Isa 11:1, 53:2, Rev 22:16 | JFB | STEP | . From the local and temporary national deliverance the prophet passes by the law of suggestion in an easy transition to the end of all prophecy-- the everlasting deliverance under Messiah's reign, not merely His first coming, but chiefly His second coming. The language and illustrations are still drawn from the temporary national subject, with which he began, but the glories described pertain to Messiah's reign. Hezekiah cannot, as some think, be the subject; for he was already come, whereas the "stem of Jesse" was yet future ("shall come") (compare , &c.; 5:1, 2; , ; , ; ). 1. rod-- When the proud "boughs" of "Lebanon" ( , , the Assyrians) are lopped, and the vast "forests cut down" amidst all this rage, a seemingly humble rod shall come out of Jesse (Messiah), who shall retrieve the injuries done by the Assyrian "rod" to Israel ( , 6, 18, 19). stem-- literally, "the stump" of a tree cut close by the roots: happily expressing the depressed state of the royal house of David, owing to the hostile storm ( , ), when Messiah should arise from it, to raise it to more than its pristine glory. proves this ( ; compare , ; see on ). Branch-- Scion. He is nevertheless also the "root" ( ; ; . "Root and offspring" combines both, ; ).

‏ Isaiah 11:1

CHAPTER 11

From the local and temporary national deliverance the prophet passes by the law of suggestion in an easy transition to the end of all prophecy--the everlasting deliverance under Messiah's reign, not merely His first coming, but chiefly His second coming. The language and illustrations are still drawn from the temporary national subject, with which he began, but the glories described pertain to Messiah's reign. Hezekiah cannot, as some think, be the subject; for he was already come, whereas the "stem of Jesse" was yet future ("shall come") (compare Mi 4:11, &c.; 5:1, 2; Jr 23:5, 6; 33:15, 16; Ro 15:12).

1. rod--When the proud "boughs" of "Lebanon" (Is 10:33, 34, the Assyrians) are lopped, and the vast "forests cut down" amidst all this rage, a seemingly humble rod shall come out of Jesse (Messiah), who shall retrieve the injuries done by the Assyrian "rod" to Israel (Is 10:5, 6, 18, 19).

stem--literally, "the stump" of a tree cut close by the roots: happily expressing the depressed state of the royal house of David, owing to the hostile storm (Is 10:18, 19), when Messiah should arise from it, to raise it to more than its pristine glory. Lu 2:7 proves this (Is 53:2; compare Job 14:7, 8; see on Is 8:6).

Branch--Scion. He is nevertheless also the "root" (Is 11:10; Re 5:5; 22:16. "Root and offspring" combines both, Zec 3:8; 6:12).

‏ Isaiah 53:2

2. tender plant--Messiah grew silently and insensibly, as a sucker from an ancient stock, seemingly dead (namely, the house of David, then in a decayed state) (see on Is 11:1).

shall grow ... hath--rather, "grew up ... had."

before him--before Jehovah. Though unknown to the world (Joh 1:11), Messiah was observed by God, who ordered the most minute circumstances attending His growth.

root--that is, sprout from a root.

form--beautiful form: sorrow had marred His once beautiful form.

and when we shall see--rather, joined with the previous words, "Nor comeliness (attractiveness) that we should look (with delight) on Him."

there is--rather, "was." The studied reticence of the New Testament as to His form, stature, color, &c., was designed to prevent our dwelling on the bodily, rather than on His moral beauty, holiness, love, &c., also a providential protest against the making and veneration of images of Him. The letter of P. Lentulus to the emperor Tiberius, describing His person, is spurious; so also the story of His sending His portrait to Abgar, king of Edessa; and the alleged impression of His countenance on the handkerchief of Veronica. The former part of this verse refers to His birth and childhood; the latter to His first public appearance [Vitringa].

‏ Revelation of John 22:16

16. mine angel--for Jesus is Lord of the angels.

unto you--ministers and people in the seven representative churches, and, through you, to testify to Christians of all times and places.

root ... offspring of David--appropriate title here where assuring His Church of "the sure mercies of David," secured to Israel first, and through Israel to the Gentiles. Root of David, as being Jehovah; the offspring of David as man. David's Lord, yet David's son (Mt 22:42-45).

the morning star--that ushered in the day of grace in the beginning of this dispensation and that shall usher in the everlasting day of glory at its close.