the very ideal of a strong and righteous ruler of men. 'Wisdom and
understanding' refer mainly to the clearness of intellectual and moral
insight; 'counsel and might,' to the qualities which give sound
practical direction and vigour to follow, and carry through, the
decisions of practical wisdom; while 'the knowledge and fear of the
Lord' define religion by its two parts of acquaintance with God founded
on love, and reverential awe which prompts to obedience. The fulfilment,
and far more than fulfilment, of this ideal is in Jesus, in whom were
'hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,' to whom no
circumstances of difficulty ever brought the shadow of perplexity, who
always saw clearly before Him the path to tread, and had always 'might'
to tread it, however rough, who lived all His days in unbroken
fellowship with the Father and in lowly obedience.

The prophet saw not all the wonders of perfect human character which
that indwelling Spirit would bring to realisation in Him; but what he
saw was indispensable to a perfect King, and was, at all events, an arc
of the mighty circle of perfection, which has now been revealed in the
life of Jesus. The possibilities of humanity under the influence of the
Divine Spirit are revealed here no less than the actuality of the
Messiah's character. What Jesus is, He gives it to His subjects to
become by the dwelling in them of the spirit of life which was in Him.

The rule of the King is accordant with His character. It is described in
verses 3-5. The first characteristic named may be understood in
different ways. Accord-to some commentators, who deserve respectful
consideration, it means, 'He shall draw His breath in the fear of
Jehovah'; that is, that that fear has become, as it were, His very
life-breath. But the meaning of 'breathing' is doubtful; and the phrase
seems rather to express, as the Revised Version puts it, 'His delight