Isaiah 11:12, commentary and pictures

God will set up an ensign, sign, signal, and banner for the nations. He will assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth, from across the earth. This gathering is part of the Lord's work and promise of recovering the remnant of His scattered people.

The root of Jesse stands as an ensign of the people, to whom the Gentiles seek. His rest is glorious, and the Lord sets His hand the second time to recover the remnant left from Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and the islands of the sea. This gathering belongs to the great plan of redemption embracing the whole world, so that the light of obedience to all God's commandments shines in good works, many are converted and glorify God for His great love, rich blessings, knowledge of the only true God, and faith in Jesus Christ, repairing the darkness of the Gentile world caused by the fruitless neglect of the Jewish nation.

The gathering brings every jewel out, and opposition to the truth becomes a means of opening some people's eyes; the Lord will accomplish this work gloriously. The gathering is carried out as God's servants proclaim His Word to every nation, people, language, and land. The verse outlines the work of carrying the glad tidings of salvation to people who have not heard them.

Groups of missionaries and mission stations among peoples living in spiritual darkness in heathen lands serve as ensigns guiding those who seek the light of truth, and their spread and expanding work fulfills the prophecy of a great spiritual awakening. The ensign is the truth of the gospel lifted up in educational institutions and sanitariums in many countries and islands, from which the gospel light can reach far and wide and bring people and souls to the truth.