A fresh green shoot of growth will emerge from the
stump of Jesse. There will be a new branch sprouting
from the roots of King David’s family. 2 The Lord’s Spirit
will be with him -- creating within him wisdom and understanding -- powerful leadership that knows and respects the Lord. 3 He’ll delight in honoring and
obeying him because that’s where his heart is. This
leader will be able to look beyond mere appearances
and with deep insight will make decisions based on
actual facts. 4 He’ll deliver justice to the poor and treat
the disenfranchised fairly.
His words will strike down violent people and his breath
will destroy the wicked. 5 His uniform -- which he’ll
faithfully wear -- will be justice and integrity.
6 Picture a world in which enemies get along -- where
the wolf and the lamb live together. Leopards will sleep
next to baby goats and young lions will eat alongside
calves. And if that were not enough, a young child will
be leading them all about.
7 Cows and bears will graze together while their young
nap alongside each other. Lions will become vegetarians -- forsaking ox meat to eat oxen food -- hay! 8 Nursing
children will play near the snake’s hole, while toddlers
will be sticking their hands right into the serpent’s den.
9 The peace emanating from my holy mountain will be
so powerful that all of this will happen without harm or destruction within its realm. And just as water spans
the globe, so will the world be covered with people
who know and respect the Lord.
10 Oh, what a day! The root of Jesse will have an arm
waving people back to the glorious dwelling of the Lord. Even the Gentile nations will pick up on the signal and
seek out the Lord.
