Q5. The Branch and Root

[Pastor Ralph]

Q5. Where did the title “Branch” come from? How does the imagery differ from the title “Root”?

[pickledilly]

The title “Branch” came from prophecies of Isaiah, who foretold the One who would come from God through the line of Jesse in beauty and glory to produce everlasting spiritual fruit (Isaiah 4:2;11:1). This Branch one day will finally be the “pride and honor of the survivors of Israel” when they come to spiritual understanding and acceptance of who Jesus is and are restored to God.

 

A branch differs from the parallel use of the title “Root”. A growing branch gives visible evidence of the life produced from the source of life hidden within the root. The earthly kings and kingdom of Israel were cut down to a stump by God because of their disobedience and rejection of His covenant. Even as God chopped His covenant people back to the root, a future branch was promised that would grow from this stump that had a strong established root. The source and sustenance of the entire growth, the Root, remained unchanged, and at the right time the promised tender shoot came forth to grow into a Branch that established new life for the “plant”, God's Kingdom.

 

Jesus the Christ is both the Root and the Branch. He is the foundation and support of the Kingdom of God on which the growth depends, the Root that did not die but “went dormant” for a time when Israel was cut down because of unbelief. And He is the Branch of new life that grows the spiritual kingdom. He is its spiritual energy and power that produces righteous fruit for the Kingdom through that growth.

[IvoryEagle]

Q5. Where did the title "Branch" come from? How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"?

 

A root, of course, is the source of a tree's life.

A branch is a stem or extension from the axis of a tree.

 

Both of these metaphors are based on the idea of a "family tree," with sometimes Jesse (David's father) and sometimes David himself designated as the Root, Branch, or Shoot.

 

"In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel." (Isaiah 4:2)

 

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit." (Isaiah 11:1)

[JanMary]

Q5. Where did the title "Branch": come from?

 

Isaiah 4:2 prophecies "In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious..." In Hebrew the word is capitalized, signifying deity.

 

Jeremiah 23:5 "Behold the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, and He will reign as King and do wisely and will execute justice and righteousness in the land.....He will reign as King.....and this is His name by which He shall be called: The Lord Our Righteousness."

 

These are clear understandable "signs" to the Jews to be able to look for and to recognize Messiah when He appeared in their midst.​ They kept careful genealogies of their family lineage in order to be able to serve in the area of their calling.

 

How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"?

 

The ​Branch demonstrates that Jesus' lineage is traceable from King David.....the term usually is associated with the family tree. The root is the part of the plant which sustains the branches. (As in Jesus' words to us: I AM the vine and you are the branches, remain in me"..." Isaiah 11:10 prophecies that "in that day the Root of Jesse (David's father) shall stand as a signal for the people's; of Him shall the nations inquire and seek knowledge, and His dwelling shall be glory!"  Another prophecy that the Messiah would spring from the lineage of David.

 

​The chief priests and scribes knew exactly Who Jesus was....and in their pride, arrogance, affluence and power, wanted nothing to do with Him in order to maintain their own status as religious leaders.

[charisbarak]

Came from Isaiah.

The root is the source: Jesse/David

The righteous branch grows from that root (Jesus!)

And it said it was a fruitful branch!!

[Commissioned]

Q5. Where did the title “Branch” come from? How does the imagery differ from the title “Root”?

 

The title "Branch" came from the metaphors of a family being a tree with a root and branches.  The "Branch" used here is a designation that one is of a family lineage.  The imagery is different from the title "Root", in that the root is the source for the branch to be nourished and bear fruit. 

[hanks]

Q5. 

Where did the title "Branch" come from? 

How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"?

The prophet Jeremiah in both Jer 23:5 and 33:15 refers to the coming Messiah, Jesus as a righteous Branch, who will come to redeem the world from its bondage to sin and the powers of darkness.

The prediction was that God’s judgment would fall on the nation of Judah because of their sin and rebellion against the Lord.  

Therefore, a Saviour was needed.

The title Root differs in that Jesus used this name for Himself, as well as calling Himself the Offspring of David (Rev 22:16).

We see Jesus as David’s creator, or Root, but because He came to earth in human form, He is also David’s descendant, or Offspring.

This dual name of Root and Offspring speaks about His existence as the God-Man. 

 

[Clarence]

Q5. Where did the title “Branch” come from? How does the imagery differ from the title “Root”?

 

According to the notes, the root and the shoot- branch are metaphors related to a family tree. David and sometimes Jesse (David's father) were designated as the root shoot and branch. The metaphors are referred to in Isaiah (11:1, 53:2a, 11:10) as a prophecy of the Messiah (Jesus). Jeremiah refers, also to a righteous branch, a king who will reign wisely, righteously and rightly, Jesus (Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15).

[Old Jerry]

A “Branch” is something that is supported by the root. So the fruit comes from the branch and the thing that nourishes that branch is the root.

[Jen]

Q5. Where did the title "Branch" come from? How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"?

 

The title Branch came from prophecies in Isaiah and Jeremiah.

The Root is the source (Jesse/David) and the Branch is Jesus, the righteous king, long awaited Messiah.

 

God Bless!

Jen

Romans 15:13

[van]

The seven tribes of Judah were branches where all their descendants sprung from. We know from what we were taught in school a root is the source of a tree's life. The branches are extensions from the axis of a tree. Both of these metaphors are based on the idea of a family tree. which sometimes Jesse (David's father) and sometimes David himself designated as the root and branch.

[Taz]

Q5. Where did the title "Branch" come from? How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"?

 

Prophetically, the Messianic title "Branch" is used first in Isaiah 4:2, "In that day the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious" (that day is explained in Isaiah 3 as the prophet foretells the desolation that is to come upon Judah & Jerusalem)

 

In Isaiah 9:6-7, the prophet gives this wonderful prophecy:

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder,

and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty GOD,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end,

upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish

it with judgement and justice from that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

 

In Isaiah 11, the prophet continues with his Messianic prophecy, saying: "There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD."

 

Again in Jeremiah 23:5, we can read another prophetic word about the coming Messiah, "Behold, the days are coming," says the LORD, "that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgement and righteousness in the earth."

 

Repeated in Jeremiah 33:14-15, the LORD says, "Behold the days are coming that I will perform that good thing which I have promised to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah: In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; He shall execute judgement and righteousness in the earth." 

 

In Zechariah 3:8, the Angel of the LORD speaks to Joshua the high priest saying, "you and your companions who sit before you, for they are a wondrous sign; For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH."

 

Again in Zechariah 6, the "BRANCH" is mentioned. As a "Man" whose name is the BRANCH!

Zechariah has been told to make "an elaborate crown" to place on Joshua's head. He was then to say to him, "Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Behold the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, And He shall build the temple of the LORD; Yes, He shall build the temple of the LORD. He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on His throne; So He shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both."

 

As a "type" of Christ, Joshua shows us not only the "Captain" of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10) by the fact that he too was a triumphant captain of Israel's armies, but he demonstrates to us Christ the High Priest as he was crowned by Zechariah. 

[lighthouse2014]

Q5. Where did the title “Branch” come from? How does the imagery differ from the title “Root”?

The title "Branch" comes from an agricultural metaphor. The roots support the tree and the branches are the extension from the axis of the tree.

The imagery differs from the title "Root" here is not to a natural tree but to a family tree from which Jesus comes from. From the line of King David or his father Jesse, the Lord is referred to as the "Shoot" of the stump that will arise from the line of Jesse.  

[Annelle]

Q5. Where did the title "Branch" come from? How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"?

 

The root is the source for the plants growth and nourishment like Jesus should be our root. The branch, I think, refers to Jesus' family tree.

[JeannieG]

Q5. Where did the title "Branch" come from?

My Answer: from the prophet Isaiah

How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"?

My Answer: Branch is strong and bearing fruit; root is pushing up from dry ground, tender and vulnerable

[haar]

Q5. Where did the title "Branch" come from? How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"?

It came from Isaiah's prophesy of the come Messiah who would come from the lineage of David.

 

 

[alimaespa]

Q5. Where did the title "Branch" come from? How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"?

 

The title Branch came from prophecies in Isaiah and Jeremiah.

The Root is the source (Jesse/David) and the Branch is Jesus, the righteous king, long awaited Messiah.

[Stanley Tavaziva]

Q5. Where did the title “Branch” come from? How does the imagery differ from the title “Root”?

 

Christ is the vine, and God is the gardener who cares for the branches to make them fruitful. The branches are all those who claim to be followers of Christ. The fruitful branches are true believers who by their living union with Christ produce much fruit. But those who become unproductive—those who turn back from following Christ after making a superficial commitment—will be separated from the vine. Unproductive followers are as good as dead and will be cut off and tossed aside.

 

We should Remain in Christ meaning (1) believing that he is God’s Son (1 John 4:15), (2) receiving him as Savior and Lord (John 1:12), (3) doing what God says (1 John 3:24), (4) continuing to believe the Good News (1 John 2:24), and (5) relating in love to the community of believers, Christ’s body (John 15:12).

[Godswriter]

The title “Branch” came from either Jesse David’s father or David himself. It is a family tree term. It also refers to the Lord’s role as High Priest as well. It also describes Him as the Suffering Servant in Isaiah. A branch is a stem or extension from the axis of a tree. The branch will be beautiful and glorious according to Isaiah. The root is the source of life for the tree. 

[Lottie]

Q5. Where did the title "Branch" come from? How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"?

The word branch is a metaphor that describes the extension of a family tree. Christ was the extension or stem of Jesse’s family tree. He was a descendant of David and David’s son. He came from a family that was very poor at the time.

The word “Root” differs from the word branch in that a root is just a stump that is left from a tree whereas a branch is an extension of a tree. It is something small and contemptible that is easily ignored and a branch is bigger and is easily seen. Jesus coming from Jesse’s tree or family was easily ignored and despised. Because He came from Nazareth they disregarded Him and what He said. They were looking for the Messiah to come from Bethlehem, not Nazareth.

Yet Jesus was the root of all mankind in that He is their root and where it all began. He existed before the world began. All Christians are rooted and grounded in Christ, who is the branch. He gives them nourishment, productivity, purity, and diligence. Even though He was small and weak and easily bent; yet in the end, He was made strong and in the end, He will overcome His enemies.

A branch on a tree is something that sticks out and is not easily ignored whereas a stump or root is small and lower to the ground. A branch is bigger and in a family tree, it means someone who might come directly from the first person. But a root or stump is not a close relative of the person at all but someone who is born generations later. Jesse died in poverty and was in anonymity. All the wealth and grandeur of David’s kingdom was long forgotten by then. Jesus came from the root of this family tree and was born into a poor family of carpenters. People who were on the low end of the totem pole. Thus, this root in the Jewish minds and thoughts was unimportant.   A root is small and not very noticeable while a branch is big and shoots out from the tree. It can bear leaves on it and fruit where a root grows unnoticed in the ground.

Matthew Henry Commentary from Bible Study Tools and John Gill's Exposition of the Bible.

[MICHELLE OXLEY]

The Names of Jesus.docx

[MosesSole]

On 12/10/2015 at 2:23 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q5. Where did the title “Branch” come from? How does the imagery differ from the title “Root”? The root, shoot and branch metaphor is that of a family tree, and the illustration of David's line that leads to a righteous branch, here referencing the coming Messiah in Jesus. The root here is referencing David and David's father, who are the foundation for the shoots and branches.  

 

 

[rosegarden]

On 12/10/2015 at 2:23 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q5. Where did the title “Branch” come from? How does the imagery differ from the title “Root”?

a & b. In agriculture the  A root, of course, is the source of a tree's life,  A branch is a stem or extension from the axis of a tree, the fruit is the result of  healthy growth.  In the spiritual:  God the Father the Root (the source of all life).  He sent His Son Jesus, the Righteous Branch, we the Fruit.  Passing it on:  I am the vine (Jesus), ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5 

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit." (Isaiah 11:1)

"'The days are coming," declares the LORD,
'when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
and do what is just and right in the land.'" (Jeremiah 23:5)

"In those days and at that time
I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line;
he will do what is just and right in the land." (Jeremiah 33:15)

"I am the Root and the Offspring of David,
and the bright Morning Star." (Revelation 22:16)

"See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,
the Root of David, has triumphed." (Revelation 5:5)

[Krissi]

It's interesting that Jesus is described as both the root and the branch. Both seem to refer to the same thing, that the man Jesus was both the origin and extension of God. He came from God as the root and expanded God's "reach" as the branch.

It's also a reference to His paternity in David. When used this way, David is the root and Jesus the progeny.