Isaiah 55:4
See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
a ruler and commander of the peoples. (NIV)
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 55:1-5
In the previous verse, God tells Israel that He will enter into an everlasting covenant with them. This new covenant would fulfill God’s promise to David to send a Messiah from his offspring. This Messiah would establish David’s kingdom for eternity.
God has told Israel three times so far in Isaiah 55 to listen to Him. They need to pay close attention because this prophecy is not easy to understand. If they fail to listen closely, they will miss its fulfillment. That seems almost impossible to believe because how could anyone miss a prophecy that big? If a king would come and establish his rule that extends to all nations, surely that would be easy to spot. It shouldn’t require much attention at all. However, we know the Jews didn’t pay close attention and they nailed the King to a cross.
God gives another clue in verse 4 of the coming King. He will be three things:
- A witness (ʽēd)
- A ruler (nāgîd)
- A commander (ṣāwâ)
The Hebrew word ʽēd describes someone who secures the certainty of truth. This person verifies the truth through his testimony. By inference, the use of this noun confirms that truth exists and it can be verified. God’s witness will come to reveal and confirm truth.
The Hebrew word nāgîd describes someone who God puts in a position to govern. Whether it be a royalty, military or priestly position, the emphasis is on the fact that God has placed this person in power and they are accountable to God for their decisions. They have a divine accountability to advance God’s will.
The Hebrew word ṣāwâ describes someone who is able to issue a binding directive. He has all the power and authority to instruct and there is an expectation that his orders will be obeyed.
So in this verse, we can see that this heir to the throne of David will come from God with all the power and authority to speak for God and expect obedience from Israel. He will reign with power and advance God’s will for His people. But there is a contrast that must be considered. Isaiah wrote earlier:
“In love a throne will be established;
in faithfulness a man will sit on it—
one from the house of David—
one who in judging seeks justice
and speeds the cause of righteousness” (Isa 16:5).
Jesus holds all the power and authority to rule. Most if not all kings would impose their rule with violence. As they conquered their enemies, no mercy was given. Complete destruction lay in their wake as they brought the people in the land under their authority.
Jesus would be a different kind of king. His throne would be established in love. He would seek justice and impose righteousness. And not just for Israel but for all nations. Yes he carried the power and authority to impose God’s will. Yes he could make people obey him. But that will not be how he rules. He rules with love. And because Israel didn’t listen closely, they missed the King.
Christ in the Old Testament 
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