Daily Archives: January 28, 2014

The book of the prophet Isaiah promises the return of a remnant from captivity, but is also filled with Messianic expectation. After describing the terrible consequences of the conquest by foreign powers, Isaiah promises,

In that day the branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel. (Isaiah 4:2 ESV)

It should be pointed out that many of the popular English versions capitalize the word Branch (see NAU, NKJ, CSB, NIV, NRSV). The NET Bible understands the expression to refer to “crops given by the LORD.”

Edward J. Young says,

In the present passage the Sprout is that shoot which comes from the tree of David which has been cut down, and which springs to life from its fallen trunk and brings the tree to more glorious and wondrous heights than before. (The Book of Isaiah)

Our photo is intended to illustrate this truth. The tree of David was cut down; only a stump was left. But a shoot, Sprout, or Branch (the Messiah) sprang from it. Certainly a Divine act.

A Sprout comes forth from an olive stump at Nazareth Village. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

I understand this verse to be parallel to the following texts.

In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples– of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10 ESV; cf. Romans 15:12; Revelation 5:5; 22:16)

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” (Jeremiah 23:5)

See also Jeremiah 33:15 and Zechariah 3:8.

If you would like to think of an abundance of fruit, whether literal or figurative, I think this photo might help.

Abundant fruit in the vineyards of Lachish. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.