Peter Barnes: Isaiah 11:6-16
(17 February 2019)
SERMON NOTES: GOD’S SECOND EXODUS (Isaiah 11:6-16)
Twice in this chapter, the coming of the Messiah is spoken of as a new exodus (11:11, 16).
(a) After 539 B.C. when the Persians allowed the Jews in captivity in Babylon to return and rebuild Jerusalem.
(b) The first coming of the Messiah. In that case, some of the language has to be figurative.
(c) The new heaven and new earth, when the Messiah comes again. This fits in with Isaiah 65-66, and much of it would be literal.
1. Peace in the new creation.
– 11:6-9. This looks like Eden restored. Spurgeon says this is the millennium (his view of Rev. 20); Calvin says it is figurative language, with the wolf and the other animals representing people. The creation is being restored – Gen.3:17-19; Rom.8:19-25.
– Calvin: ‘It is … a distinguishing mark of the genuine members of the Church, that they are free from all desire of doing injury to others.’ Eph.2:14.
2. The Messiah gives rest to Jews and Gentiles.
– 11:10-11. The stump of Jesse (11:1) is also the root of Jesse (11:10), great David’s greater Son. John 12:32. Christ did not die for all, but He calls out for all. See John 10:26-27.
– Rom.11:25-26. Isaiah seems to have more in mind.
3. The Messiah brings unity and victory.
– 11:12-16. Dispensationalists point to the events of 1948 when unbelieving Israel was re-established as a nation. We need to recall that the Philistines, Edomites, Moabites and Ammonites of verse 14 no longer exist as peoples or nations (though the Palestinians claim to be Philistines). There is unity between Judah and Israel – Ezek.37:15-22. That is not 1948; that is the resurrection of Jesus as the king of creation and the new creation, and looking ahead to His second coming. Isa.51:11.