This individual serves eschatologically as a judge possessing divine understanding so that his judgment will be righteous and wise surpassing human wisdom. The “rod of his mouth” and the “breath of his lips” are parallels that focus on the wise rule that this judge pronounces. Upon the wicked it comes to “smite” and “slay.” These are the judgments of the final time when the wicked receive their just due.
Translation: The Book of Mormon preserves the KJV “make him quick of understanding in the fear of the Lord.” Blenkinsopp translates this as “His delight will be in the fear of Yahveh.” He notes that there is a problem with the text that is literally “and his smell.… ” It would appear that the text required some interpretation rather than simple direct translation. While Blenkinsopp’s translation is preferred, the KJV is not incorrect in the image of one who has a proper relationship and fear of the Lord.