1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

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.

5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

13 The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

14 But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.

15 And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod.

16 And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects.
The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And - And having said that the Assyrian yoke should be destroyed because of the anointing, he now explains who that anointed person was. The stem - Or, stump: for the word signifies properly a trunk cut off from the root. By which he clearly implies, that the Messiah should be born of the royal house of David, at that time when it was in a most forlorn condition, like a tree cut down, and whereof nothing is left but a stump or root under ground. Of Jesse - He doth not say of David, but of Jesse, who was a private and mean person, to intimate, that at the time of Christ's birth the royal family should be reduced to its primitive obscurity.
McArther Bible Commentary
stem … roots. With the Babylonian captivity of 586 B.C., the Davidic dynasty appeared as decimated as the Assyrian army. The major difference between the two was the life remaining in the stump and roots of the Davidic line. That life was to manifest itself in new growth in the form of the Rod and Branch. Jesse. Jesse was David's father, through whose line the messianic king was to come (Rth 4:22; 1Sa 16:1, 1Sa 16:12-13). Branch. This is a title for the Messiah (see Isa 4:2).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 1:1 Acts 13:23 Hebrews 7:14 Revelation 5:5 Revelation 22:16 2 Samuel 23:3 Isaiah 4:2 Isaiah 6:13 Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah 9:7 Isaiah 11:10 Isaiah 53:2 Jeremiah 23:5 Jeremiah 33:15 Ezekiel 37:25 Micah 5:2 Zechariah 3:8 Zechariah 6:12

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects.
The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wisdom - It is not needful, exactly to distinguish these two gifts; it is sufficient that they are necessary qualifications for a governor, and a teacher, and it is evident they signify perfect knowledge of all things necessary for his own and peoples good, and a sound judgment, to distinguish between things that differ. Counsel - Of prudence, to give good counsel; and of might and courage, to execute it. Knowledge - Of the perfect knowledge of the whole will and counsel of God, as also of all secret things, yea of the hearts of men. Fear - A fear of reverence, a care to please him, and lothness to offend him.
McArther Bible Commentary
The Spirit of the Lord. As the Spirit of the Lord came upon David when he was anointed king (1Sa 16:13; Psa 51:11), so He will rest upon David's descendant, Christ, who will rule the world. Spirit … the Lord … Him. This verse refers to the three persons of the holy Trinity (see Isa 6:3). wisdom and understanding … counsel and might … knowledge and … fear of the Lord. These are Spirit-imparted qualifications that will enable the Messiah to rule justly and effectively. Compare the sevenfold Spirit in Rev 1:4.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 3:16 John 1:32 John 16:13 1 Corinthians 1:30 Ephesians 1:17 Ephesians 1:18 Colossians 2:3 2 Timothy 1:7 Revelation 1:4 Exodus 28:3 Deuteronomy 34:9 Psalm 72:2 Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah 28:6 Isaiah 32:15 Isaiah 42:1 Isaiah 48:16 Isaiah 59:21 Isaiah 61:1 Zechariah 4:6

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects.
The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In the fear - He shall not judge rashly and partially, but considerately and justly, as the fear of God obliges all judges to do. Judge - Of persons or causes. After the sight - According to outward appearance, as men do, because they cannot search mens hearts. Reprove - Condemn or pass sentence against a person. His ears - By uncertain rumours or suggestions.
McArther Bible Commentary
the sight of His eyes … the hearing of His ears. These are ordinary avenues for a king to obtain information needed to govern; but, the future King will have supernatural perception beyond these usual sources.
Bible Cross References
John 2:25 John 7:24 Isaiah 33:6 Ezekiel 45:8 Micah 4:3

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects.
The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Judge - Defend and deliver them. Reprove - Or condemn their malicious enemies. Thy rod - With his word, which is his scepter, and the rod of his power, (Psalms 110:2) , which is sharper than a sword, (Hebrews 4:12) , by the preaching whereof he subdued the world to himself, and will destroy his enemies, (2 Thessalonians 2:8) . This he adds farther, to declare the nature of Christ's kingdom, that it is not of this world.
McArther Bible Commentary
poor … meek. The Messiah will reverse Israel's earlier dealings with the underprivileged (Isa 3:14-15; Isa 10:2). rod of His mouth. The Branch's rule over the nations will be forceful. The NT uses equivalent terminology to describe the Warrior-King at His triumphant return to earth (Rev 19:15; cf. Isa 49:2; Psa 2:9). breath of His lips. This is another speech figure for the Messiah's means of inflicting physical harm. Paul draws upon this to tell of the destruction of the man of lawlessness at Christ's second advent (2Th 2:8).
Bible Cross References
2 Thessalonians 2:8 Revelation 19:11 Revelation 19:15 Job 4:9 Isaiah 3:14 Isaiah 9:7 Isaiah 13:11 Isaiah 14:30 Isaiah 16:5 Isaiah 26:6 Isaiah 29:19 Isaiah 30:28 Isaiah 30:31 Isaiah 30:33 Isaiah 32:1 Isaiah 32:7 Isaiah 33:22 Isaiah 40:7 Isaiah 49:2 Isaiah 61:1

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects.
The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The girdle - It shall adorn him, and be the glory of his government, as a girdle was used for an ornament, (Isaiah 3:24) , and as an ensign of power, (Job 12:18) , and it shall constantly cleave to him in all his administrations, as a girdle cleaveth to a man's loins.
McArther Bible Commentary
belt … belt. The belt, which gathered the loose garments together, is figurative of the Messiah's readiness for conflict. Righteousness and faithfulness are His preparation. Cf. Eph 6:14.
Bible Cross References
Ephesians 6:14 Psalm 109:19 Isaiah 9:7 Isaiah 25:1 Isaiah 32:1 Zechariah 8:16

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects.
The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The wolf - The creatures shall be restored to that state of innocency in which they were before the fall of man. Men of fierce, and cruel dispositions, shall be so transformed by the grace of Christ, that they shall become gentle, and tractable. A child - They will submit their rebellious wills to the conduct of the meanest persons that speak to them in Christ's name.
McArther Bible Commentary
Conditions of peace will prevail to the extent that all enmity among men, among animals-rapacious or otherwise-and between men and animals, will disappear. Such will characterize the future millennial kingdom in which the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6) will reign.
Bible Cross References
Job 5:23 Isaiah 2:4 Isaiah 65:25 Ezekiel 34:25 Hosea 2:18

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects.
The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Feed - Together, without any danger or fear. Straw - The grass of the earth, as they did at first, and shall not devour other living creatures.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 11:8 Isaiah 65:25

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects.
The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 23:32 Isaiah 11:7 Isaiah 11:9 Isaiah 14:29

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects.
The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him; he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Many consider that seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles, and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity, though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
My holy mountain - In Zion, in my church. The sea - The channel of the sea.
McArther Bible Commentary
full of the knowledge of the Lord. Everyone will know the Lord when He returns to fulfill His new covenant with Israel (Jer 31:34).
Bible Cross References
Job 5:23 Psalm 78:54 Psalm 98:2 Isaiah 11:8 Isaiah 33:6 Isaiah 45:6 Isaiah 52:10 Isaiah 54:5 Isaiah 56:7 Isaiah 65:25 Isaiah 66:18 Isaiah 66:20 Jeremiah 31:34 Ezekiel 34:25 Ezekiel 47:5 Daniel 11:45 Daniel 12:4 Hosea 2:18 Joel 3:17 Habakkuk 2:14

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The conversion of the Gentiles and Jews.
When the gospel should be publicly preached, the Gentiles would seek Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and find rest of soul. When God's time is come for the deliverance of his people, mountains of opposition shall become plains before him. God can soon turn gloomy days into glorious ones. And while we expect the Lord to gather his ancient people, and bring them home to his church, also to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, when all will be united in holy love, let us tread the highway of holiness he has made for his redeemed. Let us wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, looking to him to prepare our way through death, that river which separates this world from the eternal world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A root - A branch growing upon the root. Ensign - Shall grow up into a great tree, shall become an eminent ensign. The people - Which not only the Jews, but all nations, may discern, and to which they shall resort. Rest - His resting - place, his temple or church, the place of his presence and abode. Glorious - Shall be filled with greater glory than the Jewish tabernacle and temple were; only this glory shall be spiritual, consisting in the plentiful effusions of the gifts, and graces, of the Holy Spirit.
McArther Bible Commentary
in that day. The time of universal peace will come in the future reign of the Lord. Gentiles shall seek Him. The Root of Jesse will also attract non-Jews who inhabit the future kingdom (Isa 49:6; Isa 52:10; Isa 60:3; Isa 66:18). Paul saw God's ministry to Gentiles during the church age as an additional implication of this verse (Rom 15:12).
Bible Cross References
Luke 2:32 John 3:14 John 3:15 John 12:32 Acts 11:18 Romans 15:12 Revelation 5:5 Numbers 10:33 Isaiah 11:1 Isaiah 11:12 Isaiah 14:3 Isaiah 28:12 Isaiah 32:17 Isaiah 32:18 Isaiah 49:22 Isaiah 62:10 Isaiah 66:19 Zechariah 6:13

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The conversion of the Gentiles and Jews.
When the gospel should be publicly preached, the Gentiles would seek Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and find rest of soul. When God's time is come for the deliverance of his people, mountains of opposition shall become plains before him. God can soon turn gloomy days into glorious ones. And while we expect the Lord to gather his ancient people, and bring them home to his church, also to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, when all will be united in holy love, let us tread the highway of holiness he has made for his redeemed. Let us wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, looking to him to prepare our way through death, that river which separates this world from the eternal world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The second - The first time, to which this word second relates, seems to be the deliverance out of Babylon: and then this second deliverance must be in the days of the Messiah. To recover - From all places far and near, into which either the ten tribes or the two tribes were carried captives. Pathros was a province in Egypt.
McArther Bible Commentary
second time. The first return of Israel to her land was from Egyptian captivity (Exo 14:26-29). The second will be from her worldwide dispersion (Isa 51:9-11; see note on Isa 10:20).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 10:22 Genesis 14:1 Esther 10:1 Isaiah 1:9 Isaiah 10:20 Isaiah 11:16 Isaiah 19:21 Isaiah 19:22 Isaiah 19:23 Isaiah 24:15 Isaiah 27:12 Isaiah 37:31 Ezekiel 11:17 Ezekiel 29:14 Ezekiel 30:14 Ezekiel 32:24 Ezekiel 38:8 Daniel 1:2 Daniel 8:2 Hosea 11:11

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The conversion of the Gentiles and Jews.
When the gospel should be publicly preached, the Gentiles would seek Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and find rest of soul. When God's time is come for the deliverance of his people, mountains of opposition shall become plains before him. God can soon turn gloomy days into glorious ones. And while we expect the Lord to gather his ancient people, and bring them home to his church, also to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, when all will be united in holy love, let us tread the highway of holiness he has made for his redeemed. Let us wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, looking to him to prepare our way through death, that river which separates this world from the eternal world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Nations - All nations, Jews and Gentiles. Out - casts - That were driven out of their own land, into foreign parts. Israel - Of the ten tribes.
McArther Bible Commentary
four corners of the earth. This figurative expression depicts the whole world (Rev 20:8). The faithful remnant of Israel will return from a worldwide dispersion to their land. A Future Restoration of Israel Deu 30:3-5 "The Lord your God will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the nations where the Lord your God has scattered you. If any of you are driven out to the farthest parts under heaven, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you. Then the Lord your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers." Isa 11:12 "He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." Jer 30:3 "'For behold, the days are coming,' says the Lord, 'that I will bring back from captivity My people Israel and Judah,' says the Lord. 'And I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.'" Eze 37:21-22 "Then say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again." Amo 9:14-15 "'I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,' says the Lord your God." Zep 3:19-20 "'Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame. At that time I will bring you back, even at the time I gather you; for I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I return your captives before your eyes,' says the Lord." Zec 8:7-8 "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Behold, I will save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west; I will bring them back, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They shall be My people and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness.'"
Bible Cross References
John 7:35 Revelation 7:1 Psalm 60:4 Psalm 107:3 Psalm 147:2 Isaiah 11:10 Isaiah 24:16 Isaiah 49:5 Isaiah 49:22 Isaiah 54:7 Isaiah 56:8 Isaiah 60:4 Isaiah 62:10 Isaiah 66:19 Jeremiah 23:3 Jeremiah 30:17 Jeremiah 50:4 Ezekiel 28:25 Hosea 1:11 Zechariah 10:6

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The conversion of the Gentiles and Jews.
When the gospel should be publicly preached, the Gentiles would seek Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and find rest of soul. When God's time is come for the deliverance of his people, mountains of opposition shall become plains before him. God can soon turn gloomy days into glorious ones. And while we expect the Lord to gather his ancient people, and bring them home to his church, also to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, when all will be united in holy love, let us tread the highway of holiness he has made for his redeemed. Let us wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, looking to him to prepare our way through death, that river which separates this world from the eternal world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ephraim - Of the ten tribes, frequently called by the name of Ephraim. Of enemies they shall be made friends. The adversaries - Not the body of Ephraim, for they are supposed to be reconciled, and they shall not be cut off, but live in love with Judah, as we see by the next clause; but those few of them who continue in their enmity together with all the rest of their adversaries.
McArther Bible Commentary
Ephraim … Judah. These were the two major divisions of Israel after the schism under Jeroboam (1Ki 12:16-20). Ephraim was the name representing the ten northern tribes, and Judah the two southern tribes. When the Messiah returns, they will reunite in a lasting peace.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 9:21 Jeremiah 3:18 Jeremiah 33:24 Jeremiah 50:4 Ezekiel 28:25 Ezekiel 37:16 Ezekiel 37:17 Hosea 1:11

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The conversion of the Gentiles and Jews.
When the gospel should be publicly preached, the Gentiles would seek Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and find rest of soul. When God's time is come for the deliverance of his people, mountains of opposition shall become plains before him. God can soon turn gloomy days into glorious ones. And while we expect the Lord to gather his ancient people, and bring them home to his church, also to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, when all will be united in holy love, let us tread the highway of holiness he has made for his redeemed. Let us wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, looking to him to prepare our way through death, that river which separates this world from the eternal world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Fly - It is a metaphor from birds and beasts of prey. Spoil - They shall subdue them, which is to be understood of the spiritual victory which the Messiah shall obtain by his apostles and ministers over all nations.
McArther Bible Commentary
west … East. In that day, Israel will be free from all foreign oppression and will be the dominant political force.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 9:12 Isaiah 14:29 Isaiah 15:1 Isaiah 16:14 Isaiah 25:10 Isaiah 63:1 Jeremiah 40:11 Jeremiah 48:40 Jeremiah 49:22 Jeremiah 49:28 Ezekiel 25:14 Daniel 11:41 Joel 3:19 Amos 9:12 Obadiah 1:19 Habakkuk 1:8 Zephaniah 2:9

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The conversion of the Gentiles and Jews.
When the gospel should be publicly preached, the Gentiles would seek Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and find rest of soul. When God's time is come for the deliverance of his people, mountains of opposition shall become plains before him. God can soon turn gloomy days into glorious ones. And while we expect the Lord to gather his ancient people, and bring them home to his church, also to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, when all will be united in holy love, let us tread the highway of holiness he has made for his redeemed. Let us wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, looking to him to prepare our way through death, that river which separates this world from the eternal world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Destroy - Shall not only divide it, as of old, but dry it up, that it may be an high - way. The sea - The Red Sea, which may well be called the Egyptian sea, both because it borders upon Egypt, and because the Egyptians were drowned in it, which is called a tongue in the Hebrew text, (Joshua 15:2) , (Joshua 15:5) , as having some resemblance with a tongue: for which reason the name of tongue hath been given by geographers to promontories of land which shoot forth into the sea, as this sea did shoot out of the main ocean into the land. Rivers - Nile. Seven streams - For which it is famous in all authors.
McArther Bible Commentary
the River. Just as He dried up the Red Sea in the deliverance from Egypt, the Lord will, in the future, dry up the Euphrates River in connection with the final deliverance of His people. See note on Rev 16:12.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 16:12 Exodus 14:29 Isaiah 7:20 Isaiah 8:7 Isaiah 19:16 Isaiah 43:16 Isaiah 44:27 Isaiah 50:2 Isaiah 51:10 Isaiah 51:11 Isaiah 63:12

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The conversion of the Gentiles and Jews.
When the gospel should be publicly preached, the Gentiles would seek Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and find rest of soul. When God's time is come for the deliverance of his people, mountains of opposition shall become plains before him. God can soon turn gloomy days into glorious ones. And while we expect the Lord to gather his ancient people, and bring them home to his church, also to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, when all will be united in holy love, let us tread the highway of holiness he has made for his redeemed. Let us wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, looking to him to prepare our way through death, that river which separates this world from the eternal world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
As it was - As there was another high - way from Egypt. All impediments shall be removed, and a way made for the return of God's Israel from all parts of the world. He mentions Assyria, because thither the ten tribes were carried, whose case seemed to be most desperate.
McArther Bible Commentary
highway. Isaiah has much to say about a way for the remnant returning to Jerusalem (Isa 35:8-9; Isa 42:16; Isa 43:19; Isa 48:21; Isa 49:11; Isa 57:14; Isa 62:10).
Bible Cross References
Exodus 14:26 Isaiah 1:9 Isaiah 10:20 Isaiah 11:11 Isaiah 19:23 Isaiah 35:8 Isaiah 40:3 Isaiah 49:11 Isaiah 51:10 Isaiah 62:10 Zephaniah 2:7