Isaiah 11:3
And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear,
And He will delight
The Hebrew word for "delight" here is "ריח" (reyach), which can also mean "to smell" or "to perceive." This suggests a deep, intuitive understanding and appreciation. In the context of Isaiah 11, this delight is not superficial but profound, indicating the Messiah's perfect alignment with God's will. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern concept of a ruler who governs with divine insight, a theme that resonates with the messianic expectations of a leader who embodies divine wisdom and justice.

in the fear of the LORD
The phrase "fear of the LORD" is derived from the Hebrew "יִרְאַת יְהוָה" (yirat Yahweh). This is not a fear that implies terror but rather a reverential awe and respect for God's holiness and authority. In the biblical context, this fear is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and is foundational for righteous living. Theologically, it underscores the Messiah's perfect submission and obedience to God, setting a model for believers to emulate.

He will not judge
The Hebrew verb "שָׁפַט" (shaphat) means "to judge" or "to govern." In ancient Israel, judges were leaders who not only made legal decisions but also guided the people spiritually and morally. The Messiah's role as judge is central to His mission, emphasizing His authority and righteousness. This phrase assures us that His judgment is not based on human standards but divine truth.

by what His eyes see
This phrase highlights the limitations of human perception, which can be deceived by appearances. The Messiah, however, is not constrained by such limitations. His judgment transcends the physical realm, reflecting a divine insight that perceives the true nature of things. This is a comforting assurance that His governance is just and equitable, rooted in truth rather than superficial observation.

nor decide
The Hebrew word "הוֹכִיחַ" (hokiach) means "to decide" or "to reprove." It implies making decisions or corrections based on evidence and understanding. The Messiah's decisions are not arbitrary but are grounded in divine wisdom and justice. This reflects the biblical theme of God as the ultimate judge who discerns the hearts and minds of people.

by what His ears hear
This phrase further emphasizes the Messiah's ability to transcend human limitations. Unlike earthly rulers who rely on reports and testimonies, which can be biased or false, the Messiah's decisions are based on perfect knowledge and understanding. This assures believers of His fairness and integrity, reinforcing the hope in His righteous reign.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Messiah (Jesus Christ)
Isaiah 11 is a prophetic passage about the coming Messiah, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This verse highlights His divine wisdom and discernment.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The verse emphasizes the Messiah's relationship with the LORD, showing His reverence and alignment with God's will.

3. Isaiah (the Prophet)
The author of the book, Isaiah was a prophet in Judah who conveyed God's messages, including prophecies about the coming Messiah.

4. Judah (the Southern Kingdom)
The context of Isaiah's prophecies, including the promise of a future righteous ruler, was given to the people of Judah during a time of political and spiritual turmoil.

5. The Fear of the LORD
A central theme in this verse, representing a deep reverence and awe for God, which is foundational to wisdom and righteous judgment.
Teaching Points
Delighting in the Fear of the LORD
The Messiah's delight in the fear of the LORD serves as a model for believers. We are called to find joy and fulfillment in revering God and aligning our lives with His will.

Righteous Judgment
Like the Messiah, we should strive to judge situations and people not by outward appearances but with discernment and wisdom that comes from God.

Spiritual Discernment
Believers are encouraged to seek spiritual discernment through prayer and the Holy Spirit, enabling us to see beyond the surface and understand deeper truths.

Living by Faith, Not by Sight
This verse challenges us to live by faith, trusting in God's wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on our senses or human understanding.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in the fear of the LORD and to exercise righteous judgment, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "delighting in the fear of the LORD" influence your daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can you practice righteous judgment in your interactions with others, following the example of the Messiah?

3. How can you cultivate spiritual discernment in your life, and what role does prayer play in this process?

4. Reflect on a time when you judged a situation by appearances. How might Isaiah 11:3 encourage you to approach similar situations differently?

5. How does understanding the original Hebrew concept of "fear of the LORD" deepen your appreciation for the wisdom and character of the Messiah?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 9:10
This verse connects to the concept of the "fear of the LORD" as the beginning of wisdom, which is a key attribute of the Messiah in Isaiah 11:3.

John 7:24
Jesus teaches about judging righteously, not by appearances, which aligns with the Messiah's ability to judge beyond what His eyes see or ears hear.

1 Samuel 16:7
God's instruction to Samuel about not judging by outward appearance but by the heart reflects the Messiah's discernment described in Isaiah 11:3.
Christ and the Fear of JehovahF. Delitzsch.Isaiah 11:3
Christ's Impartial JudgmentR. Maccolloch.Isaiah 11:3
Christ's Penetrating InsightR. Macculloch.Isaiah 11:3
Effects of the Fear of the LordR. Maccolloch.Isaiah 11:3
Of Quick Understanding in the Fear of the LordJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 11:3
Religion Quickens the IntelligenceIsaiah 11:3
The Fear of the LordR. Maccolloch.Isaiah 11:3
The Relation of the Fear of the Lord to Other GracesR. Maccolloch.Isaiah 11:3
Characteristics of Jesus ChristW. Clarkson Isaiah 11:1-5
The Coming of the MessiahE. Johnson Isaiah 11:1-9
A Prophecy Concerning Messiah the PrinceIsaiah 11:1-16
Assyria and Israel: a ContrastJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
Christ the Fruitful BranchF. Delitzsch.Isaiah 11:1-16
Eternal YouthfulnessJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
Messiah's ReignD. Brown, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
Prophecy: a Very Good TransitionIsaiah 11:1-16
The BranchExpository TimesIsaiah 11:1-16
The Kingdom of ChristE. N. Packard.Isaiah 11:1-16
The Kingdom of Christ in the World is Only the Presence of Christ in the WorldE. N. Packard.Isaiah 11:1-16
The Picture of the FutureProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
The Qualifications of Christ for His Mediatorial OfficeJ. Hambleton, M. A.Isaiah 11:1-16
The Rod Out of the Stem of JesseJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
The Stem from the Rod of JesseAnon.Isaiah 11:1-16
Three Great IdealsProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
Christ is Full of LightH. W. Beecher.Isaiah 11:2-5
Coronation GiftsF. Platt, B. D.Isaiah 11:2-5
Gifts of the Spirit from Christ to His ChurchJ. Ayre, M. A.Isaiah 11:2-5
Spiritual Endowments for Earthly RulersF. Platt, B. D.Isaiah 11:2-5
The Great PreacherE. P. Marvin.Isaiah 11:2-5
The Hallowing of the Secular LifeF. Platt, B. D.Isaiah 11:2-5
The Spirit of GodF. Delitzsch.Isaiah 11:2-5
The Spirit of God in Patriotism and Judicial AdministratiF. Platt, B. D.Isaiah 11:2-5
The Spirit of the LordF. Delitzsch.Isaiah 11:2-5
The Spirit of the Lord has Always Been in Human HistoryJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 11:2-5
The Spirit of WhitsuntideC. Kingsley, M. A.Isaiah 11:2-5
The Principles of Messianic RuleR. Tuck Isaiah 11:3-5
People
Ammonites, Elam, Isaiah, Jesse
Places
Assyria, Cush, Edom, Egypt, Elam, Euphrates River, Hamath, Jerusalem, Judah, Moab, Pathros, Sea of Egypt, Shinar
Topics
Decide, Decideth, Decision, Decisions, Delight, Ears, Fear, Guided, Hearing, Hears, Judge, Judgeth, Judging, Quick, Refresh, Reprove, Sees, Sight, Understanding
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 11:3

     8227   discernment, nature of

Isaiah 11:1-3

     1412   foreknowledge
     5302   education

Isaiah 11:1-4

     8319   perception, spiritual

Isaiah 11:1-5

     4416   branch
     5366   king
     7735   leaders, political

Isaiah 11:1-9

     2376   kingdom of God, coming
     9140   last days

Isaiah 11:1-10

     1443   revelation, OT
     6708   predestination

Isaiah 11:2-3

     2039   Christ, joy of
     3030   Holy Spirit, power
     5805   comfort
     8335   reverence, and blessing

Isaiah 11:2-4

     2230   Messiah, coming of

Isaiah 11:2-5

     1125   God, righteousness

Isaiah 11:2-9

     9145   Messianic age

Isaiah 11:3-4

     2309   Christ, as judge

Isaiah 11:3-5

     1155   God, truthfulness
     2072   Christ, righteousness
     2354   Christ, mission
     5173   outward appearance
     5360   justice, God
     6688   mercy, demonstration of God's

Library
The Sucker from the Felled Oak
'And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 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; 3. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4. But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Great Voices from Heaven
'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. 3. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

July the Second Light and Lightning
"And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him." --ISAIAH xi. 1-10. And the spirit is one of light! All the doors and windows are open. His correspondences are perfect and unbroken. He is of "quick understanding," keen-scented to discern the essences of things, alert to perceive the reality behind the semblance, to "see things as they are." All the great primary senses are awake, and He has knowledge of every "secret place." "He shall smite ... with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The First Trumpet.
The first trumpet of the seventh seal begins from the final disturbance and overthrow of the Roman idolarchy at the close of the sixth seal; and as it was to bring the first plague on the empire, now beginning to fall, it lays waste the third part of the earth, with a horrible storm of hail mingled with fire and blood; that is, it depopulates the territory and people of the Roman world, (viz. the basis and ground of its universal polity) with a terrible and bloody irruption of the northern nations,
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

Would You See when and Where the Kingdoms of this Fallen World are Become A...
Would you see when and where the kingdoms of this fallen world are become a kingdom of God, the gospel prophet tells you, that it is then and there where all enmity ceases. "The wolf," says he, "shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid. The calf and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed, and their young ones shall lie down together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The suckling child shall
William Law—An Humble, Affectionate, and Earnest Address to the Clergy

Fragment iv.
[1745] As the elders who saw John the disciple of the Lord remembered that they had heard from him how the Lord taught in regard to those times, and said]: "The days will come in which vines shall grow, having each ten thousand branches, and in each branch ten thousand twigs, and in each true twig ten thousand shoots, and in every one of the shoots ten thousand clusters, and on every one of the clusters ten thousand grapes, and every grape when pressed will give five-and-twenty metretes of wine.
Papias—Fragments of Papias

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha, which are Quoted, or Incidentally Illustrated, in the Institutes.
TO THE AUTHORS QUOTED IN THE INSTITUTES PREFATORY ADDRESS TO HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY, THE MOST MIGHTY AND ILLUSTRIOUS MONARCH, FRANCIS, KING OF THE FRENCH, HIS SOVEREIGN; [1] JOHN CALVIN PRAYS PEACE AND SALVATION IN CHRIST. [2] Sire,--When I first engaged in this work, nothing was farther from my thoughts than to write what should afterwards be presented to your Majesty. My intention was only to furnish a kind of rudiments, by which those who feel some interest in religion might be trained to
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The General Deliverance
"The earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him that subjected it: Yet in hope that the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth, and travaileth in pain together until now." Rom. 8:19-22. 1. Nothing is more sure, than that as "the Lord is loving to every
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The General Spread of the Gospel
"The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters covers the sea." Isa. 11:9. 1. In what a condition is the world at present! How does darkness, intellectual darkness, ignorance, with vice and misery attendant upon it, cover the face of the earth! From the accurate inquiry made with indefatigable pains by our ingenious countryman, Mr. Brerewood; (who travelled himself over a great part of the known world, in order to form the more exact judgment;) supposing the world to be divided
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Absurd Doctrine of Abaelard, who Attributes Properly and Specically the Absolute and Essential Names to one Person, is Opposed.
The absurd doctrine of Abaelard, who attributes properly and specically the absolute and essential names to one Person, is opposed. 5. Now notice more clearly what he thinks, teaches, and writes. He says that Power properly and specially belongs to the Father, Wisdom to the Son, which, indeed, is false. For the Father both, is, and is most truly called, Wisdom, and the Son Power, and what is common to Both is not the proprium , of Each singly. There are certainly some other names which do not belong
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
In this Commandment too a good work is commanded, which includes much and drives away much vice; it is called purity, or chastity, of which much is written and preached, and it is well known to every one, only that it is not as carefully observed and practised as other works which are not commanded. So ready are we to do what is not commanded and to leave undone what is commanded. We see that the world is full of shameful works of unchastity, indecent words, tales and ditties, temptation to which
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Return of Christ to the Earth Itself.
If to-day the presence of the Lord on earth is urgently needed, how much greater will be this need at the close of the Tribulation period! The Anti-christ in full power, openly blaspheming and blatantly defying God! All the world worshipping this Son of Perdition and branded with his mark on their foreheads or in their hands as token of their allegiance to him! The godly remnant of the Jews in the very last extremity and crying, "Keep not Thou silence, O God: hold not Thy peace, and be not still
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

The King in Exile
'And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him. 14. When he arose, he took the young child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt; 15. And was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers.
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
Carried by the Spirit into the far distant future, Balaam sees here how a star goeth out of Jacob and a sceptre riseth out of Israel, and how this sceptre smiteth Moab, by whose enmity the Seer had been brought from a distant region for the destruction of Israel. And not Moab only shall be smitten, but its southern neighbour, Edom, too shall be subdued, whose hatred against Israel had already been prefigured in its ancestor, and had now begun to display Itself; and In general, all the enemies of
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Holy Spirit and the Incarnation of the Word. ...
The Holy Spirit and the Incarnation of the Word. We are so familiar with the part assigned in our Creeds to the Holy Spirit in connection with our Lord's birth, that the passage now to be quoted from Justin may at first sight seem very surprising. It may be well to approach it by citing some words from the learned and orthodox Waterland, who in 1734, in his book on The Trinity (c. vi: Works, III, 571: Oxford, 1843), wrote as follows in reference to a passage of St Irenæus: "I may remark by
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Love and Discernment.
"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all judgment: that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."--PHIL. i. 9-11. One of the most beautiful elements in the Pauline Epistles is the intimate relation which evidently existed between the Apostle and his converts. This is especially the
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

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