11:3Isaiah 11:3

The verse points to the promised descendant of Jesse, the Messiah, on whom the Spirit rests with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and reverence for God.PK 695.1–3+2 That reverence makes His discernment keen and sure, so His decisions are guided by divine wisdom and not by human observation.AA 224.2+2 He does not decide by outward looks, by what He merely hears, or by secondhand reports.Lt 194, 1908, par. 5+2 Instead He judges fairly and uprightly, defending the poor and lowly, while His faithfulness brings condemnation on the wicked.Lt 194, 1908, par. 5+3 Those united to Him share that same spirit, judging fairly, checking reports for truth, and showing holiness, patience, tenderness and love even when misjudged.Lt 29, 1898, par. 14–15+2

The verse describes the promised Branch from Jesse, the Messiah, upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests.PK 695.1–3+4 That resting is an endowment with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and might, of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.PK 695.1–3+4 His understanding is made quick and discerning by reverence for the Lord, so that His judgment is governed by divine wisdom rather than by human perception, by what eyes see or ears hear.AA 224.2+4 He therefore does not decide by outward appearance, by what He merely hears, by hearsay or secondhand reports, but judges the poor with righteousness and the meek with equity, as a just and faithful ruler.PK 695.1–3+4

This endowment belongs to the larger work foretold for the Spirit-anointed Messiah, whose mission includes bringing good news, healing the brokenhearted, freeing captives, and comforting mourners.AA 224.2 The prophecy of this Spirit-endowed child with wisdom, understanding, and the fear of the Lord is one Mary recalled in connection with the Messiah's coming.DA 56.3–5 John proclaimed this same prophecy about Christ as the discerning one who judges in the fear of the Lord.RH Feb 13, 1900

He does not judge by what the eyes see nor settle cases by what the ears hear, deciding nothing by outward appearance, by mere hearing, by hearsay, or by secondhand reports.Lt 194, 1908, par. 5+4 His discernment is quickened by reverence for the Lord, so divine wisdom and not human perception governs his decisions.Lt 194, 1908, par. 5+4 Instead He judges the poor with righteousness and the meek with equity, revealing a just and faithful ruler whose judgment is righteous and fair.Lt 194, 1908, par. 5+4 Those united to Him take on His ways and speak with His Spirit, judging with the same righteousness and treating the poor and meek with equity.Lt 29, 1898, par. 14–15

Righteousness and faithfulness mark His rule, and His words bring judgment upon the wicked.ST Jun 16, 1898 He is both Redeemer and Judge, and as Saviour He is not distant from those He judges, for to decide by outward appearance or by hearing alone would lead to errors.Ms 67, 1898, par. 7 As the Restorer through whom God's moral image is restored in people, He makes it possible for deficiencies of character, including inherited tendencies, to be overcome through faith and grace.Ms 78, 1893, par. 15–21 Therefore human judgments and counsel must not be put in place of God's direction.Ms 78, 1893, par. 15–21

Because His judgment is righteous and equitable, especially toward the poor and meek, reports must be tested for truth rather than acted upon in ways that harm and discourage people.Lt 7, 1892, par. 12–15 His followers are to imitate His character in holiness, forbearance, tenderness, compassion, and love.Ms 46, 1894, par. 12 Yoked with Him, they are to do good even when they are misjudged or mistreated.Ms 46, 1894, par. 12