What does Isaiah 11:5 mean?

Isaiah is describing a mysterious figure who will arise from the line of David in what was then Israel's history (Isaiah 11:1). The leader he has described will supernaturally possess the very character qualities of God. He will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and He will both provide fairness and justice for the poor and powerless. He will also bring death to the wicked who defy the righteousness of God (Isaiah 11:2–4).

Now the prophet sums up this Promised Messiah with words reserved for the Lord Himself. He says how "righteousness will be His belt." He also states how faithfulness will be His "waistcloth" or the "belt of His loins." This word could be describing an "under belt" used for tucking in a robe to be ready for strenuous activity. Or it could be referring to the underwear-like garment worn underneath the rest of one's clothing. In either case, the meaning is the same: these are inherent, given aspects of this King's very nature. Everything this leader says and does will be characterized by righteousness and faithfulness.

This future King will be known as the Messiah: Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16; 26:63–64). He will return at the perfect time to establish His kingdom over all the earth (Revelation 19:11–15). The following verses describe the startling, perfect nature of that kingdom (Isaiah 11:6–10).