Then the jealousy of Ephraim will depart, And those who harass Judah will be cut off; Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, And Judah will not harass Ephraim.
(14) And they will swoop down on the slopes of the Philistines on the west; Together they will plunder the sons of the east; They will possess Edom and Moab; And the sons of Ammon will be subject to them.
(15) And the LORD will utterly destroy The tongue of the Sea of Egypt; And He will wave His hand over the River With His scorching wind; And He will strike it into seven streams, And make men walk over dry-shod.
(16) And there will be a highway from Assyria For the remnant of His people who will be left, Just as there was for Israel In the day that they came up out of the land of Egypt. (Isaiah 11:10-16, NASB).
Purpose
To wake us up to the great hope we have in Christ's work in His people through the Holy Spirit that Christ might again mightily extend the power of His kingdom into the lives of broken people.
Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven, forgive me for joining many others in misusing Your mighty Word. By placing it in the remote future, I have lived without it empowering me today. I have not been able to have the power of God's Word mightily work in those around me. Christ was anointed. You showed us all how You desire to do it in Acts, but it is easier to think that this passage doesn't apply to today. Forgive me as your steward for hiding your talent in the ground without effectively using it for your glory and the benefit of others. In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Discussion of right interpretation
The way we interpret this passage has a lot to do with what we will do with God's gifts and callings in our lives. Either we will think the gospel is not being effective and legitimize our interpretation with a futuristic interpretation, or we will insist on crying out for God to desperately work in our lives and weak faith that we could help those around us. The truth is not hidden away as if we can't find it. We are to discover the truth of this passage and then apply these truths to our present ministries.
The question before us is whether Isaiah 11:1-5 should be separated into an account different from that of 11:6-16 or at least 11:6-9. We understand the difficulty. The issue does not seem to lie with verses 10-16; there are numerous NT references that have them refer to God's kingdom now on earth. We will look at this later. When people see this, they are not troubled at all. They can readily accept it. The key problem lies in verses 6-9 where the situation of a transformed creation seem to demand either a setting of the millennium or of the new heavens and earth.
Since we do not see a transformed creation where wolves can dwell with lambs or leopards with a baby goats or calves with a young lion, it is easy to discard this section into a file for some future application. The result is that we are not affected by God's Word.
There are three possible interpretations of this passage: literal, spiritualistic and figurative. Each of these interpretations have their problems and support. (1)
There is the literal translation that demands a remote future application to some millennium or heavenly period. This interpretation causes a number of difficulties, the greatest being the context. The spiritual or allegorical interpretation assigns special hidden meanings to the specific items mentioned in 6-9. We favor the figurative interpretation which takes this whole chapter to be descriptive of the work of the Spirit in the church age starting with Christ (1-5).
The literal viewpoint is favored by many modern Christians because of certain doctrinal assumptions. For this reason we will articulate the major reasons that the figurative interpretation should be accepted.
Arguments
Argument #1: Word or grammatical context
In Isaiah 11 all sixteen verses except one start the same way in the original Hebrew. We can get a little sense of this from the NASB English translation, but not totally. Smoother translations are okay for reading such as the NIV but not studying. The more rigid translations, however, are not able to show all the simplicities of the original text in some cases as in this passage. This is one of the main reasons people study the original languages.
Each verse of Isaiah 11 begins with a simple conjunction (wav: the circled crutch below) normally translated as 'and' except verse 9 which might be a mere continuation of verse 8. Either way, we see that if every verse begins the same way connecting it to the verse before it, the whole passage reveals to be a very strong unit. The word can also be translated as 'also,' 'but,' or 'then.' The translation is okay but just limited. The NASB for example translates it 'then' for 11:1, 10,11 and 13. We just don't pick up the unified structure. Note below in the chart where the beginning part of verses 11:4-7 are shown both in Hebrew and English.
One can easily identify the similar connection conjunction circled in red. The NASB translates 4 as 'but', 5 as 'also,' 6 as 'and' and 7 as 'also.' In any case;, we find that there is no structural reason to separate 11:1-5 from 11:6-9.
In summary, verses 1-16 are presented as one thought rather than two. Most readers tend to read the promise of 1-5 as being separate from 6-9. They would say that it is two promises rather than one. However, the regular usage of 'and' indicates that the passage is one rather than two or three.
Argument #2: Logical presentation
Secondly, we need to look at the logic of the argument or presentation and see if there is any reason to separate this passage into different sections.
Isaiah 11:1-5 clearly refers to a future time when Christ Jesus was anointed full of the Spirit . When it was written, it was still future. Now it is about 2000 years in the past. We would normally conclude that the follow verses would be of the same time period unless the grammar suggested a different time. As we have seen, the grammar does not at all suggest this.
We then need to look at the meaning. This is what convinces many that a new section has begun in verse 6. In fact, we have interpreted the verses first and then made the separation. However, there is a stronger structural reasoning that would forcibly keep these times in the same New Testament era.
Let's say at this point that Isaiah 11 is divided up into three sections (1-5, 6-9, 10-16)(2). If section 1-5 speaks of a future time of Christ's time on earth, then it would make sense, if thee were no other grammatical markers, that the other sections would be in the same era. But say, because of meaning, we find that section 6-9 is in a far more remote future, then we should expect section 3 to also be of that far distant future.
We find, however, that the third section 11:10-16 clearly refers to the period of the first section - the NT era. It is after Jesus' time, but during the time of His disciples. Let's at two possibilities below.
Two Possibilities |
11:1-5
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11:6-9 Harmony Restored |
11:10-16 Worldwide Following |
Comment |
Possibility #1(Believe 11:6-9 is separate) |
Distant age
(millennium or heaven) |
NT age
Church or don't know |
If we can prove 11:10-16 refers to the NT age, then it is extremely awkward for 11:6-9 without any special announcement to refer to an age far after this. | |
Possibility #2(Believe 11:1-9 is one unit) |
NT age
(Christ's earthly ministry) |
NT age
(Christ in church) |
NT age
(Christ in church) |
This is very consistent and what we would expect without any special transition markers. We will speak of the "in that day" later. What Christ has started, He continues in the church. |
The following sections will help clarify some thoughts.
Argument #3: Last section (11:10-16) refers to NT age
Verse 11:10 and 11:11-16 form two definite sections, each beginning with "in that day." We will exclude discussion on chapter 12 for simplicity. 11:10 refers to the bringing in of the Gentiles while 11:11-16 speaks of the last renewal among the Jews. We speak firmly here because the verses and thoughts are clearly spoken of in the NT. In other words, their interpretations are given for us.
a) 11:10 Bringing in the Gentiles
Then it will come about in that day That the nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10, NASB).
The gentiles, nations or world families coming into the kingdom of God is a very clear NT concept that needs little support. Romans and Acts both emphasize this concept but even Jesus mentioned it.
This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them. (John 10:6).
And again Isaiah says, “THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE.” (Romans 15:12).
Those that understand Romans know that Paul has spoken much on the relationship between the Jewish and Gentile brothers. Here to support his arguments, he provides four OT quotes which would gives further clarity. In other words, the nations also have a part in the work that results from the root of Jesse.
We also should note that the concept 'root of Jesse' is like a bush that has its roots coming up all over the place in the scriptures. The concept is spoken of in 11:1 and then followed up in 11:10. Again, we must admit that what happens in 11:10 is a result of what happens in 11:1-5. Christ is the banner who is lifted up and the Gentiles come unto Him and depend or trust in Him. Lastly, we will quote from a very clear statement of Jesus from Revelations 22.
”I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16).
Paul is speaking about Isaiah 11:10 in Romans 15:12 and applies it to what was then happening in the NT church. He was not speaking of some distant age. Our conclusion here forces us to question whether our interpretation of 6-9 is of a far distant age.
b) 11:11-16 Reviving of the Jews
There are several different views of the importance of the Jewish race in the New Testament age. There are two extremes: 1) The Jews are no longer considered of any significance to God because God has rejected them and gone to deal with the nations, or 2) The Jewish race is of great significance to the Lord as before so that the Gentiles must become Jews to be saved. We prefer a moderate understanding over the two extremes perspectives.
The Jewish people are important, even a bit special because of their past. God in His graciousness still has concern for the Jews, if for no other reason they are the family He started. The Lord promises to work in the Jewish nation at the end of the age. Even the Reformed theologian John Murray sees this in Romans 11.25-32.
For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in; (Romans 11:25, NASB).
However, we are not to think that our spiritual life will again rotate around the Jews, their faith, the physical temple, etc. Some Christians are putting their trusts in the wrong areas. Instead of Christ, they are looking to the old Jewish laws to be restored. This is not what we see here or elsewhere such as in Romans 11. The Jewish people will again be recalled to the Lord. It seems like Isaiah 11:11-12 speaks of a genuine re-gathering of the Jews in Israel. One could also interpret it figuratively where they would be called out from their punishment and into the fellowship of the Lord.
The reforming of national Israel seems to suggest a literal interpretation. This is what we wee happening each year in Israel. We see a physical regathering from many countries. However, Romans 11 suggests it will at least be a return of the hearts of the Israelite people to God, perhaps even come about at a time of rejection by the Gentiles.
Our major point is that this third section 11:10-16 definitely refers to the New Testament era. We cannot put it off to the millennium. Because of this, we are very hard put to place 11:6-9 in the remote future. God is working these prophesies out now.
Argument #4: The holy mountain (11:9) is new Jerusalem
What does the 'holy mountain' refer to? If 11:6-9 refers to the NT age, then we should find this concept to be strongly embedded into the NT. Do we find a figurative picture of Isaiah 11:6-9?
We see the results of the Spirit's work in the NT, though realize it will be fully realized in the age to come. We see it in the NT age in two areas:
1) Christ's wonderful transformation of the people around Him through His Spirit-anointed ministry.
2) The kingdom of God (Heaven) where God's presence is seen in and through the church.
1) We first see that Christ simply transformed everything around Him. God's Spirit was released through His life into the lives of others. As much as the other disciples opened themselves to this Spirit, the affect of Christ's rule changed their lives. We see a reverse of the curse that was put on man in the Garden of Eden where he ran from God. Now God's life is again in Him. We note that the wild animals during His temptation did not bother him.
And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him. (Mark 1:13).
2) Although some dispute the presence of the kingdom of God in the NT era, they are overrun by a number of clear scriptures. Only different unsound presumptions enable them to skip over these words. The phrase is used more than 150 times in the New Testament.
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.” (Mark 10:14,15).
”But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. (Matthew 12:28).
Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22).
We are not saying that the kingdom of God only pertains to the church's presence on earth. Not at all, many verses show that the kingdom of God has even a more glorious display in the future. We realize that there will be a new era one day when Christ returns. Imperfections that we are familiar with now will vanish.
'My Holy Mountain' refers to the place where God reveals His glorious self. The phrase is often used in the Old Testament but only once in the New Testament from Peter.
And we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. (2 Peter 1:18).
From a quick viewing of the Old Testament verses, we see that 'holy mountain' refers to Mt. Zion. We might first think that it refers to Mount Sinai, but there are no verses that allude to this. Instead they start in the Psalms after Jerusalem has been clearly chosen.
”But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.” (Psalms 2:6).
”O Lord, in accordance with all Thy righteous acts, let now Thine anger and Thy wrath turn away from Thy city Jerusalem, Thy holy mountain; ... (Daniel 9:16).
Jerusalem was the mountain that God chose to establish His temple and worship center. Abraham had offered up Isaac there, and God offered up His only Son, Christ Jesus there too. Although the NT does not use the phrase 'holy mountain,' it does regularly refer to a heavenly Jerusalem. Jerusalem is used as a spiritual center when it is not used in the physical sense. We see a definite switch from physical references to Jerusalem in the Gospels and Acts to a figurative place later on. Note the different descriptions of Jerusalem below.
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Full Reference
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| Galatians 4:25-26 the present Jerusalem, ... the Jerusalem above |
The contrast shows us that with the New Testament era a spiritual Jerusalem became the new worship center. Because of the Holy Spirit, people can worship anywhere (cf. John 4). | Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. *But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother. Galatians 4:25-26 |
| Hebrews 12:22 Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem |
The heavenly Jerusalem is the place where God lives. Mount Zion is now a spiritual or figurative term for God's throne. | Heb 12:22* But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, Hebrews 12:22 |
| Revelation 3:12 the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. |
God's city is now the new Jerusalem. New is in contrast to the old. This city comes down from out of heaven. | ‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. Revelation 3:12 |
| Revelation 21:2
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, |
The new Jerusalem is a holy city. It comes down out of heaven from God. | And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2 |
| Revelation 21:10
the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, |
Jerusalem is the holy city. It again states that it comes from out of heaven, | And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. Revelation 21:10 |
The old holy mountain which was the earthly Jerusalem is no longer the center to meet God in. God has formed a new city, the heavenly Jerusalem, the holy city. All of these incline us to assume that things have changed. Which is Isaiah referring to when he refers to 'My holy mountain'?
From Hebrews 12:22, we must understand that the New Jerusalem is not something just in the future as far as the Christian is concerned. Instead as the scriptures clearly support, we now are part of God's rule. We are Christ's body. And so even though this city will descend from heaven one day to earth, yet it is now true and real and should greatly affect the life and perspective of every Christian.
In conclusion, then, we see that God's Holy Mountain is also the spiritual Jerusalem or the place where all who reside are affected by the politics of that place. It has direct connection with the kingdom of God, which is similarly present and future. Like Hebrews 12:22, we would assert that Isaiah 11:6-9 refers now to what happens to those who reside in God's holy hills.
They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9).
We are not speaking simply of those who call themselves Christians but as those people who have been with God. They have know Yahweh; they have met Him. These people who know Him are radically changed. The emphasis on 'the earth' and 'cover the sea' show that He was definitely including these people called Gentiles who were not physical Jews.
”FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM UPON THEIR HEARTS. AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. “AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERYONE HIS FELLOW CITIZEN, AND EVERYONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, ‘KNOW THE LORD,’ FOR ALL SHALL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. (Hebrews 8:10,11, NASB).
The 'holy mountain' then, refers both to the kingdom of Christ during His time on earth as well as when He is in heaven. There is a definite spiritual relationship.
Argument #5: "In that day" refers to 11:1-9
Out of 89 uses of the phrase "in that day" in the Bible, 40 of them are remarkably used in Isaiah. However, when we look a little further, we find the Hebrew phrase (b'yom) is differently translated and is used 491 times in the OT (57 times in Isaiah alone (4). We need to remember the translators often used the phrase "in that day" to speak of a prophetic day of the future, but the phrase was quite common and can be used with a less pronounced meaning such as 'on that day' or even 'that day.'
Our point is that Isaiah commonly uses this word. They are used so much that they clearly stand out. In this case, we are to understand that 11:1-9 (or 10:33-11:9) all describe which day he is speaking about. The two sections, 11:10 and 11:11-16 both start with this significant "in that day' phrase and so they point back to the unit preceding it. In other words, the day is first described and then special key events are later identified. In this case it is the saving of the Gentiles (11:10) and the return of the Jews to the Lord (11:11-16).
We would be hard pressed to say that 'in that day' of verses 10 and 11 refer only to 11:1-5 rather than 11:1-9. Since the last section of 11:10-16 clearly is speaking of New Testament events, that day must also have reference to the New Testament era.
Conclusion
We are so slow to believe. We so easily put off what should now be happening so that we are not accountable. We actually have lost faith and mislead God's sheep. God wants to mightily work now in our lives as the Book of Acts clearly shows. What about you? Have you lessened your expectation of what God should or would do around you because of everybody else's little faith?! Now is the time to repent and begin believing God again.
My point for writing all of this is so that we will not cast away passages like this but instead be strongly motivated to be more like Christ. If anything, we should from this chapter find three special things going on in our lives.
1) 11:1-5. We should humble ourselves before Christ and constantly seek His anointing by His Spirit and live out our lives doing the will of God.
2) 11:6-9. We should expect great changes from our ministry in the people around us. Just think what happened when Jesus walked through that Samaritan town to get a drink of water. The whole town was radically changed. All of God's people know God through Christ and should dwell in His presence. We will obey and love one another. We will do whatever the Lord wants that His kingdom might grow.
3) 11:10-16. God's plan is to not only anoint the Messiah or His 12 disciples with His Spirit. The Lord is clearly working in all the nations and even at some point in the lives of the stubborn Jews. He has not ruled out any race. All can be filled with His Spirit and walk in light of His Spirit. We must take His message to all.
Questions for Transformation
(For questions for Isaiah 11:1-5, The Life of the Christian, click here.)
A. Isaiah 11:6-9 - The Power of the Gospel
Are verses 6-9 separated from 1-5? If so, why? In either the NASB or KJV, do a study of what starts and stops each section in chapter 11. Describe the contrasts in verses 6-8. Anything surprise you? Why do they surprise you? When will this happen? Could it perhaps be taken figuratively? Verse 9 says where this would happen. Where is this? Do a word study on the phrase 'holy mountain.' Is it true now for the 20th century that people from all around the world know God through Christ? Is this what is being referred to in 11:9? Check out Hebrews 8:10-11 or 1 Peter 2:9-12. What might these two passages have to do with these verses?
Study: Analyze three different situations that Jesus met with some person, group or town. Explain what the situation was like before He came, briefly summarize what happened when He was there, and then what was the situation like when He left?
Application: What happens when we enter or leave a situation? Is there any positive change, either with our family, neighbors or colleagues?
B. Isaiah 11:10-16 - The Expanse of the Gospel
When the Spirit of God comes, we see people changed. What are the two groups that are mentioned that God will specifically deal with (11:10 and 11:11-16)? "That day" is used twice. Which day is it referring to?
What is 'lifted up' for these two groups that rallies them (11:10 and 11:12)? (Note: NIV rightly shows it is the same Hebrew word). What might this refer to? Reflect on this word with John 3:15-16 and John 12:32. Do you think this is what is being referred to? Why does Paul in Romans 15:12 quote 11:10? What is he trying to prove? If this is the case, are these verses for now in the NT period or for some distant millennium period?
Application: How active are you in praying and telling others about this great Messiah? How much have you given to missions, in prayer, time and money?
| Book of Isaiah: Plan and Outline Overview of the Book of Isaiah
Background of the Book of Isaiah A Historical Timeline of Isaiah
Section Introduction & Background |
Isaiah Expository Studies: A Living Commentary Isaiah 6:1-12 Righteous Living |
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Notes
(1) Oswalt, in THE BOOK OF ISAIAH 1-39 (New International Commentary series) p. 283 for further discussion. "The first is literalistic, looking for a literal fulfilment of the words... A second means of interpretation is spiritualistic. The animals represent various spiritual conditions and states within human beings (cf. Calvin). ... The third way of interpreting this passage, and others like it, is the figurative. In this approach one concludes that an extended figure of speech is being used to make a single, comprehensive point, namely, that in the Messiah's reign the fears associated with insecurity, danger, and evil will be removed, not only for the individual but for the world as well (Rom. 8:19-21)."
(2)Actually Isaiah 11 might better begin in 10:33 with a 'behold' and the following series of 'wav' conjunctions until chapter 12:2 or 2:5 and 6, that is, if 12:2 serves as a quote of a song. In this case 12:5-6 serves as a fit conclusion of this section of Isaiah.
(3) Some commentaries suggest this might refer to some great King like Hezekiah. We see no NT support for this even if he partially inspired this concept. Even this, though, is not likely. Instead we see much confirmation that Christ was anointed with the Spirit in full and thus ministered.
(4) The b'yom (in that day) if Isaiah interestingly all occur before chapter 40 except for 3 times and they have a different sense.