First Reading:  Isaiah 11:1-10

The Ideal King

What is your vision of the ideal ruler?

In the sixth century B.C., Isaiah was a court prophet for four kings in Judea. About that time, the northern kingdom of Israel had fallen to the Assyrians. So, the king, his court, and the entire population of Judea feared the military advance of the hated conquerors.

Words of hope were needed in an atmosphere of desperation. These passages relate Isaiah's encouragement. There would be better times. Under the rule of a great king. A Messiah!

What would this new king be like? He would be borne in the line of David. [11:1] He would possess God's very Spirit and its gifts. [11:2] He would judge as God judged, with fairness and impartiality. [11:3] He would be faithful to the Law and right before God's eyes. [11:4] Under his rule, the Kingdom would be present. God, humanity, and nature would live in a time of peace, Shalom. [11:5-8] Strife and war would end. And the reputation of the Jewish God would extend to the ends of the earth. [11:9] People would seek his rule.

The prophet did paint the ideal Jewish king. The righteous ruler who would bring a true peace to the world. Because he possessed the wisdom and power of God's Spirit.

For Christians, Isaiah described Jesus of Nazareth.

How do the traits Isaiah described apply to Jesus?