Christ's Rule
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Isaiah 11:6-16 Three Interpretations
Argument #1 Word context | #2 Logical presentation
#3 Last section's timing | #4 'My holy mountain' | #5 'In that day'
Isaiah 11:6-16 Bible study questions
Isaiah Outline | Timeline | Overview | Brief Introductions
Isaiah 1-6 | 7-12 | 13-23 | 24-27 | 28-33 | 34-35 | 36-39 | 40-66
Christ's Rule: Isaiah 11:6-16
Arguments of Interpreting Isaiah 11:6-16
Purpose
The phrase “In that day” forms the fifth and last argument, demonstrating that Isaiah 11:6-16 should be interpreted figuratively rather than literally. However, we should say that symbolic language still speaks of fundamental, lasting changes.
Argument #5: "In that day" refers to 11:1-9
Out of 89 uses of the phrase “in that day” in the Bible, 40 are interestingly used in Isaiah. Looking a little further, we find that the translated Hebrew phrase (b'yom) is differently translated and is used 491 times in the OT (57 times in Isaiah alone). The b’yom (in that day) in Isaiah all occur before chapter 40 except for 3 times, which carry a different sense.(4).
We need to remember that 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.”
Isaiah commonly uses this word/phrase. In this case, the two sections, 11:10 and 11:11-16, start with this significant “in that day” phrase, pointing back to the preceding unit (1-9). The day is first described (1-5), then special critical events associated with that era are identified. In this case, it is the saving of the Gentiles (11:10) and the return of the Jews to the land (11:11-16).
Isaiah commonly uses this word/phrase. In this case, the two sections, 11:10 and 11:11-16, start with this significant “in that day” phrase, pointing back to the preceding unit (1-9). The day is first described (1-5), then special critical events associated with that era are identified. In this case, it is the saving of the Gentiles (11:10) and the return of the Jews to the land (11:11-16).
We would be hard-pressed to say that “in that day” of verses 10 and 11 refer only to verses 1-5 rather than 1-9. Since the last section of 11:10-16 speaks of New Testament events, “in that day” must also reference the New Testament era.
Conclusion
God mightily works worldwide, building His kingdom, even as He worked in the Book of Acts. God’s kingdom is expanding and anticipating the declaration of the king’s return. Many haven’t traveled to see this remarkable work of God in countries like Burma, India, Brazil, Malawi, etc., but His kingdom is strongly growing!
Isaiah 11 is an early call to look forward to God’s tremendous work in the church. Has this interpretation of Isaiah 11 emboldened your faith? We should allow such prophetic passages to expand our vision and motivate us to be more influenced by Christ’s Spirit. From this chapter, we should anticipate three remarkable transformations in our lives.
An application for Isaiah 11:1-5
1) We should humble ourselves before Christ and constantly seek the filling of His Spirit to complete God’s will.
2) Isaiah 11:6-9
We should expect significant changes from our ministry to the people around us. Just think what happened when Jesus walked through that Samaritan town to get water. The whole town became radically changed. Knowing God through Christ, God’s people should consciously live in His presence, obeying and loving one another. We will closely abide in Christ and do whatever the Lord wants so that His kingdom grows (1 Cor 10:31).
3) Isaiah 11:10-16
God plans not only to anoint the Messiah or His twelve disciples with His Spirit but to work in all the nations—even, at some point, in the lives of the stubborn Jews. He has not ruled out any race but works in all that they might be filled with His Spirit and walk in the light of His Spirit. We must urgently take His message to all.
Now is the time to repent and believe in God’s powerful kingdom work taking place in the world. Let the Spirit-filled Messiah work powerfully in your life through His Spirit!
Next => Questions for Transformation | Isaiah 11:6-16 main article
Notes
(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.