Ideal leader and idyllic world: Isaiah's vision of hope
Isaiah 11:1-10 - Tuesday, December 5, 2023
In Isaiah 2:2-4, the prophet dreamed of a world without wars. In Isaiah 11:1-10, he dreamed about a leader that would execute justice. We can again ask: was it an imaginative boldness or the courage of desperation? The prophet exercised his ministry during the reign of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Is 1:1). The Bible presents varied views of these rulers. Uzziah and Jotham were commended in the book of Kings (2 Kings 15), yet the book of Chronicles paints Uzziah's pride leading to his punishment (2 Chronicles 26). Ahaz was deemed wicked (2 Kings 16), but Hezekiah turned to the Lord (2 Kings 18). Unfortunately, Hezekiah's son Manasseh became a wicked ruler (2 Kings 21). Tradition suggests Isaiah faced a tragic end during Manasseh's oppressive reign, known for shedding innocent blood (2 Kings 21:16; Hebrews 11:37).
Isaiah 11:1-5 imagines an ideal king from the line of David whose rule would be marked by justice and faithfulness. In view, that none of the kings of Israel, including David, were just and faithful, that is indeed a remarkable prophecy. Moreover, the prophecy retains its power in our times as well. We also would like to see our leaders marked by these two virtues and not by a thirst for power, corruption, and crimes. The second part of this prophecy (Isaiah 11:6-9) brings us back to the idyllic world of Eden before the sin of Adam. As Genesis 1:30 tells us, the only food all the creatures of the earth were given to eat were fruits. Under such circumstances, a lamb would not be afraid of a wolf, a young goat of a leopard, a calf of a lion, or a cow of a bear. Since nobody could harm anybody, a child could lead a bear and play with cobras. It was a time when no evil was being committed because all knew and obeyed their Creator. The question is: will such a time ever return? Are we capable of not doing evil nor acting ruinously on this planet?
Isaiah's vision is classified as a messianic and eschatological prophecy. It means that it is a vision for the end of times and a new heaven and earth. And yet, this vision encapsulates the dream of many people who suffer under oppressive leadership or cannot bear to see the earth being destroyed by irresponsible living. And we know that dreams have power. They instil hope and encourage us not to submit to the cruel reality of our world. Moreover, from a Christian perspective, the ideal ruler appeared on this earth and invited us to embrace a different way of living. It is a way of service and sacrifice for the sake of others. He also revealed to us the possibility of being a new creation. The Spirit of the Lord that rested upon Him and guided Him through his entire life is also given to all those who believe in Him. This is the same Creator Spirit that hovered over the primordial chaos and turned it into a place of life. And so, He has the power to recreate our world and our lives.
Isaiah tells us that "on that day" the nations shall seek out the ideal king and find rest in His presence (Is 11:10). Turning to Jesus Christ and His Gospel of God's Reign is our only hope for the future of the world and humanity.