The Sevenfold Spirit

Isaiah 11:2

"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;"

In Advent we celebrate Christ’s coming—past, present, and future—confident in His return because biblical prophecy has proven true again and again.

More than 700 years before Jesus’ birth (Isaiah ministered ca. 739–681 BC), Isaiah gave the Old Testament’s clearest portrait of the Messiah: His forerunner (40:3–5), virgin birth (7:14), gospel preaching (61:1), atoning death (52:13–53:12), and final triumph (60:2–3).

Yesterday’s reading pictured the Davidic dynasty as a lifeless stump after centuries without a king. Yet from Jesse’s roots (David’s humble father) would come a tender shoot—a Branch. What seemed dead was only sleeping; God would raise an eternal King.

Today’s verse goes further: “The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him” signals a permanent anointing, unlike the temporary enablement given to earlier prophets.

This sevenfold Spirit imparts:

• Wisdom and understanding — profound insight into God’s will and human hearts

• Counsel and might — wise strategy paired with power to execute it

• Knowledge and the fear of the LORD — intimate knowledge of God and reverent obedience that delights to do His will

Together these gifts mark the Messiah as the perfectly qualified Ruler who judges with righteousness, defends the poor, and never relies on mere appearances or rumor.

This anointing was fulfilled in Jesus, visibly confirmed when the Spirit descended at His baptism and remained on Him (John 1:32–33). The same Spirit who empowered Christ now indwells believers, enabling us to reflect these same qualities as we await His return.

Come, Lord Jesus.

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