As Christians, our tendency is to read this passage only in terms of Jesus’ fulfilment of this prophecy. Isaiah, though, is speaking of a leader who is to come after occupying forces are defeated and Israel is restored. In vs. 3-5, we read the qualities of this leader as one who fears God, who looks beyond what is at the surface before making snap judgments, and who considers the impact of their decisions on those who have no voice.
What historical leaders have embodied those characteristics? In today’s world, who leads with these ethics? What is the outcome of this type of leadership, according to Isaiah?
Today, pray for leaders in schools, churches, agencies, and government.