And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
In that day there shall be a root of Jesse - rather, shoot from the root (cf. note, Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 53:2; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16).
Which shall stand for an ensign - permanently and prominently, as a banner lifted up to be the rallying point of an army or people (Isaiah 5:26). He was once "lifted up" on the cross in shame; He is now forever lifted up in glory at the right hand of the Father; in both aspects, to "draw all men unto" Him (John 12:32).
Of the people - peoples, answering to "the Gentiles" in the parallel member.
To it shall the Gentiles seek - diligently (Job 8:5). They shall give in their allegiance to the Divine King, when he shall dwell in the midst of Zion (Isaiah 2:2; Isaiah 60:5; Zechariah 2:11). Horsley translates, 'Of Him shall the Gentiles inquire'-namely, in a religious sense, resort as to an oracle for consultation in difficulties (Zechariah 14:16). Compare Romans 15:12, which quotes this passage, "in Him shall the Gentiles trust."
And his rest - resting-place (Isaiah 60:13, "I will make the place of my feet glorious;" Psalms 132:8; Psalms 132:14; Ezekiel 43:7, "the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever"). The sanctuary in the temple of Jerusalem was 'the resting-place of the ark and of Yahweh.' So the glorious Church which is to be, is described under the image of an oracle to which all nations shall resort, and which shall be filled with the visible glory of God.