And He will delight in the fear of the LORD.This phrase emphasizes the Messiah's deep reverence and respect for God, which is central to His character. The "fear of the LORD" is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with wisdom and righteousness (
Proverbs 9:10). The Messiah's delight in this fear indicates His perfect alignment with God's will, contrasting with human leaders who may act out of self-interest. This delight is not burdensome but a source of joy and fulfillment, reflecting the intimate relationship between the Messiah and God. The Hebrew word for "delight" can also imply a sense of pleasure or satisfaction, suggesting that the Messiah finds His greatest joy in honoring and obeying God.
He will not judge by what His eyes see,
This phrase highlights the Messiah's ability to judge beyond mere appearances. Unlike human judges who can be swayed by external factors or deception, the Messiah possesses divine insight. This echoes1 Samuel 16:7, where God tells Samuel that He looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. The Messiah's judgment is based on truth and righteousness, not superficial observations. This ability to see beyond the surface is a divine attribute, underscoring the Messiah's role as a just and fair ruler. It also points to His omniscience, a quality that sets Him apart from all other leaders.
and He will not decide by what His ears hear,
Similar to the previous phrase, this indicates that the Messiah's decisions are not influenced by hearsay or false testimony. In ancient times, as today, leaders could be misled by rumors or biased reports. The Messiah, however, discerns the truth with perfect clarity. This ability to judge rightly is prophesied inIsaiah 42:1-4, where the Servant of the LORD brings forth justice. The Messiah's decisions are based on divine wisdom and understanding, ensuring that His judgments are fair and just. This characteristic is essential for establishing a kingdom of peace and righteousness, as described in the broader context ofIsaiah 11.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Messiah (Jesus Christ)Isaiah 11 is a prophetic passage about the coming Messiah, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This verse highlights His divine wisdom and discernment.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The verse emphasizes the Messiah's relationship with the LORD, showing His reverence and alignment with God's will.
3.
Isaiah (the Prophet)The author of the book, Isaiah was a prophet in Judah who conveyed God's messages, including prophecies about the coming Messiah.
4.
Judah (the Southern Kingdom)The context of Isaiah's prophecies, including the promise of a future righteous ruler, was given to the people of Judah during a time of political and spiritual turmoil.
5.
The Fear of the LORDA central theme in this verse, representing a deep reverence and awe for God, which is foundational to wisdom and righteous judgment.
Teaching Points
Delighting in the Fear of the LORDThe Messiah's delight in the fear of the LORD serves as a model for believers. We are called to find joy and fulfillment in revering God and aligning our lives with His will.
Righteous JudgmentLike the Messiah, we should strive to judge situations and people not by outward appearances but with discernment and wisdom that comes from God.
Spiritual DiscernmentBelievers are encouraged to seek spiritual discernment through prayer and the Holy Spirit, enabling us to see beyond the surface and understand deeper truths.
Living by Faith, Not by SightThis verse challenges us to live by faith, trusting in God's wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on our senses or human understanding.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit empowers us to live in the fear of the LORD and to exercise righteous judgment, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 11:3?
2.How does Isaiah 11:3 inspire us to seek God's wisdom in decisions?
3.What does "delight in the fear of the LORD" mean for daily life?
4.How can Isaiah 11:3 guide us in discerning truth from appearances?
5.How does Isaiah 11:3 connect with Proverbs 9:10 about fearing the LORD?
6.In what ways can we cultivate a spirit of discernment like in Isaiah 11:3?
7.How does Isaiah 11:3 emphasize the importance of spiritual discernment over physical appearances?
8.What does Isaiah 11:3 reveal about the nature of divine judgment?
9.How does Isaiah 11:3 challenge our understanding of justice and fairness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 11?
11.What does reverence for God mean?
12.How do these prophecies in Isaiah 11 compare with other biblical texts that seem to describe different scenarios for the Messiah and end times?
13.How do the repeated animal offerings in Numbers 29 align or conflict with the later prophetic criticism of sacrifices (e.g., Isaiah 1:11)?
14.(Psalm 147:10-11) How does God's supposed indifference to physical strength align with other biblical passages that celebrate or rely upon human might in battles and conquests?What Does Isaiah 11:3 Mean
He will delight in the fear of the LORD– Isaiah pictures the coming Messiah, Jesus, finding His greatest joy in reverent submission to the Father. Unlike fallen humanity that recoils from God’s authority, Christ treasures it.
– Cross references underscore this attitude:
•Psalm 40:8: “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”
•John 4:34: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.”
•Philippians 2:8 shows that this delight carried Him even “to the point of death — even death on a cross,” revealing perfect obedience.
– Practical takeaway: true wisdom and joy flow from the same posture—glad, willing submission to the LORD’s authority (Proverbs 1:7).
He will not judge by what His eyes see– Earthly rulers make decisions limited by outward appearance, but “the LORD does not see as man sees” (1 Samuel 16:7), and neither will His Messiah.
– Jesus discerns motives and truth beneath the surface (John 2:25); therefore His judgments are perfectly just.
–John 7:24: “Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” The verse echoesIsaiah 11:3, showing Christ applying this principle during His earthly ministry.
– At His return,Revelation 19:11 depicts Him as the Rider on a white horse who “judges and wages war in righteousness,” never swayed by mere optics.
He will not decide by what His ears hear– Hearsay, rumors, and partial testimony cannot sway the Messiah.Proverbs 18:13 warns against making a decision “before he hears the facts.” Christ embodies that wisdom flawlessly.
– In the Gospels, false witnesses rose against Jesus (Mark 14:56), yet His final verdicts will be based on perfect knowledge, not on second-hand reports.
– Isaiah later affirms this supernatural insight: “His ears will be attentive,” ensuring He defends the oppressed and crushes wickedness (Isaiah 11:4).
summaryIsaiah 11:3 shows the Messiah’s inner character and perfect governance: He delights in reverent obedience to the Father, judges unclouded by appearances, and renders decisions unswayed by hearsay. These traits guarantee a reign marked by flawless justice and enduring peace, inviting believers to share His joy in fearing the LORD and to trust His righteous judgments both now and in the coming kingdom.
(3)
And shall make him of quick understanding . . .--Better,
he shall draw his breath in the fear of the Lord.It shall be, as it were, the very air in which he lives and breathes. Some commentators, however, interpret
he shall find a sweet savour.The Hebrew word rendered "understanding" means primarily, as the margin shows, "scent" or "smell," either as the organ or the object of perception.
He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes . . .--Earthly kings are apt to judge "according to the appearance" (John 7:24), and the reports of interested or corrupt advisers, but the true King shall "know what is in man" (John 2:25), and judge righteous judgment.
Verse 3. -
And shall make him of quick understanding. This rendering of the original, though defended by Dr. Kay, is quite without support from any other passage where the same word is used. Modern writers almost all translate, either "the breath of his nostrils shall be in the fear of the Lord" (Herder, Ewald, Meier, Cheyne), or "a sweet savor shall he find in the fear of the Lord" (Gesenius, Delitzsch, Rosenmüller, Knobel).
He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes. "God sooth the heart." Our Lord "knew men's thoughts" (
Matthew 9:4, etc.), and therefore did not need to "judge according to the appearance" (
John 7:24). Thus his judgments were always righteous.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And He will delightוַהֲרִיח֖וֹ(wa·hă·rî·ḥōw)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7306:Accept, smell, touch, make of quick understandingin the fearבְּיִרְאַ֣ת(bə·yir·’aṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374:Fear, reverenceof the LORD.יְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of IsraelHe will notוְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nojudgeיִשְׁפּ֔וֹט(yiš·pō·wṭ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8199:To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigateby what His eyesעֵינָיו֙(‘ê·nāw)Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainsee,לְמַרְאֵ֤ה(lə·mar·’êh)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4758:Sight, appearance, visionand He will notוְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nodecideיוֹכִֽיחַ׃(yō·w·ḵî·aḥ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3198:To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convictby what His earsאָזְנָ֖יו(’ā·zə·nāw)Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 241:Broadness, the earhear,לְמִשְׁמַ֥ע(lə·miš·ma‘)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4926:Something heard
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 11:3 His delight will be in the fear (Isa Isi Is) 
