Isaiah 11:2
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just list attributes; it describes them as pairs, suggesting they work together in perfect harmony. For example, "wisdom and understanding" aren't separate skills but a unified capacity for divine insight and practical application, highlighting the holistic nature of the Messiah's equipping.
This passage is part of a larger prophecy about a future king descended from Jesse, who will bring justice and peace. Following the imagery of a felled tree in chapter 10, this chapter introduces the Messiah as a new shoot, destined for greatness. This verse, therefore, specifically describes the extraordinary divine enablement this future ruler will possess.
The Holy Spirit's presence with God's people in the Old Testament was often temporary. But for the coming Messiah, it's described differently.
Isaiah 11:2 promises that the "Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him." The word 'rest' here suggests a settled, permanent presence. Unlike the Spirit who came upon prophets and judges for specific tasks and then departed, the Spirit would 'rest' upon the Messiah, indicating an abiding fullness. This isn't a fleeting influence but a permanent indwelling, marking the Messiah as uniquely equipped for his eternal mission. This permanent rest highlights the depth of the Spirit's connection to the Messiah, a connection that would ultimately be shared with believers through Christ.
The verse lists six distinct qualities the Spirit imparts to the Messiah. What do these specific pairs tell us about his perfect leadership?
Isaiah 11:2 details the Spirit's work in the Messiah through six key attributes, presented in three pairs:
These six qualities, flowing from the Spirit, paint a picture of a leader who is perfectly equipped to rule with divine insight, power, and devotion.
Understand the original words
ruach · Hebrew Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the active power of God in creation, prophecy, and the empowerment of believers and the Messiah. He is the agent of God's presence and will.
yirah · Hebrew Noun
The reverence, awe, and submission toward God. It is the beginning of wisdom and describes a life lived in accordance with God's holiness and authority.
This passage directly describes the Holy Spirit descending and resting on Jesus at his baptism, confirming the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy about the Spirit's presence on the Messiah.
Matthew 3:16-17Similar to John's Gospel, this account highlights the Spirit descending like a dove and resting on Jesus, accompanied by a divine declaration of His Sonship, underscoring the Spirit's empowering presence.
1 Corinthians 12:8-11This passage lists various manifestations of the Spirit's work, mirroring the diverse gifts (wisdom, knowledge, might, etc.) that Isaiah predicts will perfectly reside in the Messiah.
Colossians 2:3This verse states that in Christ 'are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,' directly reflecting the 'spirit of wisdom and understanding' and the 'spirit of knowledge' mentioned in Isaiah.
Isaiah 42:1This verse, also from Isaiah, speaks of God's servant 'upon whom I have put my Spirit,' echoing the theme of the Spirit's endowment on the chosen one and His role in bringing justice to the nations.
pulpitIsaiah 11:2: "And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;"
Verse 2. - The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him (comp, Matthew 3:16; Luke 2:40; Luke 4:1, 14, 18; John 3:34, etc.). The human nature of our Lord required, and received abundantly, the sanctifying and enlightening influences of the Holy Spirit. These influences were not in him transient or occasional, as…
wesleyIsaiah 11:2: "And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;"
11:2 Wisdom - It is not needful, exactly to distinguish these two gifts; it is sufficient that they are necessary qualifications for a governor, and a teacher, and it is evident they signify perfect knowledge of all things necessary for his own and peoples good, and a sound judgment, to distinguish between th…
The verse doesn't just list attributes; it describes them as pairs, suggesting they work together in perfect harmony. For example, "wisdom and understanding" aren't separate skills but a unified capacity for divine insight and practical application, highlighting the holistic nature of the Messiah's equipping.
This passage is part of a larger prophecy about a future king descended from Jesse, who will bring justice and peace. Following the imagery of a felled tree in chapter 10, this chapter introduces the Messiah as a new shoot, destined for greatness. This verse, therefore, specifically describes the extraordinary divine enablement this future ruler will possess.
This passage is part of a larger prophecy about a future king descended from Jesse, who will bring justice and peace. Following the imagery of a felled tree in chapter 10, this chapter introduces the Messiah as a new shoot, destined for greatness. This verse, therefore, specifically describes the extraordinary divine enablement this future ruler will possess.
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"And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD." — The verse doesn't just list attributes; it describes them as pairs, suggesting they work together in perfect harmony. For example, "wisdom and understanding" aren't separate skills but a unified ca…
