A STANDARD FOR THE NATIONS

PMW 2023-089 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr. Cross over all

Isaiah provides us with a glorious and encouraging Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 11. Let us quickly summarize his teachings.

Isa. 11:1–2: a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse
Along with Assyria, Israel has been chopped down to a stump (10:18–19, 33–34). Yet the Messiah, the true Davidic king, will arise from the lineage of Jesse (vv. 1, 10; David’s father, 1 Sam. 16:10–31). Christ is the greater David who was typified in David. He will be endowed with “the Spirit of the LORD” (v. 2), thereby exercising wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD (v. 2).

Isa. 11:3–6: with righteousness He will judge the poor
Where Israel’s rulers failed and earned God’s judgment, the Messiah will exercise righteous rule (cf. v. 9).

Isa. 11:6–8: the wolf will dwell with the lamb
This is poetry; it is not speaking literally of wolves, lambs, leopards, lions, and bears. These carnivores acting peacefully with herbivores picture the glory of Christ’s kingdom when it comes to full expression in history. In Christ enmity is done away with and replaced by reconciliation (cf. Eph. 2:14–18).

017-sovereignty

Sovereignty of God
(7 mp3 Gentry downloadable sermons)
In these seven sermons will be found a practical demonstration of God’s absolute sovereignty.
This series serves as an excellent introduction to this difficult doctrine.
See more study materials at: KennethGentry.com

Isa. 11:9–10: the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
Worldwide peace will eventually prevail on earth as the gospel gradually wins more converts (see 2:3–4 Note; 9:7a Note). This is what Christians pray for when we pray “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth” (Matt. 6:10) and what we aim for in promoting the great commission (Matt. 28:18–20). But this prophecy will come to fullest, perfect expression in eternity, when God establishes the consummate new heavens and new earth (2 Pet. 3:13) after the final judgment (2 Pet. 3:10–12).

Isa. 11:11–16: the Lord / Will again recover … / The remnant of His people
Once again the hope of the remnant is presented: despite his vigorous judgments, God will not destroy Israel. She will live on in a remnant that becomes the new covenant church (Eph. 2:11–22), which is “the Israel of God” (Gal. 6:15). Thus, the new covenant church is not a replacement for Israel, but the fulfillment of Israel for in her “all Israel will be saved” (Rom. 11:26).

Isa. 11:12: a standard for the nations
A “standard” (or “banner”) is some sort of sign or signal that is lifted up to rally troops to assemble (cf. v. 10; 13:2; 49:22–24). Once again we see the universality of God’s plan: he will ultimately include the Gentiles (“the nations,” cf. Isa. 19:20–25; Matt. 28:18–20; see Notes at Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:2–4; 9:7a; 11:12; 18:7).

Theological Debates Today (5 mp3 messages)
Conference lectures on contemporary theological issues: 1. The Great Tribulation; 2. The Book of Revelation; 3. Hyperpreterism; 4. Paedocommunion; 5. God’s Law. Helpful insights into theological truths that are vigorously debated among Christians. Excellent tool for personal or group Bible study.