A branch is a part of a tree, but Scripture also uses it symbolically for royal descendants, prosperity, and especially the promised Messiah from Jesse’s line. Jesus likewise called His disciples branches abiding in the true vine.
Definition
A branch is a division or shoot growing from a tree. In Scripture, the term may also represent descendants of kings, prosperity, or a person arising from a royal line. It is especially applied to the promised Messiah as the Branch from Jesse’s stem and to several messianic figures described by the prophets.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses branch imagery for kings and royal descendants, prosperity, and the Messiah, who is called a Branch from Jesse and “the Branch.” Jesus also calls His disciples branches abiding in the true vine. In Isaiah, the “abominable branch” refers to a tree on which a malefactor has been hanged.
Historical Background
The expression “highest branch” in Ezekiel represents Jehoiakim the king. The phrase “branch of the terrible ones” is understood as “the song of the terrible ones,” referring to the humbling of Babylon and the return of the Jews from captivity.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A symbol of kings descended from royal ancestors (Ezek. 17:3, 10; Dan. 11:7); of prosperity (Job 8:16); of the Messiah, a branch out of the root of the stem of Jesse (Isa. 11:1), the “beautiful branch” (4:2), a “righteous branch” (Jer. 23:5), “the Branch” (Zech. 3:8; 6:12). Disciples are branches of the true vine (John 15:5, 6). “The branch of the terrible ones” (Isa. 25:5) is rightly translated in the Revised Version “the song of the terrible ones,” i.e., the song of victory shall be brought low by the destruction of Babylon and the return of the Jews from captivity. The “abominable branch” is a tree on which a malefactor has been hanged (Isa. 14:19). The “highest branch” in Ezek. 17:3 represents Jehoiakim the king.
