SUMMARY
The vision of the high priestThe high priest was the most powerful priest in the temple in Jerusalem. The high priest Caiaphas held the office during the trial of Jesus. Later, in the New Testament book of Hebrews, the role of merciful high priest is ascribed to the resurrected Jesus. More, JoshuaThe successor of Moses, Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan. More (3:1-7), is followed by an oracleAn oracle is a divine utterance of guidance, promise, or judgment delivered to humans through an intermediary (who is often also called an oracle). In the Bible oracles are given by Balaam (in the book of Numbers) and by David (in 2 Samuel). A number... More of “my servant the Branch,” which the Lord is bringing forth (3:8-10).
ANALYSIS
The term “branch,” also “shoot” or “sprout,” is reminiscent of the branch of DavidSecond king of Israel, David united the northern and southern kingdoms. More in JeremiahProphet who condemned Judah's infidelity to God, warned of Babylonian conquest, and promised a new covenant. More 23:5-6 and 33:14-16, and the “branch of the LORD” and the “shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse” in IsaiahIsaiah, son of Amoz, who prophesied in Jerusalem, is included among the prophets of the eighth century BCE (along with Amos, Hosea, and Micah)--preachers who boldly proclaimed God's word of judgment against the economic, social, and religious disorders of their time. More 4:2 and 11:1. The branch as servant connects this passage with the servant songs in Isaiah. The priesthood of Joshua is a symbol of the branch, and the inscribed stone that will be set before Joshua declares that the Lord will remove the iniquity of the land. With all these references in this one paragraph, the passage has traditionally been regarded as messianic by Christians pointing to JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. More as one who combines kingship with priesthood.
