Isaiah 11:3 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And shall make him of quick understanding Hebrew, והריחו, shall make him of quick scent, smell, or perception; or, of quick discernment, as Bishop Lowth renders it; in the fear of the Lord In things which concern the worship and service of God, and every part of religion. Or the meaning may be, He shall not judge rashly and partially, but considerately and justly, as the fear of God obliges all judges to do. And he shall not judge Of persons, things, or causes; after the sight of the eyes According to outward appearance, as men do, because they cannot search men's hearts; neither reprove Condemn, or pass sentence against any person; after the hearing of the ears By uncertain rumours or suggestions, but shall thoroughly examine all causes, and search out the truth of things, and the very hearts of men. It implies also, that, “in collecting the people who shall compose his kingdom, he shall principally regard in them this quality of fear, or reverence for the Lord; and with the greatest sagacity and perspicuity of judgment, shall discern and separate those subjects in whom he finds this quality; not suffering that judgment to be deluded by the external appearance of truth or honesty, but, penetrating into the interior recesses of the mind by his prophetic spirit, he shall discriminate truth from error, the good from the bad, the sincere and pious from the hypocritical and impious.” All the churches shall know, says he, that I am he who searcheth the reins and the hearts.