God Promises the Righteous Branch

Hope in darkness.
1. The historical setting is very dark spiritually.
2. “Behold” is God calling.
  1. He brings the promise of the Branch (cf. Isa. 4:2; 11:1; 53:2; Jer. 33:15; Zech. 3:8; 6:12).
  2. The figure of a “branch” speaks of an organic connection between the Son of David and the flock of God’s people.
  3. When this Branch sprouts forth, He comes from a stump.
This Branch will establish a righteous rule.
1. He is “a righteous Branch” and “shall be called, “Jehovah our righteousness.”
  1. As a branch begins in a different, new direction, so Jesus points in a new direction, namely, righteousness.
  2. He has a “name” that “He shall be called.” (The repetition is for emphasis.)
2. He is a “King shall reign.”
  1. He will have the authority and right to rule, as a member of the royal line of David.
  2. As such He shall “prosper,” i.e., act prudently.
The fruit of His righteous rule is that “Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely.”
1. “Judah” and “Israel” are the true Judah and Israel, the elect sheep.
2. This salvation endures as long as the King continues: “in His days.”
  1. There is no end to His kingdom.
  2. The time will come when He will reveal this completely in the new heavens and earth, wherein righteousness dwells.