Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

But with righteousness {H6664} shall he judge {H8199} the poor {H1800}, and reprove {H3198} with equity {H4334} for the meek {H6035} of the earth {H776}: and he shall smite {H5221} the earth {H776} with the rod {H7626} of his mouth {H6310}, and with the breath {H7307} of his lips {H8193} shall he slay {H4191} the wicked {H7563}.

but he will judge the impoverished justly; he will decide fairly for the humble of the land. He will strike the land with a rod from his mouth and slay the wicked with a breath from his lips.

but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.

but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Context

Isaiah 11 presents a powerful prophecy concerning the coming Messiah, depicted as a "rod" or "branch" (a shoot from the stump of Jesse), indicating His Davidic lineage despite Israel's fallen state. Verses 2-3 describe His character, endowed with the Spirit of the Lord, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. Verse 4 then elaborates on how these divine attributes will manifest in His righteous reign and judgment, marking a stark contrast to the unjust rulers of Isaiah's day.

Key Themes

  • Messianic Justice and Righteousness: The core of this verse emphasizes the Messiah's perfect and unwavering justice. He will not judge by outward appearance or hearsay but by divine insight, ensuring true equity for the poor and the meek of the earth. This speaks to a kingdom where the vulnerable are protected and upheld.
  • Divine Authority and the Power of His Word: The imagery of smiting the earth "with the rod of his mouth" and slaying the wicked "with the breath of his lips" highlights the absolute power of the Messiah's spoken word. His decrees are not mere suggestions but irresistible commands, carrying the weight of divine judgment and execution. This anticipates a future reign where His word alone is sufficient to bring order and judgment.
  • Ultimate Judgment of the Wicked: While the Messiah brings justice to the oppressed, He also brings swift and decisive judgment upon the wicked. This dual aspect of His rule underscores His role as a righteous King who both saves and judges, separating the righteous from the unrighteous.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rod of his mouth" (Hebrew: shevet piv) and "breath of his lips" (Hebrew: ruach sefatav) are powerful poetic expressions. The "rod" (shevet) often signifies authority or a scepter, emphasizing the Messiah's kingly power. When combined with "mouth" and "lips," it conveys that His very speech carries the weight of divine decree and execution, not physical force. This concept of the powerful, judging word is also echoed in the New Testament, for instance, depicting Christ judging the nations with a sharp sword from His mouth.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense hope and comfort to those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or wronged. It assures believers that God, through His Messiah, will ultimately establish perfect justice on the earth. It also serves as a warning to those who persist in wickedness, reminding them of the inevitable divine judgment. For Christians today, it encourages living righteously, advocating for justice, and trusting in the future, perfect reign of Christ, whose word is living, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8

    And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

  • Revelation 19:15

    And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

  • Malachi 4:6

    And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

  • Job 4:9

    By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.

  • Proverbs 31:8

    Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

  • Proverbs 31:9

    Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

  • Isaiah 61:1

    ¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

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