Isaiah 11:1

The stem. Literally, “the stump,” or “rootstock.” The same word is translated “stock” in Job 14:8; Isa. 40:24.

A Branch. The preceding chapter presents a picture of judgment involving both Assyria and Judah. The beautiful and flourishing “trees” of Judah would be cut down because of iniquity. The picture resembles that of Dan. 4:10-26, where Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom are likened to a stately tree cut down by divine judgment, leaving only the stump of the tree. The Lord had great plans for the Hebrew nation when it was first established. It was His purpose that it should be a messenger of light and truth to the world, and that its beneficent influence should continue to grow until it embraced the earth and brought life and peace to all men. But because of disobedience the nation was to be humbled and taken captive. For a discussion of God’s purposes for Israel see pp. 25-38.

Nevertheless, through the seed of David a King would arise and accomplish what David and his successors on the throne of Judah had thus far failed to accomplish. When the nation had been cut down, and only a stump, as it were, remained, there would spring forth from the seemingly lifeless roots a Branch that would grow and flourish (see Isa. 4:2; 53:2; Rev. 5:5; 22:16). It would become a “tree” of righteousness, and ultimately fill the entire earth, giving peace and gladness to all mankind. The picture thus given is one of the coming golden age of joy and splendor, when all the earth will rejoice in righteousness and the enemies of right and peace will be utterly and eternally laid low. To this scene Isaiah returns again and again (see chs. 35:6-10; 65:17-25; 66:22, 23). The picture of Jesus as the righteous Branch is also found in Jer. 23:5, 6; 33:15-17; Zech. 3:8; 6:12, 13. For the dual nature of the promise made to David, see on Deut. 18:15.