Isaiah 11 Study Notes

11:10 The root of Jesse is a variant reference to what is called the “stump of Jesse” (see note at v. 1). Of course, the stump would include the root of the tree, but perhaps this way of referring to the image is a way of emphasizing the hidden life that remains. The root of Jesse is here a banner, which refers to a standard around which an army rallied. This same Hebrew word is used in 5:26 (translated “signal flag”). There the signal flag was a rallying point for the nations as they assembled to attack God’s people. Here the banner is a rallying point for the regathering of the remnant.

11:11 The list of nations in this verse probably should not be taken as a literal reference as if God’s people would return from all of these nations, but from all directions. Assyria . . . Elam, and Shinar (Mesopotamia) were to the east; Egypt, Pathros, and Cush were to the south; Hamath was to the north; and the coasts and islands were to the west.

11:12 On banner, see note at v. 10.

11:13 At least from the time of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, enmity and political division had existed between Judah and Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel also known as Samaria). The future will bring an end to hostilities and a reunion of God’s people.

11:14 A reunited Israel will expand its borders to encompass the small nations to the east: Edom . . . Moab, and Ammon. These nations harassed Israel whenever they could.

11:15-16 Exodus imagery is used to describe the return of the remnant from Assyria. God will split the Euphrates River like he did the Red Sea, but in this case he won’t split it into two parts but seven.