Isaiah 11

Stem of Jesse

Stem of Jesse — the trunk growing from the family of Jesse, King David's father

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isaiah 11:1

The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that the Stem of Jesse is Christ. The rod that comes out of it is a servant in Christ's hands, so the servant's power grows out of the Savior.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by D&C 113:1-2 — Who is the Stem of Jesse? It is Christ.
• interpreted by D&C 113:3-4 — The rod is a servant in the hands of Christ.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 21:1 — Nephi's copy.

The Branch

Branch — a new shoot growing from a family tree; a prophetic title for the Messiah

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isaiah 11:1

From the cut-down family tree of Jesse a new Branch grows, the Messiah born in David's line. D&C 113 does not comment on the Branch, but other prophets use it as His title.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Isaiah 4:2 — The branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious.
• the same title in Jeremiah 23:5 — A righteous Branch raised unto David.
• the same title in Zechariah 6:12 — The man whose name is The BRANCH.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 21:1 — Nephi's copy.

The Anointed One on whom the Spirit rests

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; Isaiah 11:2–3

The Spirit of the Lord rests fully on this promised one, giving Him perfect wisdom and understanding. Christians have long seen Jesus here, on whom the Spirit descended at His baptism.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Matthew 3:16 — The Spirit of God descends like a dove and lights upon Jesus.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 21:2-3 — Nephi's copy.

The righteous Judge

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isaiah 11:4–5

He judges fairly, defends the meek, and destroys wickedness by His word. Nephi applies this to the Lord God in the last days, and John sees Christ at His coming striking the nations with the sword of His mouth.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by 2 Nephi 30:9 — With righteousness shall the Lord God judge the poor ... and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
• alluded to by Revelation 19:15 — Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations.
• alluded to by 2 Thessalonians 2:8 — The Lord shall consume the wicked with the spirit of his mouth.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 21:4-5 — Nephi's copy.

Millennial reign of Christ

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6–9

Under the Messiah's rule even natural enemies live in peace, and everyone knows the Lord. This describes the Millennium when Christ reigns on the earth.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• quoted by 2 Nephi 30:12-15 — Nephi quotes these verses about the Millennium.
• alluded to by D&C 101:26 — The enmity of beasts shall cease from before my face.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 21:6-9 — Nephi's copy.

Root of Jesse

Root of Jesse — one who springs from Jesse's line and gives life to it

And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. Isaiah 11:10

Paul applies this verse to Christ, whom the Gentiles seek, and Jesus calls Himself the root of David. D&C 113 identifies the root of Jesse as a latter-day descendant of Jesse and Joseph holding priesthood keys as an ensign for gathering, so the verse also describes a servant who raises Christ's banner.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quoted by Romans 15:12 — There shall be a root of Jesse ... in him shall the Gentiles trust.
• the same title in Revelation 22:16 — I am the root and the offspring of David.
• interpreted by D&C 113:5-6 — A descendant of Jesse and of Joseph with priesthood keys, for an ensign and gathering in the last days.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 21:10 — Nephi's copy.

The Lord gathers Israel the second time

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. Isaiah 11:11–12

The Lord promises a second, latter-day gathering of scattered Israel from every land. Book of Mormon prophets say this is the Lord restoring His people to the knowledge of Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by 2 Nephi 25:17 — The Lord will set his hand again the second time to restore his people.
• alluded to by 2 Nephi 29:1 — That I may set my hand again the second time to recover my people.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 21:11-12 — Nephi's copy.