THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

The description given in these verses is of the rule of the coming rod out of the stem of Jesse. Just as the lampstand in the holy place of the tabernacle had one centre branch, with three branches on either side, so the description given of this king is of one central feature and of six ways in which it will be expressed. That which is central is the Spirit of the Lord, and the six ‘branches’ are ‘the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord’.

‘Wisdom’ is how to apply and use knowledge with skill. ‘Understanding’ is to know the fundamental and essential nature of things and the difference between them. Here there is a ruler who is wholly fitted for the responsibilities which He must bear.

With these features the King will not judge after the sight of His eyes; appearances alone will not be the basis of His rule. Righteousness will mark every action: the poor will be treated with righteousness and ‘righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins’. ‘Wisdom and understanding’! How these are lacking in modern society. Today ‘fools despise wisdom’, Prov. 1. 7, and as a result understanding is not to be found.

But these features also marked Him when He was here. When He came into His own country, He taught them in their synagogues ‘insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?’ Matt. 13. 54.

Does the heart not long for these conditions? The world is rushing on in a downward path of sin and rebellion against God. There is no fear of God before the eyes of the many, the Word of God is despised, good is called evil and evil is called good. Yet, one day, He will hold the reigns of government and none will be able to oppose Him. Then the golden age of millennium glory will dawn and the world will see what can be when He has His rightful place and all acknowledge His right to rule. Then the full benefits of the One who has the spirit of knowledge and wisdom will be universally enjoyed.