Sprouting Shoots
I have helped remove tree stumps. And if the stump has been around long enough there are always little shoots sprouting up.
So, who is Jesse? The father of king David, who is the father of Solomon. During the reign of Solomon, the kingdom separated into many little states. Isaiah’s prophecy is a description of the peace Israel had during David’s reign but in a stylized fashion. Stylized in the sense Isaiah is prophesying about a heavenly kingdom, with a New Jerusalem, a new heaven and earth.
To us still in this earthly realm it sounds almost too good to be true. For example, the Spirit of Wisdom and understanding reminds us of the wisdom of Solomon. A Spirit of counsel and strength suggests justice and peace for all peoples. A Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord implies a relationship with God including proper reverence.
He will strike the ruthless with the rod of His mouth. We only need pause for a second to remember how the Pharisees and Sadducees were struck with the words Jesus spoke. He spoke of justice and truth. The wicked He slays with the breath of His lips.
The Jewish people believed that their ancestors were vegetarians until Noah. The next set of prophecies has to deal with the world being at peace with no aggression or violence. The child will guide them. There is a devotion to the Christ Child as king. This may be an advent to consider how Christ leads you.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen