Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 11:3

3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD , and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes , neither reprove after the hearing of his ears .

Heb. he shall make him smell, i. e. perceive, as that Word is used Iudg. 16. 9. Iob 39. 25. understand or judg, as it is explained in the next Clause. Or, his smelling shall be. Smelling is put for Judging, because the Sense of Smelling, where it is quick and good, is more exact and sure in the judging of its proper Objects, than the Senses of Seeing and Hearing are.

Which is added, either, 1. as the Object of his Judging: He is most perspicacious and judicious in the things which concern the fear, i. e. the Worship and Service of God, which he was to order and establish in his Church: Or rather, 2. as the Rule and Manner of his Judging, as may be gathered from the opposite and following Clause. So the sence is, He shall not judge rashly and partially, but considerately and justly, as the Fear of God obligeth all Judges to do.

Of Persons or Causes. And judging seems to be here Synechdochically put for absolving or giving Sentence for a Person, as it is used Psal. 7. 9, 11. and in many other places, because this is opposed to reproving in the next Clause.

According to outward Appearance, as men must do, because they cannot search mens Hearts, 1 Sam. 16. 7. or with respect of Persons, but with righteous judgment, which is opposed to judging by appearance, Ioh. 7. 24.

i. e. Condemn or pass Sentence against a Person: For Christ is here supposed to be a Judge, and so he speaks of a Judicial Reproof.

By false or uncertain Rumours or Suggestions, but shall throughly examine all Causes, and search out the Truth of things, and the very Hearts of men.

Marginal references: Heb. scent, or, smell.