A Rule of the Branch

Minister:
Date: PM
Text: Isaiah 11:2-9
Psalters: 9, 260, 385, 248
  1. The Branch is a ruler/king; the kind of king He is determines what kind of rule He exercises.
    1. First, He is described as receiving the Spirit who equips Him to perform a work.
      1. The Branch is equipped to be a prophet, with the Spirit giving wisdom and understanding.
      2. The Branch is equipped to be a priest, with the Spirit giving the knowledge and fear of Jehovah.
      3. The Branch is equipped to be king, with the Spirit giving counsel and might.
    2. The Branch’s rule is characterized by the fear of Jehovah (3).
    3. Thus equipped the Branch is enthroned to care for His people and to destroy the wicked.
      1. He exercises His rule over the wicked world with His speech which destroys them (4b).
      2. Through the destruction of the wicked God cares for the poor and meek (4a).
  2. The Branch rules over a kingdom of peace (6-9).
    1. The description of the Branch’s kingdom uses figurative language concerning wild and domesticated animals cohabiting.
      1. Scripture teaches that the entire present creation will participate in the final glorification of all things in the day of Christ.
      2. The present creation participates in the redemption of the elect (Rom. 8:21), in the new glorious creation (Eph. 1:10).
    2. When will this take place?  Cf. Isa. 65:17-25.
    3. The basis for this is the rule of the Branch.
      1. This will take place in God’s holy mountain (9).
      2. And then the earth will be full of the knowledge of Jehovah (9), i.e., not just head knowledge, but knowing God in love.