When the previous chapter ended, the world looked like a vast forest chopped down to bare stumps. It was a grim vision, inspiring little optimism for the future. But suddenly, in Isaiah 11, amid that scene of worldwide devastation, a shoot comes forth “from the stump of Jesse.” This little sprig of human life ultimately represents the birth of Jesus our Messiah, who will bring new life and eternal hope to fallen humanity. Since Jesse was the father of King David, “the stump of Jesse” is what little remains of David’s throne after his royal sons failed to rule the world in peace and righteousness. Though his house had become thoroughly corrupt, God’s promises to David will continue. However bleak the present situation, the throne of David’s kingdom shall be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). Jesus will be a descendant of Jesse, the greatest of David’s sons. And He will be uniquely empowered to rule with impeccable justice. As God’s anointed, He will be wise, powerful, and faithful. Unlike previous sons of David, He will not be influenced by mere appearances, but will reign according to all that is true and right. Not only will He fear the LORD, He will find deep joy in living before God with holy awe. And the “fruit” of this life will be truly monumental, for our Messiah will fill this world with His peace, not through the power of the sword, but through the power of God’s Word and God’s Spirit (v 1-5). So perfect will be this kingdom of Christ that death and destruction will die. At His second coming, nature itself will enter into a gentle harmony we have always longed for. Chaos will turn to peace, fear will turn to laughter, and history’s endless trail of pain and violence will be replaced with the reverent knowledge of Jesus. The whole world will be made new (v 6-9). This new world will not come about as the result of favorable historical trends, however. Jesus will create this newness despite the widespread brokenness our fallen human race has always created. In His humanity, Jesus may have been “the stump of Jesse,” but in His deity, He was also “the root of Jesse,” the one from whom Jesse came! The divine nature of Jesus accounts for His worldwide appeal, for He is not limited to any one national identity. He will serve as “a signal for the peoples,” with His cross drawing in the nations. One day our King will spread His rule to the ends of the earth, bringing all of His people home to a glorious resting place. On that last day, all of God’s elect—Jew and Gentile—will be honored as victors, and no earthly power can prevent this final triumph (v 10-16). For further meditation: