Are we fully surrendered to the instruction of The Holy Spirit?
It is written by The Holy Spirit in Isaiah chapter 11:
2 (ESV) “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 the Fear of the LORD.”
This verse is one of the clearest Old Testament prophecies describing the Messiah, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It follows Isaiah 11:1, which speaks of “a shoot from the stump of Jesse”—a descendant of Jesse (David’s father). Though David’s royal line appeared cut down like a tree stump, God promised that a new King would arise.
Isaiah 11:2 explains how this King would rule: through the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
“The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him”
This is the foundation of the verse.
Unlike prophets, priests, and kings in the Old Testament who were empowered by the Spirit for specific tasks or seasons, the Messiah would have the Spirit permanently abiding on Him.
This was visibly fulfilled at Jesus’ baptism.
- The Holy Spirit descended like a dove (Matthew 3:16).
- The Father declared, “This is My Beloved Son.”
Jesus later applied Isaiah’s prophecy to Himself:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…” (Luke 4:18)
Jesus ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit throughout His earthly life (Acts 10:38).
The Sevenfold Description of the Spirit
- The Spirit of the LORD
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Counsel
- Might
- Knowledge
- Fear of the LORD
These are not seven different spirits, but seven aspects of the one Holy Spirit, emphasizing His perfect fullness. This imagery is echoed in Revelation’s references to the “seven Spirits of God,” symbolizing the completeness of the Holy Spirit’s work.
1. The Spirit of the LORD
This identifies the source.
Jesus did nothing independently of the Father.
“The Son can do nothing by Himself…” (John 5:19)
Everything Jesus said and did flowed from perfect fellowship with God.
2. The Spirit of Wisdom
Biblical Wisdom is the ability to apply God’s Truth correctly.
Jesus constantly demonstrated Wisdom:
- answering impossible questions
- exposing hypocrisy
- teaching with authority
- knowing exactly what to do in every circumstance
For example: When asked whether taxes should be paid to Caesar (Matthew 22), His answer avoided the trap while revealing a profound Spiritual Truth.
Paul later writes: “Christ… became to us wisdom from God.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)
3. The Spirit of Understanding
Understanding goes beyond information.
It is the ability to perceive what lies beneath the surface.
Jesus knew:
- people’s motives
- hidden thoughts
- true Spiritual condition
Examples include:
- the Samaritan woman (John 4)
- Nathanael before meeting him (John 1)
- the Pharisees’ hearts
- Judas’ betrayal long before it occurred
Nothing was hidden from Him.
4. The Spirit of Counsel
Counsel means perfect judgment and guidance.
Jesus always knew:
- the Father’s Will
- the correct path
- the right timing
He gave perfect counsel to:
- Nicodemus
- the rich young ruler
- Martha
- Peter
- His disciples
Isaiah later calls Him: “Wonderful Counselor.” (Isaiah 9:6)
5. The Spirit of Might
“Might” refers to Divine power.
Jesus displayed this power by:
- healing disease
- calming storms
- raising the dead
- casting out demons
- forgiving sins
- ultimately conquering death through His resurrection
His power was always exercised in submission to the Father’s will, never for self-serving purposes.
6. The Spirit of Knowledge
This is intimate knowledge of God—not merely facts.
Jesus perfectly knew:
- the Father
- God’s purposes
- God’s Word
- humanity
He said: “No one knows the Father except the Son…” (Matthew 11:27)
Because Jesus knows the Father perfectly, He reveals Him perfectly.
7. The Spirit of the Fear of the LORD
This surprises many people.
Why would the Messiah Fear the Lord?
In Scripture, “Fear of the LORD” means profound reverence, awe, and wholehearted devotion—not sinful terror.
Though Jesus is fully God, He also became fully human. As the perfect man, He lived in complete obedience and reverence toward the Father.
Hebrews says:
“He learned obedience through what He suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8)
Jesus delighted to do the Father’s will.
The very next verse says:
“His delight shall be in the Fear of the LORD.” (Isaiah 11:3)
Jesus did not obey reluctantly. He Loved obeying His Father.
The Practical Pattern for Believers
While Isaiah 11:2 uniquely describes the Messiah, believers are also called to walk by the same Holy Spirit.
As we yield to Him, He develops:
- Wisdom for life’s decisions
- understanding of God’s Word
- counsel to help others
- Spiritual strength
- deeper knowledge of God
- reverent Fear of the Lord
These qualities are not produced merely by education or effort but by the Spirit’s transforming work.
Connection to Jesus’ Ministry
Every major aspect of Jesus’ ministry reflects Isaiah 11:2:
- Wisdom — teaching with unmatched authority.
- Understanding — discerning hearts and motives.
- Counsel — giving perfect guidance.
- Might — performing miracles and defeating evil.
- Knowledge — perfectly revealing the Father.
- Fear of the LORD — living in joyful, unwavering obedience.
This verse shows that Jesus was not only the promised King from David’s line but also the perfectly Spirit-anointed Messiah, equipped to establish God’s righteous Kingdom.
When one is completely empowered by the Holy Spirit, every decision he makes is wise, every judgment is just, every act is powerful, and every desire is centered on honoring the Father.
Aren’t we intended to reflect His Character?