Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of JesseThis phrase signifies hope and renewal from what appears to be a dead or cut-down lineage. Jesse was the father of King David, and the "stump" symbolizes the fallen state of David's royal line after the Babylonian exile. The imagery of a "shoot" suggests new life and growth, indicating the emergence of a new leader from David's line. This is a prophetic reference to the coming of the Messiah, who Christians believe is Jesus Christ. The use of "stump" implies that although the Davidic dynasty seemed to have been cut down, it was not destroyed, and God’s promise to David would still be fulfilled.
and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit
The "Branch" is a messianic title, often used in the Old Testament to refer to the coming Savior. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic writings, such asJeremiah 23:5 andZechariah 3:8, where the Messiah is described as a righteous Branch. The "roots" indicate the deep, enduring foundation of Jesse's line, suggesting that the Messiah will have a legitimate claim to David's throne. The phrase "will bear fruit" implies that the Messiah will bring about a time of prosperity, justice, and peace, fulfilling the promises made to David and establishing a kingdom that will have a lasting impact. This is seen as a type of Christ, who Christians believe fulfills these prophecies through His life, death, and resurrection, bringing spiritual renewal and salvation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesseThe father of King David, representing the Davidic line from which the Messiah is prophesied to come. Jesse's lineage is significant as it establishes the royal line through which Jesus Christ is descended.
2.
The ShootSymbolizes the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is prophesied to emerge from the seemingly dead line of David. This imagery of a shoot or branch signifies new life and hope.
3.
The StumpRepresents the fallen state of the Davidic dynasty at the time of Isaiah's prophecy. The imagery of a stump suggests that although the line appears cut down, it is not entirely dead.
4.
The BranchAnother reference to the Messiah, emphasizing growth, life, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The Branch is a common Messianic symbol in the Old Testament.
5.
FruitSymbolizes the results of the Messiah's reign, including justice, peace, and righteousness. The fruit represents the transformative impact of Christ's ministry and kingdom.
Teaching Points
Messianic HopeIsaiah 11:1 provides hope in the promise of a Messiah who will come from humble beginnings to bring salvation and restoration. This encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
God's SovereigntyThe imagery of a shoot from a stump illustrates God's ability to bring life from death and hope from despair. Believers can find comfort in God's sovereignty over history and His power to redeem.
Christ's KingdomThe fruit-bearing Branch signifies the transformative power of Christ's kingdom. Christians are called to participate in this kingdom by living out its values of justice, peace, and righteousness.
Lineage and LegacyThe connection to Jesse and David emphasizes the importance of spiritual heritage. Believers are encouraged to consider their own spiritual legacy and the impact of their faith on future generations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 11:1?
2.How does Isaiah 11:1 foreshadow Jesus as the "shoot from Jesse's stump"?
3.What qualities of Jesus are highlighted by the "Branch" imagery in Isaiah 11:1?
4.How does Isaiah 11:1 connect to the prophecy in Jeremiah 23:5?
5.How can Isaiah 11:1 inspire hope in God's promises during difficult times?
6.In what ways can we embody the "Branch" qualities in our daily lives?
7.What does Isaiah 11:1 mean by "a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse"?
8.How does Isaiah 11:1 relate to the prophecy of the Messiah?
9.Why is the lineage of Jesse significant in Isaiah 11:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 11?
11.How does the prophecy of a “Branch from Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1) align with the uncertain historical records of David’s lineage?
12.How do these prophecies in Isaiah 11 compare with other biblical texts that seem to describe different scenarios for the Messiah and end times?
13.Why don't most Jews accept Jesus as Messiah?
14.Why has there been no archeological or historical evidence of a fully realized messianic kingdom as described in Isaiah 11:1–10?What Does Isaiah 11:1 Mean
Then“Then” signals a turning point. Isaiah has just described judgment on proud nations (Isaiah 10:33-34). Once God’s axe has felled every towering tree, hope dawns. History is not spiraling out of control; it is moving toward God’s appointed moment (Galatians 4:4). The same Lord who cut down Assyria will raise up His chosen King.
A shoot will spring up“A shoot will spring up” (Isaiah 11:1). Picture fresh greenery pushing through a seemingly dead trunk.
• God delights in bringing life out of lifeless places (Ezekiel 37:1-14).
• The imagery mirrorsIsaiah 53:2: “He grew up before Him like a tender shoot.” Both passages point to the Messiah emerging quietly, almost unnoticed, yet unstoppable (Luke 2:7;Mark 6:3).
• What looks insignificant to us is sovereignly designed. God’s plans never wither (Psalm 33:11).
From the stump of JesseThe “stump of Jesse” takes us back to David’s father, reminding us of God’s covenant promise that David’s line would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
• After Babylon’s exile the royal family seemed cut down (2 Kings 24:10-15), yet the root remained alive in God’s providence (Haggai 2:23).
• By naming Jesse rather than David, Isaiah directs attention to humble beginnings, preparing hearts for a lowly-born Savior in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2;Matthew 1:5-6, 16).
And a Branch from his rootsIsaiah widens the picture: “and a Branch from his roots.” The word “Branch” becomes a prophetic title for the coming King (Jeremiah 23:5-6;Zechariah 3:8; 6:12-13).
• The Branch is both royal and righteous, combining kingship and priesthood (Hebrews 7:1-3).
•Revelation 22:16 records Jesus’ own claim: “I am the Root and the Offspring of David.” He is simultaneously source and shoot, eternal yet born in time (John 1:1, 14).
Will bear fruitThe Branch “will bear fruit.” Isaiah goes on to describe the fruit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2-5).
• Jesus fulfills this perfectly; His ministry overflowed with these qualities (Luke 4:18-22;John 7:46).
• The fruit extends to creation itself: peace among animals, justice for the poor, earth filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 11:6-9).
• Believers share in that fruit-bearing life (John 15:5;Romans 15:12-13), spreading His righteousness throughout the world (Galatians 5:22-23).
summaryIsaiah 11:1 promises that when the line of David seems finished, God will raise up a fresh, living shoot—Jesus Christ. From Jesse’s humble stump comes a royal Branch who embodies God’s character and brings abundant, lasting fruit to the world. Judgment does not get the last word; resurrection life does.
Verses 1-9. - A RENEWED PROPHECY OF MESSIAH AND OF HIS KINGDOM. This chapter is closely connected with the preceding. With the final destruction of Assyria, which, being cut down, sends out no shoot (
Isaiah 10:33, 34), is contrasted the recuperative energy of Israel, which, though equally leveled with the ground (
Isaiah 9:18, 19), shall spring afresh into life, and "renew its youth." The recovery is connected - or rather identified with the coming of Messiah, whose character is beautifully portrayed (vers. 2-5). An elaborate description of Messiah's kingdom follows (vers. 6-10) - an expansion of the briefer one in
Isaiah 2:3, 4.
Verse 1. -
There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse. The blasted and ruined "stem" or stock of Jesse, cut down, and for ages hidden from sight, shall suddenly put forth a sprout - a young green sapling, tender vet vigorous, weak seemingly, yet foil of life (comp.
Job 14:7-9, "There is hope of a tree, if it he cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not crease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant"). "The stem of Jesse" must mean the house of David, for there is but one Jesse (
Ishai) in Scripture - David's father.
A Branch shall grow out of his roots. That which is at first a sapling gains strength and grows into a "branch" (see
Isaiah 4:2, where the word used, though different, is synonymous).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A shootחֹ֖טֶר(ḥō·ṭer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2415:Branch or twig, a rodwill spring upוְיָצָ֥א(wə·yā·ṣā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximfrom the stumpמִגֵּ֣זַע(mig·gê·za‘)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1503:The trunk, stump of a, treeof Jesse,יִשָׁ֑י(yi·šāy)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3448:Jesse -- father of Davidand a branchוְנֵ֖צֶר(wə·nê·ṣer)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5342:A sprout, shootfrom his rootsמִשָּׁרָשָׁ֥יו(miš·šā·rā·šāw)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8328:A rootwill bear fruit.יִפְרֶֽה׃(yip̄·reh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6509:To bear fruit, be fruitful
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 11:1 A shoot will come out (Isa Isi Is) 
