Isaiah 11:2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and strength,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of the Lord

While verses 1–2 is often linked to Christ’s first coming, the rest of the passage depicts Christ’s just rule upon His return. Isaiah writes in verse 3, “And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see or decide disputes by what his ears hear.”

God’s commitment to justice, desire for peace, and care for the marginalized are demonstrated repeatedly throughout the Bible. One of God’s names is the “Prince of Peace” (9:6), which identifies him as an advocate for unity and restoration. God clothes himself in faithfulness (11:4-5), promising to defend and aid the needy and poor. God is present with the weary, speaking words of encouragement and strength to those who are afflicted (50:4

Human judges must rely on the information received through our five senses. Evidence is evaluated, and decisions are made based on what we see and hear. Unfortunately, we have incomplete knowledge and a darkened understanding. We make decisions that are not right or just.

Jesus isn’t limited like us. As omniscient God, He knows all things—including the deception hidden in the human heart. Having such comprehensive insight, He will rule justly in all matters. Precisely, Isaiah says, “But with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked” (v. 4).

Scripture repeatedly tells us that the poor and the vulnerable are to be protected by the king, as they lack resources to protect themselves. Often, that doesn’t happen. Often, two systems of justice exist—one for the powerful and one for the powerless. But when the Just King rules, partiality will be eliminated. The poor will experience “righteousness,” and the meek shall know “equity.”

Isaiah concludes this picture of Christ’s reign in verse 5 when he says, “Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.” The belt in biblical times was used to cinch up your robe or tunic so that you could engage in more strenuous activity. Soldiers or workers would gird up their loose robes to keep them from being a hindrance. Using this imagery, Isaiah explains that righteousness (justice) and faithfulness will bind together the reign of the Messiah in His kingdom. Justice will not be elusive. It will be consistently enforced by the righteous King.

But with righteousness and justice He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the downtrodden of the earth; And He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Isaiah 11:4