The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1914-12-18

to trust in Jehovah and retain his in
dependence of Assyria, for the two al
lies will O o be dispersed lisa. vii, 10.
Two years later. in 1873 r. c., the
prophet again declared that desolation
will befall both Damascus (Syria) and
Samaria QsraeD, and he urged Ahaz
not to become panic stricken and faint
hearted lisa. viii, 1-S). When Damas-
Gus finally fell, the next year, there
was 4 great deal Of confusion in Jeru-
salem because Ahaz anticipated a SINH
lar fate at the heads of the cruel nd
irresistible Assyrian. Isaiah then came
with a yet more striking
ment, in which he painted a glowing
picture of peace. This happy condition
will be brought about through n scion
of the house of David. whose character
is fittingly set forth in his name. He
shall be called "%wonderful. counselor,
mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince
of Peace" and his administration shall
be distinguished by strength and JUS
tice lisa. tx, 10. Fifteen years later
Isaiah again declared that the blessed
era will surely De uShered in by a lead
er whose character Of devotion will be
altogether unlike the faithless Ahaz.
His son and successor, Hezekiah, was
in many respects an ideal king, and
the reforms that he instituted resulted
in social and religious improvement.
But the ideal Messiah was yet to come.
"A rod Out OF the stem of ~Jesse"-bet-
ter "a shoot from the stump Of JESSE
The idea is that the tree has been
felled to the ground, but the stump
still remains, and 1t has life. "a branch
shall grow" This scion will have Il Wig
orous growth and become productive.
The secret Of his faithfulness is set
forth in the recital of his many gifts.
The MesSianic King will be endued
with the spirit of the Lord" What this
implies is set forth in q detailed de-
scription of his exceptional qualifica-
tons. The inspiration of Jehovah will
give him wisdom and understanding.
These intellectual qualities will enable
him to exercise discernment. Counsel
and might" He will execute what is
right II mete out punishment to the
w~rongdoer. "Of knowledge and Of the
fear of the Lord" He will know God
and show the piety of reverence to-
ward him. "Shall make him Of quick
understanding in the fear Of the Lord"
Verses 3b-5.-The righteous judg-
ment.
The early kings of the people were
chosen to lead the people in times of
war. but this Messianic King will be-
| gin his reign when warfare has ceased.
His work will be II of constructive
reform. after the sight of his eyes"
His insight will penetrate beneath the
mere appearance of things. "After the
hearing of his ears He will not be
guided in his decision by mere hear
say, but he will discern the intents of
the heart, and his verdicts will be re-
liable.
Judge the poor" Justice will be
shown to the helpless who are more
apt to be defrauded of their rights.
1.-The meek of the earth'-literally those
who are oppressed. The reference here
is to the humble who do not exercise
force in obtaining their rights, and
who do not make demands in 4 spirit
of %inSolence. "Smite the earth" Read
more correctly, "smite the oppressor."
The rod of his mouth, the
breath of his lips" These are figura-
tive expressions and refer to the power
of speech which utters the truth and
holiness of Jehovah. "The girdle" SYM
bolizes vigorous and effective action,
which will be characterized by fright
eousness s. s. * and faithfulnesS," so
that none can question the justice Of
his doingS