The reign of no human king in Isaiah’s time or since fits this grand description. Think about Jesus’ promises that he will return to set up a kingdom that will never end (Mat 25:31-36 and Rev Chaps. 21 and 22).
Compare the New Testament description of that kingdom with this reign of peace described by Isaiah, and notice the similarities.
Both Isaiah and we live in expectation of the greater king of a greater kingdom.
Isa 11:1-10
Peace at Last…
The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David’s descendants.
The spirit of the LORD will give him wisdom and the knowledge and skill to rule his people. He will know the LORD’s will and honour him, and find pleasure in obeying him. He will not judge by appearance or hearsay; he will judge the poor fairly and defend the rights of the helpless.
At his command the people will be punished, and evil persons will die. He will rule his people with justice and integrity.
Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats. Calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them. Cows and bears will eat together, and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace. Lions will eat straw as cattle do. Even a baby will not be harmed if it plays near a poisonous snake.
On Zion, God’s sacred hill, there will be nothing harmful or evil. The land will be as full of knowledge of the LORD as the seas are full of water.
A day is coming when the new king from the royal line of David will be a symbol to the nations. They will gather in his royal city and give him honour.
