Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord. (NIV)
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 11:1-16
Isaiah continues with a description of the Messiah’s character in verse two. The word “Spirit” occurs four times in this verse. The Hebrew word for “Spirit” is rûaḥ which is often referring to the Holy Spirit however it is literally translated as “breath of God.” In the Old Testament, the Spirit resting on someone would indicate God’s favor and commissioning for a specific task. The Messiah will be anointed by the Spirit.
Isaiah lists six specific qualities that the Holy Spirit will impart to the Messiah:
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Counsel
- Might
- Knowledge of the Lord
- Fear of the Lord
Wisdom is the Hebrew word ḥokmâ literally meaning “skill in life, trade, war, or spiritual things.” Wisdom is choosing the best means to secure the best ends. As we’ve studied before, Jesus is Wisdom. Paul wrote that Jesus “has become for us wisdom from God” (1 Cor 1:30) and also that in Jesus “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3). Jesus is the wise king.
Understanding is the Hebrew word bînâ generally referring to having insight into the nature of things. Understanding is a synonym to wisdom but it’s more appropriate to say that it’s the application of wisdom. It’s the ability to discern between alternatives or the judgement of character. John said of Jesus, “He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person” (John 2:25). Jesus is the great decision-maker.
Counsel is the Hebrew word ʽēṣâ which is to give good advice. Counsel is the ability to plan and devise a strategy. Isaiah called Jesus the “Wonderful Counselor” (Isa 9:6). Paul would quote Isaiah asking, “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” (Rom 11:34). Jesus is the king who needs no counselors to advise him.
Might is the Hebrew word gᵉbûrâ meaning “strength” or “achievement.” If counsel refers to the ability to devise a strategy then might is the ability to carry it out. This is the power that is bestowed on kings – royal power. Paul wrote, “That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms” (Eph 1:19-20). This power is strong enough to defeat death. Jesus is the all-powerful king.
The knowledge of the Lord is the Hebrew word daʽat implies the intimate understanding of God’s will. It’s a personal knowledge of God. Jesus said, “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him” (Matt 11:27). Jesus knows the Father intimately and reveals Him to us so that we may know God. “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true” (1 John 5:20). Jesus is the all-knowing king.
The fear of the Lord is the Hebrew word yir’â which denotes obedience to God. This is not a fear in the sense of being afraid. This is a fear showing a deep respect and awe for God’s authority. Jesus had the deep desire to please God. Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done” (Matt 26:42). Jesus is always doing the will of the Father. Jesus is the obedient king.
The apostle John saw a vision in heaven of ten thousands upon ten thousands of angels encircling the throne of God saying in a loud voice:
‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!’” (Rev 5:12).
Jesus is worthy to be King!
Christ in the Old Testament 
Leave a comment