Jesus was the root of david

JESUS WAS THE ROOT OF DAVID
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Revelation5:5 5Then one of the elders said to me, "Do
not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root
of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll
and its seven seals."
BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
COMMENTARIES
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(5) And one of the elders . . .—Better, And one from among the elders saith
unto me, Weepnot; behold, the Lion, which is of the tribe of Judah, the Boot
of David, conquered (so as) to open the roll, and the sevenseals thereof. The
position of the word “conquered” is emphatic, and should receive greater
prominence. The verse has been translated, “Behold, one conquered, (even)
the Lion . . .” The right to open the roll is thus made to turn, as we noticed
before, not merely on the divine Sonship of our Lord, but upon His victory:
He conquered, and so opens the secretpurposes of God to His Church. The
thought is exactly parallel with other scriptures which give emphasis to the
work of redemption. It is “for the suffering of death” that Christ is clothed
“with glory and honour” (Hebrews 2:9). Similarly St. Paul traces the
exaltation of Christ as the outcome of His humiliation, “wherefore (i.e., in

consequence ofHis humiliation) God also hath highly exaltedHim”
(Philippians 2:9). Thus Christ, who in conquestis seento be the powerof God,
in revealing the true philosophy of history is seento be the wisdom of God.
The Lion of the tribe of Juda—The lion was the ancient symbol of the tribe of
Judah. Jacobdescribedhis son as “a lion’s whelp” (Genesis 49:9);the
standard of Judah in the Israelitishencampment is said to have been a lion. It
was the symbol of strength, courage, andsovereignty.
The Rootof David.—The Lion is also the representative of the royal house of
David. “Christ cometh of the seedof David” (comp. Mark 12:35 with John
8:42); the prophets have described Him as the Branch, which would spring
from the ancientstock (Isaiah11:1; Zechariah 6:12). But there seems also a
reference to the deeper thought that He who is the Branchis also the Root
(comp. Isaiah 11:10);He is the one who was David’s Lord (Matthew 22:41-
45), and “the true source and ground of all power” to David and David’s
tribe, and of all who lookedto Him, and not to themselves, for strength.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
5:1-7 The apostle saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, a roll of
parchments in the form usual in those times, and sealedwith sevenseals. This
representedthe secretpurposes ofGod about to be revealed. The designs and
methods of Divine Providence, towardthe church and the world, are stated,
fixed, and made a matter of record. The counsels ofGod are altogetherhidden
from the eye and understanding of the creature. The severalparts are not
unsealedand opened at once, but after eachother, till the whole mystery of
God's counseland conduct is finished in the world. The creatures cannotopen
it, nor read it; the Lord only can do so. Those who see mostof God, are most
desirous to see more; and those who have seenhis glory, desire to know his
will. But even goodmen may be too eagerand hasty to look into the mysteries
of the Divine conduct. Such desires, if not soonanswered, turn to grief and
sorrow. If John wept much because he could not look into the book of God's
decrees, whatreasonhave many to shed floods of tears for their ignorance of
the gospelofChrist! of that on which everlasting salvationdepends! We need

not weepthat we cannot foresee future events respecting ourselves in this
world; the eagerexpectationof future prospects, orthe foresightof future
calamities, would alike unfit us for presentduties and conflicts, or render our
prosperous days distressing. Yet we may desire to learn, from the promises
and prophecies of Scripture, what will be the final event to believers and to
the church; and the Incarnate Son has prevailed, that we should learn all that
we need to know. Christ stands as MediatorbetweenGod and both ministers
and people. He is calleda Lion, but he appears as a Lamb slain. He appears
with the marks of his sufferings, to show that he pleads for us in heaven, in
virtue of his satisfaction. He appears as a Lamb, having sevenhorns and seven
eyes;perfect powerto execute all the will of God, and perfect wisdom to
understand it, and to do it in the most effectualmanner. The Fatherput the
book of his eternal counsels into the hand of Christ, and Christ readily and
gladly took it into his hand; for he delights to make known the will of his
Father; and the Holy Spirit is given by him to reveal the truth and will of God.
Barnes'Notes on the Bible
And one of the elders saith unto me - See the notes on Revelation4:4. No
particular reasonis assignedwhy this messagewas deliveredby one of the
elders rather than by an angel. If the elders were, however(see the notes on
Revelation4:4), the representatives ofthe church, there was a propriety that
they should address John in his trouble. Though they were in heaven, they
were deeply interestedin all that pertained to the welfare of the church, and
they had been permitted to understand what as yet was unknown to him, that
the powerof opening the mysterious volume which containedthe revelationof
the future was entrusted particularly to the Messiah. Having this knowledge,
they were prepared to comfort him with the hope that what was so mysterious
would be made known.
Weepnot - That is, there is no occasionfor tears. The object which you so
much desire canbe obtained. There is one who canbreak those seals, andwho
can unroll that volume and readwhat is recordedthere.

Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah - This undoubtedly refers to the Lord
Jesus;and the points needful to be explained are, why he is calleda Lion, and
why be is spokenof as the Lion of the tribe of Judah:
(a) As to the first: This appellation is not elsewhere givento the Messiah, but
it is not difficult to see its propriety as used in this place. The lion is the king of
beasts, the monarch of the forest, and thus becomes an emblem of one of
kingly authority and of power(see the notes on Revelation4:7), and as such
the appellationis used in this place. It is because Christhas powerto open the
seals - as if he ruled over the universe, and all events were under his control,
as the lion rules in the forest - that the name is here given to him.
(b) As to the other point: He is calledthe "Lion of the tribe of Judah,"
doubtless, with reference to the prophecy in Genesis 49:9 - "Judah is a lion's
whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stoopeddown, he couched
as a lion, and as an old lion"; and from the factthat the Messiahwas ofthe
tribe of Judah. Compare Genesis 49:10. This use of the term would connect
him in the apprehensionof John with the prophecy, and would suggestto him
the idea of his being a ruler, or having dominion. As such, therefore, it would
be appropriate that the powerof breaking these seals should be committed to
him.
The Rootof David - Not the Rootof David in the sense that David sprung
from him as a tree does from a root, but in the sense that he himself was a
"root-shoot" orsprout from David, and had sprung from him as a shootor
sprout springs up from a decayedand fallen tree. See the notes on Isaiah 11:1.
This expressionwould connecthim directly with David, the greatand glorious
monarch of Israel, and as having a right to occupy his throne. As one thus
ruling over the people of God, there was a propriety that to him should be
entrusted the task of opening these seals.
Hath prevailed - That is, he has acquired this power as the result of a conflict
or struggle. The word used here - ἐνίκησεν enikēsen- refers to such a conflict
or struggle, properly meaning to come off victor, to overcome, to conquer, to
subdue; and the idea here is, that his power to do this, or the reasonwhy he
does this, is the result of a conflictin which he was a victor. As the series of

events to be disclosed, resulting in the final triumph of religion, was the effect
of his conflicts with the powers of evil, there was a specialpropriety that the
disclosure should be made by him. The truths taught in this verse are:
(1) that the powerof making disclosures, in regard to the future, is entrusted
to the Messiah;and,
(2) that this, so far as he is concerned, is the result of a conflict or struggle on
his part.
Jamieson-Fausset-BrownBible Commentary
5. one of—Greek, "one from among." The "elder" meant is, according to
some (in Lyra), Matthew. With this accords the description here given of
Christ, "the Lion, which is (so the Greek)of the tribe of Juda, the root of
David"; the royal, David-descended, lion-aspectof Christ being that
prominent in Matthew, whence the lion among the fourfold cherubim is
commonly assignedto him. Gerhard in Bengelthought Jacobto be meant,
being, doubtless, one of those who rose with Christ and ascendedto heaven
(Mt 27:52, 53). The elders in heaven round God's throne know better than
John, still in the flesh, the far-reaching powerof Christ.
Rootof David—(Isa 11:1, 10). Not merely "a suckercome up from David's
ancient root" (as Alford limits it), but also including the idea of His being
Himself the root and origin of David: compare these two truths brought
together, Mt 22:42-45. Hence He is callednot merely Sonof David, but also
David. He is at once "the branch" of David, and "the root" of David, David's
Son and David's Lord, the Lamb slain and therefore the Lion of Juda: about
to reign over Israel, and thence over the whole earth.
prevailed—Greek, "conquered":absolutely, as elsewhere(Re 3:21): gained
the victory: His past victory over all the powers ofdarkness entitles Him now
to open the book.
to open—that is, so as to open. One oldest manuscript, B, reads, "He that
openeth," that is, whose office it is to open, but the weightof oldest authorities
is with English Version reading, namely, A, Vulgate, Coptic, and Origen.

Matthew Poole's Commentary
We must remember that John is here describing a vision, and that part of it
which is but introductive to the material parts of it. He had in his vision seena
book in the right hand of God the Father, sitting upon his throne of glory; he
had heard an angelproclaiming: If any were worthy, he should open the book,
and loose the seals. None appearedto answerthat voice; he was troubled; he
thought he heard one saying to him: Be not troubled, the book shall be
opened. Christ shall open the book, and loose the seals ofit, who is here
expressedunder a double character:
1. The Lion of the tribe of Judah; he is so called, undoubtedly, with allusion to
Jacob’s prophecy, Genesis 49:9,10, whereinJudah was comparedto a lion’s
whelp, because he should be victorious. Christ was to be born of this tribe,
and was to be a greatConqueror.
2. He is called the Rootof David; he was a Branch of David, as he was man,
but the Rootof David, as he was God; therefore David, Psalm 110:1, called
him Lord, though he was his Son.
Hath prevailed with his Father
to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof;for leave to open the
book, and loose the seals thereof;i.e. to revealthose things that are the
counsels and purposes of God relating to his church, and the affairs thereof, to
the world’s end. I do not think we are at all concernedto inquire who is here
meant by
one of the twenty-four elders. As in parables there are some things put in
merely to complete the feignedhistory, so in the relation of visions some

things of that nature are put in, which need not a particular explication. The
sum is: That while John was troubled for fear he should not know what was in
the book, he was told by one of those who attended the throne, that he need
not be troubled, for Christ had obtained a liberty from his Father (in whose
poweronly times and seasons forfuture things were)to revealthese counsels
of God as to things to come.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
And one of the elders said unto me,.... The Ethiopic version reads, "one of
these elders";that is, one of the four and twenty elders that were round about
the throne; not the first of the four and twenty books of the Old Testament;
nor the patriarch Jacob, becauseofthe prophecy concerning Shiloh, Judah's
son, which stands in Genesis 49:10, norMoses,who spoke of the Messiahas
the greatprophet of the church; nor John the Baptist, who pointed out the
Lamb of God; these are all fancies and conjectures. It was one of the members
of the Christian church, who was near the throne of God, had communion
with him, and knowledge ofhis will, who in this visionary way is represented
as comforting John under his sorrow and concern, and giving him
information: and sometimes persons of superior abilities may receive
instruction from meaner persons, as did Apollos from Aquila and Priscilla:
the same said unto John,
weepnot; ceasesorrowing, do not be castdown, nor despair;
behold the lion of the tribe of Judah; by whom is meant Christ, who,
according to the flesh, was to come of the tribe of Judah; and certainit is, that
our Lord sprang from thence:and he is saidto be the lion of that tribe, in
allusion to the prophecy concerning Judah in Genesis 49:9, where he is said to
be a lion, an old lion stooping down and couching, and on whose standard was
the figure of a lion. Christ may be compared to one, because of his great
strength, he being the mighty God, the able Saviour, and strong Redeemer,
and protectorof his church and people, and the avengerof their enemies;and
because ofhis courage andintrepidity when he engagedwith Satan, and his
principalities and powers, when he bore the sins of his people, sustained his
Father's wrath, and the terrors of death setthemselves in array againsthim;

and because ofthe fierceness ofhis wrath, and fury againstthe wicked, and
for his generosityand lenity towards those that stoopunto him, and obey him.
So the Jews say(f), that
"of Messiah, the son of David, who comes forth from Judah, is it said, Genesis
49:9, "Judahis a lion's whelp";''
and a little after, Messiah, the sonof David, who is "a lion", shall be on his
right hand, and Messiah, the son of Joseph, who is an ox, on his left hand; so
the word of the Lord frequently, in the Chaldee paraphrase, is saidto be a
lion (g).
The root of David; in like manner is Christ calledthe root of Jessein Isaiah
11:10;and the meaning either is, that he is a branch that springs out of the
roots of Jesse andDavid, is David's son and offspring, according to his human
nature; see Revelation22:16;or that he is David's Lord, according to his
divine nature: and the metaphor of a root well agrees withhim as Mediator,
he being hidden out of sight, and unknown to a natural man; and may denote
his meanness in his state of humiliation, when he was as a root out of a dry
ground; and because he is the root from whence all the electof God spring, in
whom they have their being, and by whom they are bore and supported, and
from whom are derived to them all the blessings of grace, alltheir spiritual
life, holiness, fruitfulness, and perseverance. Now this illustrious Person, so
described,
hath prevailed; or overcome all difficulties, being one of worth and value, of
greatauthority and ability:
to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof;and deliver out all the
prophecies in it, and fulfil them; and this through the merits of his blood, and
in consequence ofhis sufferings and death: hence, in the next verse, he is
representedas a lamb as it had been slain; and the four living creatures, and
the four and twenty elders, put his worthiness to take the book, and open it,
upon his having been slain, and having redeemed them by his blood,
Revelation5:9. And as he, upon his resurrectionfrom the dead, had all power
in heaven and in earth given him, as Mediator, for the protection of his
church, so he was deserving;and it was fit and necessarythat he, as the great

prophet of the church, should have and deliver out the prophecies concerning
the state and condition of his redeemed ones in all ages.
(f) Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Exod. fol. 49. 3, 4. (g) Targum in Hos. v. 14. &
xi. 10. & xiii. 7.
Geneva Study Bible
{5} And one of the elders saith unto me, Weepnot: behold, the {6} Lion of the
tribe of Juda, the Rootof David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose
the sevenseals thereof.
(5) The secondpart of this chapter, in which is setdown the revelation of the
Son, as was saidbefore. This part contains first a history of the way God
prepared John to understand this revelation, in this verse. Secondly, the
revelation of the Son himself, to Re 5:6,7. Thirdly, the events of this revelation
in the rest of the chapter. The manner now, is here described in two parts: one
from outside him, by speech, in this verse:another within, by opening the eyes
of John (which before were shut) that he might see, in the verse following.
(6) That is, most mighty and most approved Prince: according to the use of
the Hebrew speech.
EXEGETICAL(ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)
Meyer's NT Commentary
Revelation5:5. One of the elders[1877]stills the weeping of John, by showing
him Christ as the one able to open the book.
The deictic ἸΔΟΎ intensifies the pictorial vividness of the description.
Corresponding to the ἸΔΟΎ is the ΚΑῚ ΕῚΔΟΝ, Κ.Τ.Λ., Revelation5:6;
there John directs his look to the Lamb, to whom the elders had pointed him.
ἘΝῚΚΗΣΕΝ. The explanation is divided into two parts. Grot.,[1878]Vitr., C.
a Lap., Beng., Eichh., Heinr., Ew., etc., regarded[1879]the ἐνίκησεν in

immediate combination with the ἀνοῖξαι, κ.τ.λ., so that the latter appears as
an object to the conceptionἐνίκησεν.[1880]Others, as N. de Lyra, Calov.,
Boss., Ebrard, Klief.,[1881]have, on the other hand, referred the ἐνίκησεν to
the triumphantly completed work of redemption,[1882]so that then the
infinitive statement, ἀνοὶξαι, κ.τ.λ., appears not in an objective relation to
ἐνίκησεν, but as exegetical,[1883]and the ἐνίκησεν as absolute. The latter
conceptionis correct, becausethe former combination of the ἐνίκησεν with
the inf. is not so much “a new and poetic mode,”[1884]as is contradictedby
the mode of statementin the Apoc.,[1885]andbecause not only the
correlationof the designations ofthe victor, ὁ λέων, ὁ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰοῦδα, ἡ
ρίζα Δαυΐδ, but also the words, Revelation5:9, which may be regardedas an
authentic interpretation of the mode of expressionin Revelation5:5, are
decisive for the secondof the explanations previously mentioned. “The Lion of
the tribe of Judah” is Christ,[1886]becausein his bodily descentfrom Judah,
as the true Messiahpromisedof old, he had victoriously fought. [See Note
XLV., p. 216.]In the same sense, the designationἡ ῥίζα Δαυἶδ[1887]
represents him as a sprout growing from the root of David with fresh,
triumphant power. Thus N. de Lyra, C. a Lap., Grot., Eichh., Ew., De Wette,
Hengstenb., Ebrard, etc., correctlyexplain, recognizing the slight metonymy;
and Calov. and others, incorrectly, because againstthe decisive fundamental
passage:“Christ, according to his divine nature, is representedas the
foundation and source ofDavid himself.”[1888]The Christian fundamental
view is presented, which not only in the same words, but also in the same tense
(ἐνίκησα, aor.), is expressedalreadyin Revelation3:21, and is repeated
immediately afterwards in Revelation5:9,[1889]only in another statement or
explanation; viz., that, just because Christ has struggled and conqueredin
earthly humility,[1890] he is worthy to open the sealedbook. It especially
harmonizes with this view, that one of the elders, therefore one of those who
have in themselves experiencedthe fruit of Christ’s victory, and with
complete clearness know the entire meaning of this victory, directs the
weeping John to the Lion of the tribe of Judah; not as though this elder had
observedthat Christ meanwhile had besoughtthe enthroned God for
permission to open the book, and had obtained it,[1891]but because the elder
has the blessedassurance thatthe exalted Christ, since he is Lord and King of
his kingdom, is also the Mediatorof all revelation.

[1877]The attempt has been made also to determine who this elder is.
Matthew is suggested, because in his Gospel(Matthew 28:18) there is a
declarationconcerning the omnipotence of Christ. N. de Lyra prefers to
understand Peter, who, however, had already met with a martyr’s death.
[1878]“He has obtained that which you thought must be despairedof.”
[1879]The older interpreters mostly, with a false parallel to ‫ז‬ָ‫ָכ‬‫ה‬ (Psalm 51:6;
LXX., νικᾶν).
[1880]“He has attained, prevailed in a struggle, to open,” etc.
[1881]Cf. also De Wette, Hengstenb.
[1882]N. de Lyra. “Was victor in the resurrection.” Calov.:“Conquered the
infernal lion.” Boss.,Ebrard: “Victory over sin, death, and the Devil.” So also
Hengstenb., who, however, at the same time confusedly falls into the first
mode of exposition: “Overcoming the difficulties which opposedthe opening
of the book.”
[1883]Cf. Winer, p. 298 sq.
[1884]Ew.

[1885]Revelation2:7; Revelation2:11; Revelation2:17, etc.;especially
Revelation3:21.
[1886]According to Genesis 49:9.
[1887]From Isaiah11:10. Cf. Revelation5:1.
[1888]Cf. also Vitr., Herd.
[1889]Cf. alreadyRevelation5:6.
[1890]Because as the slain Lamb he has wrought redemption, Revelation
5:13. Cf. Php 2:8 sq.; Isaiah 53.
[1891]As Ew. i. takes it, falling into an error contrary to both the word and
sense ofthe text.
NOTES BY THE AMERICAN EDITOR
XLV. Revelation5:5. ὁ λέων ὁ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰούδα, κ.τ.λ.
The expressionis basedupon Genesis 49:9. On the basis of Jacob’s prophecy,
a young lion was emblazoned on the standard of Judah, as it led the van of
Israel’s march through the desert. See PalestinianTargum on Numbers 2:2 :
“Theywho encamp eastwardshall be of the standard of the camp of Judah,

spreading overfour miles. And his standard shall be of silk, of three colors,
corresponding with the precious stones which are in the breastplate,—sardius
topaz, and carbuncle;and upon it shall be expressedand set forth the names
of the three tribes of Judah, Issachar, andZebulun; and in the midst shall be
written, ‘Arise, O Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered, and thine
adversaries be driven awaybefore thee;’ and upon it shall be set forth the
figure of a young lion.” Augustine, Serm. xlvi., quoted by Calov.:“As a Lamb
in his passion, so a Lion in his resurrection; since by this he manifested his
fortitude in conquering death, and crushing the head of the infernal serpent
(Genesis 3:15;Hosea 13:14;Romans 1:4).” Cf. Hebrews 2:14. Calov. finds the
lion-like characterof Christ displayed also in the call of the Gentiles. The ἡ
ῥίζα Δαυείδ is analogous withἐκ σπέρματος Δαυείδ in Romans 1:3, it being, as
Hengstenberg remarks, “in David that the lion nature of the tribe came into
manifestation.” In Christ, the race of the hero and victor David, whose deeds
of courage are celebratedin Psalm18:29 sqq., again comes forth. Calov.’s
interpretation, referred to by Düst., which is that also of Ribera and Cocceius,
rests upon the assumption that a double designationof the humanity of
Christ, in both the Lion of Judah and the Rootof David, is improbable; and
that, in Revelation22:16, there is a similar distinction between“root” and
“offspring.” Lange is right when he says, “The whole designationof Christ is a
profound Christologicalsaying, which refers neither alone to the human
descentof the Saviour (Düsterdieck), norto his divine nature simply
(Calov.).” The divinely human person is designatedby terms derived, indeed,
from his humanity; but, because ofthe personalunion and the inseparable
participation of both natures in every act, comprehending our Lord also in his
divinity.”
Expositor's Greek Testament
Revelation5:5. ἀνοῖξαι … σφραγῖδας, cf. Dittenberger’s Sylloge Inscr. Graec.
79047 (firstcentury) τὰς σφ. ἀνοιξάτω. Christ’s success is due to his legitimate
messianic authority as a Davidic scion(ῥίζα = shootor sprout on main stem,
cf. Sibyll. iii. 396);the Davidic descentof Jesus was a tenet of certaincircles in
primitive Christianity (Dalman i. § 12). Possiblythere is an allusion to the
original bearing of the O.T. passage:—Jesusirresistible and courageous,yet
in origin humble. In 4 Esdr. 12:31, 32 the messiah’s rebuke to the Roman

empire is thus described:leonem quem uidisti de silva euigilantem mugientem
et loquentem ad aquilam et arguentemeam iniquitatis … hic estunctus, quern
reseruauit altissimus in finem [dierum, qui dicitur ex semine David]. ῥάβδος,
in sense of “shoot” occurs with ῥίζα in Isaiah11:1 (cf. 10; Ezekiel19:11-12;
Ezekiel19:14);hence the combination with the idea of “sceptre” (ἐνίκησεν, cf.
Revelation2:27) in a messianic connotation(cf. on Revelation22:16). The
enigma of the world’s history lies with Christ, to be solved and to be
controlled. Jewisheschatology(En. xlvi. 3, xlix. 1) had already proclaimedthe
revealing power of messiah, who is “mighty in all the secrets ofrighteousness
… and who reveals all the treasures ofthat which is hidden”. John claims that
Jesus is the legitimate messiah, whose power to unfold God’s redeeming
purpose rests upon his victorious inauguration of that purpose. The victory of
Christ in Revelation5:5 f. follows dramatically upon the allusion in
Revelation3:21, but it is to press the sequence too far when this scene is taken
to represent his arrival in heaven “just after the accomplishment of his
victory” (Briggs).
Cambridge Bible for Schools andColleges
5. one of the elders] It is idle to speculate which; even if it be assumed certain
that the twenty-four are the Patriarchs and Apostles, they representtheir
federal office, not their individual character. We canhardly suppose that St
John saw himself seatedamong them.
the Lion of the tribe of Juda] Genesis 49:9.
the rootof David] Revelation22:16;Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah11:10, where however
we have the Rootof Jesse.Some distinguish the two phrases, that Christ is
said to grow from the obscure Jessein reference to the time of His
humiliation, from the kingly David in reference to His exaltation.

hath prevailed to open] Lit. hath conquered: Christ’s victory (see Revelation
3:21 and ref.) has this consequence, thatHe canopen. There is a well-
supported reading, “the Lion hath conquered, Who openeth” … but this is
grammatically easier, and less effective—bothpresumptions in favour of the
text.
to loose]Should be omitted as a gloss:we hearof “opening the seals”all
through the next chapter.
Bengel's Gnomen
Revelation5:5. Εἷς, one) Without doubt one of those who rose with Christ,
and ascendedinto heaven: Matthew 27:52. It appears to be the patriarch
Jacob, because, according to his prophecy, the name of lion is given to Christ:
Genesis 49:9. John Gerhard and others in Richter on this passage, and in Viet.
But Cluver judges that this, as far as it respects Jacob, is uncertain.
Pulpit Commentary
Verse 5. - And one of the elders saith unto me, Weepnot. One of the elders, as
representing the Church (see on Revelation4:4), bids St. John to take heed to
him who was about to disclose to some extent the future of that Church. There
is, of course, no indication that any particular individual is signified, though
some have striven to identify the elder. Thus De Lyra mentions St. Peter, who
was already martyred; others, referred to by De Lyra, say St. Matthew, who,
in his Gospel, declaresChrist's power (Matthew 28:18). Behold, the Lion of
the tribe of Juda. The title is accordedto Christ, in illustration of the
following act. The Representative ofthe royal and victorious tribe of Judah
was he who had prevailed to open the book, where others had failed (cf.
Genesis 40:9, "Judahis a lion's whelp;" Hebrews 7:14, "For it is evident that
our Lord sprang out of Judah"). The Rootof David. The Rootof David is a
synonym for Stem or Branch (cf. Isaiah 11:1, "There shall come forth a Rod
out of the stem of Jesse, anda Branch shall grow out of his roots;" and
Romans 15:12, "Esaiassaith, There shall be a Rootof Jesse"). Further, Christ
may be said to have been the Rootof David, by virtue of his pre-existence and

his creative power. It is one of the paradoxes of the Incarnation, that he who is
the Rootof David should also be a Branch. Hath prevailed to open the book;
hath conquered (ἐνίκησεν). Not, as the Authorized Version appears to read,
that the act of victory consistedin the opening of the book, but the ability to
open was a consequenceofa former act of victory, viz. the redemption. So in
ver. 9 the ascriptionof praise runs, "Thouart worthy because thouwast
slain" (on the infinitive epexegetic,see Winer). Some see a reference here to
Revelation3:7, "He that openeth, and no man shutteth." And to loose the
sevenseals thereof;and the sevenseals thereof(RevisedVersion). Omit "to
loose?"
END OF BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
What does Revelation5:5 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑]
According to this verse, one of the twenty-four elders (Revelation4:4) told
John to stop crying because Jesushad achievedthe victory over sin and
gained the right to open the scrolland loose its sevenseals. No one else had the
moral authority, or the legalright, to enactthese judgments.
The elder identified Jesus in two ways. First, he identified him as the Lion of
the tribe of Judah. When the patriarch Jacobblessedhis sons, he calledhis
son Judah a lion's cub and predicted that the scepterwould not depart from
him (Genesis 49:9–10). This prediction anticipated the arrival of a descendant
of Judah who would rule as King. Revelation5:5 also identifies this person as
the Rootof David, meaning the source ofKing David's power and kingdom.
Only Jesus, David's rightful descendantand heir to the throne if Israel, was
legally entitled to open the scrolland launch the judgments it contained. The
wise men told King Herod that Bethlehem in the land of Judah had been
prophesied to be the birthplace of a ruler who would shepherd Israel
(Matthew 2:6). The prophecy was given in Micah 5:2.

https://www.bibleref.com/Revelation/5/Revelation-5-5.html
Rootof David
Jesus was born in the line of David (Mtt. Mat. 1:1, Mat. 1:6, Mat. 1:17, Mat.
1:20; Luke Luke 1:27, Luke 1:32; Luke 3:31; Rom. Rom. 1:3; 2Ti. 2Ti. 2:8;
Rev. Rev. 22:16+), He is the “sonof David” (Mtt. Mat. 9:27; Mat. 12:23;Mat.
15:22;Mat. 20:30-31;Mat. 21:9, Mat. 21:15;Mat. 22:42;etc.). Jesus is the
“Rodfrom the stem of Jesse”(Isa. Isa. 11:1), the “RootofJesse”(Isa. Isa.
11:10), David’s father (Ru. Ru. 4:22). Jesus is the fulfillment of the Davidic
Covenant.4 Godmade an unconditional covenantwith David where He swore
that his throne would be establishedlike the sun and moon (Ps. Ps. 89:33-37).
At present, there is no “throne of David” upon the earth, but there will be
when the Lion has completed His work (Rev. Rev. 20:4-6+)for the zeal of God
will ensure it!
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Sonis given; and the government will
be upon His shoulder. And His name will be calledWonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Ofthe increase of His
government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and
over His kingdom, to order it and establishit with judgment and justice from
that time forward, even forever. The zealof the LORD of hosts will perform
this. (Isa. Isa. 9:6-7) [emphasis added]
As a root springs anew from the stump of a tree which has been cut down and
appears to be dead, so the line leading to Messiahwas preservedthroughout
history. “Forthere is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again,
and that its tender shoots will not cease.Thoughits root may grow old in the
earth, and its stump may die in the ground, Yet at the scentof waterit will
bud and bring forth branches like a plant” (JobJob 14:7-9). This rootwas
repeatedly chopped back, but never completely terminated as Satan
attempted throughout history to thwart the Messianicline of promise. See
commentary on Revelation12:4.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/revelation/revelation-
5/revelation-5-5.html
Jesus as the Root/Shoot/Branchof Jesse
Postedon December18, 2015
by Victoria Emily Jones
The Tree of Jesse—arepresentationofJesus’s genealogyin the form of a
tree—was a popular subjectin medieval Christian art. Its name derives from
the messianic prophecyof Isaiah11:1 and 10:“There shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. . . . In
that day the root of Jesse,who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—ofhim
shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.”
Paul paraphrases this passagein Romans 15, linking it explicitly to Christ:
“ForI tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcisedto show God’s
truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in
order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. . . . Isaiahsays, ‘The
root of Jesse willcome, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;in him will the
Gentiles hope’” (vv. 8–9a, 12). Here Paul drives home the plural peoples and
nations that Isaiahuses:the messiahhas come not just for the Jews but for the
whole world.
The upper sectionof the 12th-century JesseTree window at Chartres
Cathedral in France showing Jesus atthe apex and Mary below him.
Tree of Jesse withthe Madonna and Child (Cod. St. Peterperg. 139, Blatt7v),
from the Scherenberg Psalter, ca. 1260.Held at the Badische
Landesbibliothek (BadenState Library), Karlsruhe, Germany.

Jan Wierix (Flemish, 1544–1625), Tree ofJesse, 1573. Engraving [MH 223]
after Petervan der Borcht(1530–1613). Published in Antwerp by Christoph
Plantin.
Russianicon of the Tree of Jesse, 17thcentury.
Unlike the schematic family trees with which we are familiar, which place the
first ancestoratthe top and the presentgenerationat the bottom, the Tree of
Jesseis read from bottom to top, so as to give Jesus top billing. The figures
depicted underneath him, takenfrom Matthew’s and Luke’s genealogies,
vary, but because the Tree’s main purpose is to map the messianic line, most
depictions at leastinclude David and Solomon, two of the few godly kings of
Israel. Takenaltogetherthe Tree represents a dynasty whose rule has been
establishedeternally in Christ. As God promised David,
And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me.
Your throne shall be establishedforever. (2 Samuel7:16)
Jesus is the one who has fulfilled this promise, which the angel Gabriel
emphasized to Mary during his annunciation visit:
The Lord God will give to him [Jesus]the throne of his father David, and he
will reign over the house of Jacobforever, and of his kingdom there will be no
end. (Luke 1:32b–33)
The Tree of Jesseis not to be confused with the Tree of Life, another botanical
metaphor used elsewhere in scripture to stand for Christ himself. Though the
analogies are certainlyrelated, their iconographyis different: the Tree of Life
usually has the crucified Christ as its focalpoint and oftentimes a river
flowing from its base (based on Revelation22:1–4), whereas the Tree of Jesse,
in addition to having a much largercastof characters, features Jesus as a
babe in arms or enthroned, and the trunk is usually growing out of Jesse’s
side. Both trees speak ofthe salvationwrought by Christ, but one via the

ultimate act of atonement, and the other via the Incarnation, with an
emphasis on the long period of waiting Israelhad to endure.
The root/shoot/branchimagery of Isaiahraises severalquestions for me.
Why is Jesus calledthe root of Jesse?Isn’t Jessethe rootof Jesus?
The “root” terminology(sheresh in Hebrew) is a bit confusing to me, because
when I think “root,” I think “source”or“origin”—in which case Jesse, as
biologicalpredecessor, wouldbe the rootof Jesus. However, here the writer
uses the word in the opposite sense, to describe something that grows out of:
Jesus grew out from Jesse;he is an extension, a descendent, of Jesse. This is
the most literal reading.
But perhaps my instinctual interpretation isn’t so far off either. In terms of
earthly lineage, Jesse mayhave come first, but in another sense, the eternal
Christ is Jesse’s rootand the root of all humanity. Paul expressedthis idea in
Colossians 1:15–17:
He [Jesus]is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For
by him all things were created, in heavenand on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—allthings were
createdthrough him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all
things hold together.
Jesus is referred to within the same passageas root, shoot/stem/rod(depends
on the translation), and branch. Which part of the tree is he?
One of the rules of writing that I’ve heard since grammar schoolis don’t mix
your metaphors—that is, don’t use different metaphors in relation to the same
subject, at leastnot close together, becausedoing so creates visualconfusion.
Mixed metaphors, however, are common in ancientHebrew literature, where
they are often used very intentionally, sometimes to establish synonymous
parallelism.
My inclination as a readerof scripture is to try to reconcile allthe
incompatible metaphors it gives me. I think, Well, if Jesse’sthe root, then
Jesus is the shoot;but Jesus is also called “root,” so then where on the tree

does that place the the rest of the family line? And what of Mary—maybe
she’s the shoot, and Jesus the fruit-bearing branch . . . ? The thing is, the
metaphors aren’t meant to be reconciled. Eachone is supposed to give us just
a little glimpse of some aspectof its subject, not to suggestthat A is like B in
every way and can never be not-B.
Thus Jesus canbe root, shoot, and branch—all three. (Isaiahmixes the root
and shootmetaphors again, in reference to Christ, in Isaiah53:2.)
I already discussedJesus’s“rootness”above.
Jesus is a tree trunk—a “shoot,” orsome translations have “stem”—inthe
sense that he sprang up from Jesse, bringing the Davidic dynasty to new
heights.
Artists, though, most commonly show Jesus as branch—the highest-reaching
branch of the tree (cf. Isaiah 4:2; Jeremiah33:14–16).In the Tree of Jesse,he
is usually shownas an infant in the arms of Mary, with the crown of the tree
fanning out behind him, reinforcing his kingship. Jesse, onthe other hand—
who is calledboth stump and rootin Isaiah11:1—is traditionally shown at the
base of the tree, while the lineage in betweenmakes up the trunk.
Whichever tree part you prefer to picture Jesus as, the main idea is that he
came through the royal line of David as the messiahIsraelwas waiting for.
(Relatedpost: “Jesus, the ‘Forever-Blooming’Rose”)
Why is Jesse’sname rather than David’s invoked in the messianic title “Root
of Jesse”?
David was the founder of the dynasty through which the Jewishmessiahwas
to come. Jessewas David’s dad—which I suppose makes him royal by
association. . . but he was no king. What is so foundational about Jesse,such
that his name is commemoratedin a title for Christ and his likeness given
prominence in the iconographyof Christ’s family tree? John the Evangelist
shifted the name in the title down a generation, using “Rootof David” instead
in reference to Jesus (see Revelation5:5 and 22:16)—whichseems more
appropriate.

All I can guess is it’s because Jesseis mentioned in the story of David’s
anointing as king (1 Samuel 16:1–13). Godtells Samuel, “I will send you to
Jessethe Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons”
(v. 1). Also, David is referred to many times as “the son of Jesse.”
What is the “stump” of Isaiah 11?
In 11:1 Isaiah gives us a picture of a forestthat has been so devastatedthat
only a single stump remains: this is his prophecy for Israel (cf. 6:13, 9:14). The
preceding chapters describe God’s angerat his people’s continual
disobedience and his resolve to bring judgment on them by giving them over
to oppressionby enemy nations.
From the eighth to sixth centuries BCE David’s dynasty dwindled, eventually
coming to apparent extinction with the Babylonian captivity. God seemedto
have forgottenhis promise, seeing as there was no king on the throne of Israel
(Davidic or otherwise)for six hundred years. A stump was all that was left of
the once-greatnation.
But life remained in the stump. With his prophetic eyes, Isaiahsaw a shoot
emerge, and then he saw it grow into a mighty tree. That shoot is Christ,
through whom the throne of David has been restored.
A modern artistic interpretation
I love the Tree of Jessepainting by Ansgar Holmberg of the Sisters of St.
Josephof Carondelet.
She createdit as part of her O Antiphons series, whichcomprises one painting
for eachof the seven names of Jesus that Isaiah uses and that are traditionally
sung at Vespers during the last week ofAdvent: Wisdom, Adonai (Lord),
Rootof Jesse,Key of David, Dayspring, King of Nations, and Emmanuel.
Sr. Ansgar Holmberg, CSJ, O Root.
O Rootshows Jesus’s family tree, starting with Adam and Eve at the root,
asleepin their burial clothes as they awaitthe arrival of the messiah. The

figures that sit on and dangle from the branches and that are embedded in the
twisted trunk are too generic to be identified, but then you have Mary
emerging in greenat the top, holding high the crowning glory of this royal
lineage:her sonJesus, who is surrounded by a bright red blossomthat billows
out like a skirt and that is backlit by the sun.
The stump that Isaiah prophesiedabout is visible at the bottom of the tree,
alluding to the wrath God had carried out on his disobedient people but also
his grace in cultivating a new stem of promise to rise out of that punishment.
For centuries the church has chanted the following antiphon, a solicitationof
Jesus’s intervention in our world and praise for his beneficent rule:
O come, thou Rootof Jesse’stree,
an ensign of thy people be;
before thee rulers silent fall;
all peoples on thy mercy call.
You may recognize it as one of the verses of the Advent hymn “O Come, O
Come, Emmanuel”—though sometimes it is excluded in favor of the related
but more stirring verse
O come, thou Rod of Jesse,free
thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save,
and give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
https://thejesusquestion.org/2015/12/18/jesus-as-the-rootshootbranch-of-jesse/
Who is the Rootof David, which appearedin the book of Revelation?

Rev. 5:5
"Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Rootof David, has
triumphed. He is able to open the scrolland its sevenseals."
and what does it mean?
"He is able to open the scrolland its sevenseals."
BestAnswer: If you see Rev. 5:1~5, only the Rootof David could open the
scroll(Bible)for us.
So, to get salvationwe should know and meet the Rootof David.
Then, who is the Rootof David?
And why only he could open the scroll?(Becausewe readthe Bible always)
Through the Bible, let's find out.
The following article is about the remaining fulfillment of the prophecy of
King David which must be fulfilled by Jesus’secondcoming.
Jesus Christ is the prophetical King David describedin the bible (Luke 1:31-
32, Is 9:6).
Many people understand this prophecy as is, but fail to realize the continuing
prophetical meaning behind it. 2000 years ago the prophecy about Jesus as

David was only fulfilled partially, while the remaining prophecies would be
fulfilled during the last age. We cansee this in the book of Revelation.
Revelationis a book of prophecy concerning the end times and Christ Second
Coming. Throughout it, Christ refers himself as David many times. Among
these times lets take a look at one instance. (Rev5:3-5). Here, it is described
that no one was able to open the closedscrollexcept David (Jesus). Johnwept
because he knew that salvation would not be granted unless the scrollwas
opened. What was this scroll? Let’s compare this to another verse from Daniel
12:4,9.
Clearly, what is sealedare the prophecies and visions contained in the Bible
(scrollwith writing on both sides). These visions will not be opened until the
time of the end, and it is only David that can open them.
Hosea 3:5 The blessing from David that we should seek in the last days is the
salvationgiven by Him. We must receive salvationgiven only by David.
Is 55:3 This salvationis in accordancewith the everlasting covenantthat
David will make with us.
Then this everlasting covenantmust be establishedin the last days by David
for our salvation.
What is the everlasting covenant? It is the Passoverof the New Covenant.
Luke 22:20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the
new covenantin my blood, which is poured out for you.

This covenantis the promised gift of eternal life, promised by David our King.
However, the Passoverwas abolishedin 325 AD by Constantine at the Council
of Nicea. Afterward, this truth of life was exchangedfor the ceremonyof
communion which was establishedby the will of men, and not God.
Becauseofthis John, who wrote Revelation, criedbecause he knew no one
could restore the everlasting covenant exceptDavid (Christ), and that it would
not be establisheduntil He returned again.
Christ Ahnsahnghong, who opened the scroll which was sealed, taught the
truth of life Passoverofthe New Covenantthat had not been kept in over
1,500years.
Christ Ahnsahnghong carriedthe sealof David revealing that He is Second
Coming Christ prophecied to bring salvation.
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The Bible is a series of deep and mysterious secrets. So we cansee many
prophetical people in the Bible. David is one of them.

And it is known David stands for Jesus. Let me show you some verses.
●Hos 3:5 The Bible prophesied that in the last days people would seek the
LORD their God and David their king and receive His blessings.
This prophecy was written long after King David’s death.
1. Who is the prophetical David we must seek in the last days?
●Isa 9:7 “He [Jesus]will reign on David’s throne.”
●Lk 1:31-32 “The Lord God will give him [Jesus]the throne of his father
David.”
Therefore, the prophetical David is Jesus.
2. Then, what prophetical points are hidden in the relations be- tweenKing
David and Jesus?
●2 Sa 5:4 David was thirty years old when he was anointed and became a
king, and he reigned forty years.
●Lk 3:21-23 Jesus was thirty years old when He was baptized, and He did His
ministry three years (Lk 13:6-).
Since it was prophesied that Jesus wouldreign on David’s throne, He should
have done His ministry 40 years. But Jesus did His ministry only 3 years. So,
to complete the remaining 37 years, Jesus is to come again.
●Heb 9:28 “He [Christ] will appear a secondtime.”

3. When Jesus comes a secondtime to fulfill the prophecy of David’s throne,
what will be a sign by which we can recognize Him as David?
●Isa 55:3 Godmakes an everlasting covenantwith us, His faithful love
promised to David, that our soul may live.
4. Then, what is the everlasting covenant?
●Heb 13:20 “‥who through the blood of the eternalcovenant brought back
from the dead our Lord Jesus,‥”
The everlasting covenantis the new covenant in Jesus’blood (Lk 22:20).
and if you read John capter6, the Sealof God is the Jesus.
how can we receive Jesus then? by eating Passoverbread and drinking
Passoverwine.
So, the Sealof God is Passoveritself.
Jesus establishedthe new covenant and preachedit for 3 years at His first
coming. To fulfill the prophecy of David’s throne (for 40 years), Jesus should
preach the new covenantfor 37 years at His secondcoming. there is no one
can open the seven seals exceptGod[Jesus]. He who bring us the Passover
which was closedfor long time is our real saviorand king David. Christ
Ahnsahnghong is David who has appeared according to the prophecies.
Therefore, Christ Ahnsahnghong is the SecondComing Jesus who has
appearedin this age according to the prophecies of the Bible. He is David our
King. :D

http://text.watv.org/english
http://usa.watv.org
http://www.uccspace.net
Source(s):
David, sevenseal, secondcoming christ, ahnsahnhong,churchof god,world
mission society,
When Jesus came to us in the form of human, He was from the linage (family
tree) of David.
Jesus Christ is the only one able to open the seals that will unlock the scroll
(like a lockedbook with sevenlocks)Jesus has the power, right, and
worthiness to do this. The scrollcontains what the judgment and tribulation
will be on the earth and everything/everybody on it.
Prophesysays that the Messiahwillcome from the lineage of King David.
David was from the tribe of Judah and Jesus was also from that lineage. So
Jesus is from the root of David.
God originally had sealedthe book and the only one worthy to break the seals
and to start the beginning of God's wrath upon the earth is Jesus Christ
himself. In verse 7 Jesus takes the book out of the hand of God
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon
the throne.
jesus the lamb of God who died to take awaythe sins of the world.
jesus is called the lamb because the lamb was used in the sin offering.

jesus is a root or a off shootof king david his descendant.
root means
3 a : something that is an origin or source (as of a condition or quality) <the
love of money is the root of all evil — 1 Timothy 6:10(Authorized Version)> b
: one or more progenitors of a group of descendants —usuallyused in plural c
: an underlying support : basis d : the essentialcore :heart —oftenused in the
phrase at root e : close relationshipwith an environment : tie —usually used
in plural <they put down roots in a farming community
the scrolland the sevenseals is the title deed to planet earth.
jesus as ruler over all and creationowns earth and all that was created. he
claims to be the ownerhence the scrollor deed to earth.
Hi :) God bless you~~!!
The following article is about the remaining fulfillment of the prophecy of
King David(root of David) which must be fulfilled by Jesus’secondcoming.
Jesus Christ is the prophetical King David describedin the bible (Luke 1:31-
32 ; Is 9:6) Many people understand this prophecy as is, but fail to realize the
continuing prophetical meaning behind it. 2000 years ago the prophecy about
Jesus as David was only fulfilled partially, while the remaining prophecies
would be fulfilled during the last age. We cansee this in the book of
Revelation.

Revelationis a book of prophecy concerning the end times and Christ Second
Coming. Throughout it, Christ refers himself as David many times. Among
these times lets take a look at one instance. (Rev5:3-5). Here, it is described
that no one was able to open the closedscrollexcept David (Jesus). Johnwept
because he knew that salvation would not be granted unless the scrollwas
opened. What was this scroll? Let’s compare this to another verse from Daniel
12:4,9 Clearly, what is sealedare the prophecies and visions contained in the
Bible (scroll with writing on both sides). These visions will not be opened until
the time of the end, and it is only David that can open them.
[Hosea 3:5 Afterward the children of Israelshall return, and seek Yahweh
their God, and David their king, and shall come with trembling to Yahweh
and to his blessings in the lastdays.]
The blessing from David that we should seek in the last days is the salvation
given by Him. We must receive salvationgiven only by David.
[Is 55:3 Turn your ear, and come to me; hear, and your soul shall live: and I
will make an everlasting covenantwith you, even the sure mercies of David.]
This salvationis in accordancewiththe everlasting covenantthat David will
make with us. Then this everlasting covenantmust be establishedin the last
days by David for our salvation. What is the everlasting covenant? It is the
Passoverofthe New Covenant.
[Luke 22:20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the
new covenantin my blood, which is poured out for you.]

This covenantis the promised gift of eternal life, promised by David our King.
However, the Passoverwas abolishedin 325 AD by Constantine at the Council
of Nicea. Afterward, this truth of life was exchangedfor the ceremonyof
communion which was establishedby the will of men, and not God. Becauseof
this John, who wrote Revelation, criedbecause he knew no one could restore
the everlasting covenantexceptDavid (Christ), and that it would not be
establisheduntil He returned again.
Christ Ahnsahnghong, who opened the scroll which was sealed, taught the
truth of life Passoverofthe New Covenantthat had not been kept in over
1,500 years. ChristAhnsahnghong carried the sealof David revealing that He
is SecondComing Christ prophecied to bring salvation. Next time, let us learn
about the reign of Kind David and how Christ Ahnsahnghong fulfilled His
reign as David in these days.
Source(s):
http://usa.watv.org/truth/christ_figtree.html
http://www.christahnsahnghong.com/?p=41
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090826211805AAyVx6r
Jesus:The Rootand Offspring of David
DearLord Jesus, There are days when I feel weak and uninspired and days
when I am full of the life You have given me. Help me remember from where
my strength comes. Pleasegive me wisdom and grant me goodhealth and
spiritual strength to continue the path You would have me walk. You are the
foundational root of nourishment in my life. I want to remain steadfastand
tapped into your power as I face whatevermay come. Thank you for loving
me, saving me, carrying me, and giving me hope. In Your holy name I pray,
amen.

Jesus:The Rootand Offspring of David
“I am the Rootand the Offspring of David” (Revelation22:16 NKJV).
Jesus is The Rootand Offspring of David; the greatestking of Israel. Just as a
tree gets its strength and life from its roots, so David’s accomplishments and
strength came from Jesus. Justas David derived everything from Jesus, so
your spiritual vitality comes from Him. You were born againwhen Christ
came into your heart, so your spiritual life comes from Him.
Lord, I know my spiritual life comes from You; help me never to forgetwhere
my strength lies.
Jesus is The Rootand Offspring of David. Jesus was notonly David’s source
of strength, but He also was born into his line. Jesus has the legitimate title to
David’s throne. BecauseofHis family’s birth, Jesus is qualified to fulfill all
the Messianicprophecies forthe salvationof every Israelite and for the
nation. Look to Him for all your needs. Jesus is The Rootand Offspring of
David, which means He was The Son of David (Matt. 1:1). When David wrote
the Psalms, he called the coming Messiah—Jesus—“The Lord” (Ps. 110). Just
as Jesus was the Lord of David, He wants to be your Lord. Will you submit to
Him today?
Lord, You are the Rootfrom which I get my life; I am Your offspring. But
more importantly, You are my Lord; I will serve You this day. Amen.
Go Deeper:Revelations 22:12-21
Will you submit to the Lordship of Jesus, as did David?
Tomorrow:The Spirit of Revelation
365 Ways to Know God © 2004 ElmerL. Towns
The ReasonJesus is the Spiritual Rootof David

By Craig Bluemel
INTRODUCTION
MostChristians have greatdifficulty understanding the Old Testament
covenantpromises that were given by Yahweh to king David concerning his
prophetic descendent. The purpose of this study is to simplify as much as
possible;therefore, listed below are some basic comparisons betweenOld &
New covenantinterpretations of scriptures related to the temple, Messiah, son
of David, etc.’
Use these comparisons as a foundation for comprehending and interpreting
the meaning of scriptures that deal with the fulfillment of king David’s
promised descendent. The man Christ Jesus is mentioned as the ‘root’ and
‘offspring’ of David, and outside of either extreme messianic, trinitarian, or
deity of Christ views, it is slim picking’s looking for good commentary. The
following acronyms used are: OC = Old Covenant & NC = New Covenant:
& OC TEMPLE = A STONE STRUCTURE BUILT BY MEN’S HANDS
(BUILT BY SOLOMON, DAVID’S SON)
_ NC TEMPLE = IS THE CHURCH AS A COLLECTIVE BODYOF
BELIEVERS, WITH CHRIST AS THE HEAD
& OC TEMPLE WORSHIP = GOD’S SPIRIT WORKING IN LIMITED
VESSELS ( PROPHETS, PRIESTS& TRUE WORSHIPPERS)

_ NC TEMPLE WORSHIP’= BELIEVERS GOD’S DWELLING;EACH
ONE IS A LIVING STONE BUILT (EDIFY) TOGETHER IN LOVE
& OC HOUSE OF GOD = HIGH PRIEST ENTER ONCEA YEAR TO
SACRIFICE FOR PEOPLE OF ISRAEL
_ NC HOUSE OF GOD = CHRIST BECAME ONE SACRIFICE FOR
ALL & PRIESTLYMEDIATOR OF A NEW COVENANT
& OC HOUSE OF GOD = POST-EXILIC STONE TEMPLE EDIFICE;
REBUILT IN JERUSALEM, PROVINCE OF JUDEA
_ NC ‘HOUSE OF GOD’= IS THE BELIEVERS’HUMAN SPIRIT;A
BUILDING MADE WITHOUT HANDS, ETERNALIN HEAVENS
& OC HOUSE OF GOD = REBUILT BY KING HEROD IN
JERUSALEM;DESTROYEDBY ROMAN SIEGE (70 AD)
_ NC ‘HOUSE OF GOD’= CHURCH BUILT ON THE ROCK
(YAHWEH) THRU CHRIST;GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL
& OC HOUSE OF GOD = FOUNDATION BUILT UPON THE
STATUTES OF THE LAW GIVEN TO MOSES & THE PROPHETS
_ NC ‘HOUSE OF GOD’= CHURCH BUILT ON FOUNDATION OF
APOSTLES;CHRIST HIMSELF AS CHIEF CORNERSTONE
& OC HOUSE OF GOD = CONTROLLED BYJEWISHCHIEF
PRIESTS & GREEDYMERCHANTS
_ NC ‘HOUSE OF GOD’= CONTROLLEDBY DECISIONSOF THE
INDIVIDUAL BELIEVER & GREEDYFALSE TEACHERS

& OC HOUSE OF GOD = CENTER FOR JEWISHRELIGIOUS
TRADITION & NATIONAL ICON
_ NC ‘HOUSE OF GOD’= BELIEVER LOOKS TO JESUS AS AUTHOR
& FINISHER;OUR BODYIS TEMPLE OF HOLY SPIRIT
& OC ‘HOUSE OF GOD’ = RECONSTRUCTEDBY ROMAN KING
HEROD WITH MANY ORNATE BUILDINGS
_ NC ‘HOUSE OF GOD’= BUILT BY JESUS THRU HIS CHURCH
INTO ONE SPIRITUAL HOUSE (OIKOS) FOR THE FATHER GOD
& OC SON OF DAVID = MESSIANIC TERM COINED BY JEWS IN
ANTICIPATION OF COMING DAVID’S FLESHLY DESCENDENT
_ NC SON OF DAVID = JESUS A MAN PROCREATED BYGOD (IN
MARY’S WOMB); LATER ANOINTED BY GOD AS THE CHRIST
& OC ROOT OF DAVID = WRONGLYALIGNS JESUS’BLOODLINE
LINEAGE TO JESSE, FATHER OF KING DAVID
_ NC ROOT OF DAVID = JESUS THE MAN IS THE ONLY
BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD, CONFIRMEDAT HIS RESURRECTION
& OC ‘OFFSPRING OF DAVID’ = WRONGLY IDENTIFIES JESUS
THRU KING DAVID’S FLESHLY BLOODLINE
_ NC ‘OFFSPRINGOF DAVID’ = IDENTIFIES JESUSAS THE
FATHER’S SPIRITUAL FIRSTBORNFROM DEAD & DAVID’S HEIR

& OC LION OF JUDAH = ONE OF JACOB’S 12 SONS;WRONGLY
IDENTIFIES JESUS AS BLOODLINE DESCENDENTVIA MARY
_ NC LION OF JUDAH = JESUS FULFILLS THE SPIRITUAL &
LITERAL PROMISE GIVEN TO MESSIAH THRU JACOB’S BLESSING;
TWELVE TRIBES DONE AWAY WITH AS FAR AS SPIRITUAL
BENEFITSARE CONCERNED BECAUSEJESUS MADE AS ONE,
PEOPLE EVERYTRIBE, TONGUE, & NATION
To interpret with accuracythe correctmeaning of Jesus’identity as the ‘root’
of David, one must trace back in time to the days of Jacob’s final blessings,
which he gave to his twelve sons, who became the twelve tribes of Israel. For
those unaware, Jacob’s name was changedto Israel; in Hebrew Old
Testament, Jacobmeans ‘supplanter; deceiver.’ His new name Israelmeans
‘prevailer with strength’ or as most render it incorrectly, ‘prevailer with
God.’ Both definitions imply he became one who prevails in God,
nevertheless, I prefer ‘with strength’ because it connotes Jacob’s newfound
dependence upon Yahweh’s capability, instead of leaning mainly upon his
own strength.
Lion of the Tribe of Judah
Below is the Genesis narrative of Jacob’s spiritual blessing, along with the
inheritance he bestowedupon his son Judah. The name Judah literally means
‘praise of Yah.’ Yah is the shortenednoun form of the Hebrew word for
God’s name (YHWH); Yah is the English transliterationof the Hebrew
Tetragrammaton;the Tetragrammatonis the spelling of God’s name (i.e.
‘Yahweh’) throughout the Hebrew Old Testament. Tetragrammatonis a
Greek word that probably originatedwhen the Septuagint (LXX) was
translated; the LXX is a Greek versionof the Hebrew Old Testamentand the
word Tetragrammaton(i.e. YHWH) is from ‘tetra’ meaning ‘four’ &

‘gammadion’ meaning ‘letters’). Okay, a little education along the way helps
newcomers. Back to the subject at hand.
Genesis 49:8-12 Judah, you are the one whom your brothers shall praise; your
hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;your Father's sons shall bow down
to you. 9 Judah, a lion's cub! With the prey, my son, you have gone high up
the mountain. He stoopeddown, he crouchedlike a lion, and like a lioness —
who dares provoke and rouse him? 10 The scepteror leadership shall not
depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from betweenhis feet, until Shiloh
{the Messiah, the PeacefulOne}comes to Whom it belongs, and to Him shall
be the obedience of the people. 11 Binding His foal to the vine and His
donkey's colt to the choice vine, He washes His garments in wine and His
clothes in the blood of grapes. 12 His eyes are darkerand more sparkling than
wine, and His teeth whiter than milk. Amplified Bible
Briefly, we see that Judah is calledthe ‘lion’s cub,’ because ofhis stealth as a
hunter, and his physical stamina and strength. Jesus is the antithesis to
Judah’s physical power, because Jesus waspowerfulin the spirit of his Father
God. The phrase, ‘Judah, you are the one whom your brothers shall praise,’
is strongly messianic, and shows the messiahwould ultimately become the
chief of spiritual leaders amongstall the tribes of Israel, Yahweh’s Old
Covenantpeople.
Notice also that Judah being calleda lion’s cub relates to Jesus being called
‘the lion from the tribe of Judah’ in Revelation5:5 which emphasizes that in
HEAVEN, the glorified MAN Jesus is identified as ‘the Lion of the tribe of
Judah’ and as ‘the Rootof David’ BECAUSE he has PREVAILED to open
the scrolland to loose its sevenseals.’ So many Christians are wrongly taught
about Jesus as the ‘Lion’ of Judah, and as the ‘root’ of David because they
view these terms thru colored‘deity of Christ’ doctrine filters and miss the
significance ofwhat the text is saying.

Revelation5:3-5 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was
able to open the scroll, or to look at it. 4 So I wept much, because no one was
found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. 5 But one of the
elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the
Rootof David, has prevailed to open the scrolland to loose its sevenseals.”
New King James Version
For immediate purposes of this study, Genesis 49:10 has mostapplicability
because it says, “The scepteror leadershipshall not depart from Judah, nor
the ruler's staff from betweenhis feet, until Shiloh {the Messiah, the Peaceful
One} comes to Whom it belongs, and to Him shall be the obedience of the
people.” This verse alone proves that Jesus neednot be a direct fleshly
descendentof ancient Judah, BECAUSE the verse says that Judah will reign
over his brothers in leadershipUNTIL Shiloh COMES.
Shiloh is a Hebrew word used only in Genesis 49:10 and is a Hebraic term
referring to the promised Messiah;literally, Shiloh means ‘to whom it
belongs.’ Once Jesus came as Israel’s Messiah, no longer did there apply
rulership from the bloodline of the natural tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:11 says
of Messiah, he shall ‘wash his clothes in wine blood’ and this is symbolic of the
blood sacrifice as the price that Jesus would pay to redeem his brethren and
all who believe in God thru him.
The ReasonJudah’s Bloodline was Cut Off by Yahweh
Many false interpretations about God’s plan for Israelabound today,
including the reasonfor which the Jews were cut awayfrom the spiritual
benefits they once possessedas Yahweh’s people of the covenant. There’s only
one reasonthat they were cut off, and it was their repeated and flagrant

disobedience to Yahweh’s covenant. In fact, so much so was Judah, Levi, and
all Israel disobedient, that by the time of the Babylonian Captivity, as a nation
they no longer held any specialstatus with Yahweh. Even though technically
Judah was still flesh and blood descendents to the patriarchs (e.g. Abraham)
and legalheirs to David’s descendent, spiritually they had lost this benefit.
Let’s look at Isaiah the prophet, who uses the term ‘root’ in similar ways that
Jesus laterin history does.
Isaiah53:1-2 Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of
the LORD {Yahweh} been revealed? 2 For he {Messiah}grew up before Him
like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately
form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we
should be attractedto him. New American Standard Bible - Updated Edition
In Isaiah 53:1-2, there are two Hebrew words that match usage to those in the
Greek New Testamentfor ‘root’ and ‘offspring’ (literally offshoot, as in a new
branch; compare Isaiah 53:‘a tender shoot’). The term ‘root’ that Isaiahuses
is called‘a root out of parched ground’ because it indicates the spiritual
condition of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. They were spiritually gone, dry,
parched, and useless, without any life. So much for their part in David’s
inheritance! This is corroborated all over the Old Testamentand the New
Testamentscriptures, so I will highlight just a few verses that graphically
portray Judah’s loss of the promise to king David descendent.
In the context of Mark 11:20-23, the disciples of Jesus noticeda fig tree that
he had cursed because it was bearing no fruit. The tree was symbolic of
Israel, and in verse 20, the text says they, “…saw the fig tree withered from
the roots up.” Being reminded, Petersaid to Jesus, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree
which you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answeredsaying to them, “Have
faith in God. Truly I sayto you, whoeversays to this mountain, ‘Be takenup,
and castinto the sea,'and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what

he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.” New American Standard
Bible - Updated Edition
Oftentimes the ‘name-it-and-claim-it’ teachers will use the narrative of Mark
11:20-23 as representing the kind of ‘mountain moving’ faith we are supposed
to have, but in reality, Jesus is referencing the former holy ‘mountain’ that
the Jews held to be sacred(i.e. Mt Zion). In the same contextual narrative in
Matthew’s gospel(Matthew 21), the Lord Jesus includes the withering of the
tree AND the mountain in his words about ‘faith’ to his disciples. He knew
that after his ascension, his Jewishborn disciples would be the first ones that
would clash with the ‘withered fig tree’ of Jewishreligious traditions while
preaching the gospel.
In Romans 11:9-29, the apostle Paul, illustrating the reasonwhy the Jews
were cut off by God, uses king David’s promise of a messianic descendentas
pivotal for his argument. Romans 11:9a, 10a begins with the words, “And
David says… let their {Judah’s} eyes be darkened (dimmed) so that they
cannot see.” (ReadPsalms 69:23 with Romans 11:9-29)
As the narrative in Romans 11:11 continues, still hinged upon the promise
Yahweh made to David, who was from the tribe of Judah thru his father
Jesse, Paulwrites, “…through their false step and transgressionsalvationhas
come to the Gentiles, so as to arouse Israel,” (i.e. to see and feelwhat they
forfeited), and so to ‘make them jealous.’ The key verse however, in the
Amplified Bible is Romans 11:15, which says of Israel and Judah, “…their
rejectionand exclusionfrom the benefits of salvationwere overruled for the
reconciliationof a world to God.’
In other words, because oftheir violation and transgression, Yahweh
‘overruled’ His ownpromise and the covenant, including the messianic benefit

that was supposedto be given to David’s bloodline lineage thru Judah.
BecauseJudah(David’s lineage)rejectedGod’s covenant, He found another
way to fulfill its obligationwithout breaking His own oath.
When God makes a covenantwith man, it is always reciprocal. In Romans
11:16, because the context of what ‘David says’in verse 9 has not changed, the
meaning of Roman 11:16-17 reads as follows, “Now if the ROOT {meaning
David} is consecrated(holy), so are the branches. 17 But… some of the
branches {i.e. Israel, including the tribe of Judah} were broken off (Read
togetherPsalms 110:1-4 with Romans 11:26-27).
Yahweh’s Promise to David Prefigures Jesus the Christ
Yahweh promised king David that He would provide him with a future
descendentto rule the throne of Israel in righteousness andjustice forever.
This is evidenced in severalOld and New Testamentpassages, but none so
clearly as in 2 Samuel 7:1-29.
2 Samuel 7:18-21,27-29ThenDavid the king went in and sat before the
LORD, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that
You have brought me this far? 19 And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes,
O Lord GOD, for You have spokenalso ofthe house of Your servant
concerning the distant future. And this is the customof man, O Lord GOD.
20 Again what more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O
Lord GOD! 21 Forthe sake ofYour word, and according to Your own heart,
You have done all this greatness to let Your servant know…27 ForYou, O
LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have made a revelationto Your servant,
saying, ' I will build you a house';therefore Your servant has found courage
to pray this prayer to You. 28 "Now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your
words are truth, and You have promised this goodthing to Your servant. 29

Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it
may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken;and
with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessedforever." New
American Standard Bible - Updated Edition
Here we see Davidplanning to build a Temple for Yahweh after first
consulting with Nathanthe prophet. Nathan is then visited by Yahweh, and
Yahweh gives Nathan a messageofpromise to deliver to king David
concerning two things:
1) Yahweh says David will not build a material house (temple) for Him, but
that one of David’s far into the future descendents would built it as a spiritual
dwelling place for His spirit.
2) Yahweh promises king David that from his descendents one man will
ascendto the throne of Israel sometime in the distant future, and reign
thereafterforever in righteousness and in justice.
David knew that Yahweh’s promised descendent(see verse 19) was not going
to be realizeduntil many years into the future. In verse 27 David’s prayer
continues and he says to Yahweh, “ForYou, O Yahweh of hosts, the God of
Israel, have made a revelation to Your servant, … and with Your blessing
may the house of Your servant be blessedforever.” From these verses, David
understands that there are stipulations to the covenantgiven him by Yahweh,
which are:
1. Yahweh’s chosen& promised messianic descendentconcerneda distant
future Messiah(i.e. His ‘servant’), who would live in His ‘house forever.’

2. God gave to king David a prophetic “revelation” (concerning the
spiritual nature of the House of Yahweh), which was David’s spiritual gift as a
prophet. This gift causedhim to know that Yahweh is spirit, and that God
does not dwell in temples and houses that are built by men’s hands.
3. David prayed saying, “…with Your {Yahweh’s} blessing may the house
of your servant {i.e. Messiah}be blessedforever.” This is the reciprocal
aspectof the covenant; in other words, without Yahweh’s blessing, the
promised future messianic descendentand the promised ‘House for Yahweh’
will not occur. It is an oath and a promise that involves a covenantbetween
Yahweh (God) and His people (Israel, specificallyJudah) and like any
covenantbetweenGod and men; it can be broken and alteredto please
Yahweh’s righteous requirements (i.e. for its fulfillment).
4. David understood the eternal nature of the future Messiah’s reignupon
the throne of Israel ‘forever.’ David took Yahweh’s promise to mean the
future Christ will never die, and his physical body will never decay;otherwise,
it would be impossible for him as the Messiahto rule Israeland reign upon
the throne ‘forever.’ We find this prophetic revelation mentioned in one of
the keypsalms that David later wrote concerning the Messiah, whenhe
{David} calls him {the Christ or Messiah}his own ‘Lord.’
Psalms 110:1-4 A Psalmof David 1 The LORD (Yahweh) says to my Lord
(Adon; the Messiah), ‘Sit at My right hand {Yahweh’s right hand}, until I
make your adversaries your footstool. 2 The LORD (Yahweh) will send forth
from Zion the scepterof Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of Your foes. 3
Your people will offer themselves willingly in the day of Your power, in the
beauty of holiness and in holy array out of the womb of the morning; to You
will spring forth Your young men, who are as the dew. 4 The LORD
(Yahweh) has sworn and will not revoke or change it: You {Messiah – Jesus}

are a priest forever, after the manner and order of Melchizedek. [Hebrews
5:10; 7:11,15,21.] Amplified Bible
Acts 2:25-36 “ForDavid says of him, ‘I saw the Lord always in my presence;
for He is at my right hand, so that I will not be shaken. 26 therefore my heart
was glad and my tongue exulted; moreovermy flesh also will live in hope; 27
because you will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor allow your holy one to
undergo decay. 28 You have made knownto me the ways of life; you will
make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 29 Brethren, I may confidently
say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried,
and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 "and so, because he was a prophet and
knew that God had swornto him with an oath to seatone of his descendants
on his throne, 31 he lookedaheadand spoke ofthe resurrectionof the Christ,
that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh suffer decay. 32
This Jesus Godraised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore
having been exaltedto the right hand of God, and having receivedfrom the
Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you
both see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascendedinto heaven, but he
himself says:'the lord said to my lord, "sit at my right hand, 35 until I make
your enemies a footstoolfor your feet.’36 Therefore letall the house of Israel
know for certainthat God has made Him both Lord and Christ — this Jesus
whom you crucified." New American Standard Bible - Updated Edition
Acts 13:22 After he had deposedhim he raisedDavid to the throne, a man of
whom God himself bore testimony in the words, ‘I have found David, the son
of Jesse,a man after my ownheart, who shall do all my will.’ 23 Fromthe
descendants ofthis man, according to his promise, God has brought Jesus to
Israelto be their savior.
Acts 13:27-39 Forthe people of Jerusalemand their rulers refusedto
recognize him or to understand the voice of the prophets which are read every

Sabbath day––eventhough in condemning him they fulfilled these very
prophecies! 28 For though they found no cause for putting him to death, they
beggedPilate to have him executed. 29 And when they had completed
everything that was written about him, they took him down from the cross
and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raisedhim from the dead. 31 For, many
days he was seenby those who had come up from Galilee to Jerusalemwith
him, and these men are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And as for us we
tell you the goodnews that the promise made to our forefathers 33 has come
true––that, in raising up Jesus, Godhas fulfilled it for us their children. This
is endorsedin the secondpsalm: ‘Thou art my son, this day have I begotten
thee.’ 34 And as for the fact of God’s raising him from the dead, never to
return to corruption, he has spokenin these words: ‘I will give you the sure
mercies of David.’ 35 And then going further he says in another psalm, ‘Thou
shalt not suffer thine holy one to see corruption.’ 36 For David, remember,
after he had served God’s purpose in his own generationfell asleepand was
laid with his ancestors. He did in fact‘see corruption’, 37 but this man whom
God raisednever saw corruption! 38 It is therefore imperative, men and
brothers, that every one of you should realize that forgiveness of sins is now
proclaimed to you through this man.
39 And through faith in him a man is absolvedfrom all those things from
which the Law of Moses couldnever set him free.40 Take carethen that this
saying of the prophets should never apply to you: Phillip’s New Testament
In Matthew 22:41-42, Jesus askedthe Pharisees, ‘Whatdo you think about
the Christ, whose sonis He?’ They answeredhim saying, ‘The son of David.’
After hearing their predictable reply, (for all Jews held the Christ was going
to descendfrom king David’s fleshly bloodline), Jesus challengestheir
structured belief (see below):
Matthew 22:41-46 Now while the Pharisees were gatheredtogether, Jesus
askedthem a question, 42 saying, “Whatdo you think about the Christ, whose
son is He?” They said to Him, “The sonof David.” 43 He said to them, “Then

how does David in the Spirit call him ‘Lord,’ saying, 44 ‘The Lord said to my
Lord, “Sit at My right hand, until I put your enemies beneath your feet’”? 45
If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is he {the Christ} his {David’s} son?” 46
And no one was able to answerHim a word, nor did anyone dare from that
day on to ask Him another question. New American Standard Bible
The Pharisees assumed, likedmany uninformed Christians today take for
granted, that the Christ would come from the literal bloodline of David,
thereby fulfilling the prophecies of his line thru Judah. This erroneous
speculationabout Jesus descending from David’s fleshly lineage is allegedto
be supported by Revelation5:5, which refers to Jesus as, ‘the Lion from the
tribe of Judah,’ who broke the seals to the book of names. However, there are
severalreasons whythis assumption about Jesus’earthly lineage connection
to king David is incorrect(see list below):
1. Revelation5:3 refers to Jesus IN HEAVEN, not on earth. Jesus himself
taught the kingdom of heavenis not flesh & blood; therefore, Revelation5:5 is
not to be used as a proof text for the fleshly lineage of Christ (Messiah).
Besides this obvious reason, what possible motive would Jesus have for
coming to John the apostle in the spirit, and then revealing his fleshly
messianic lineage to John? This would serve no purpose for John, or for any
of the church’s many converts, which by 96 A.D., when John penned the
apocalypse, was wellestablished. Itdoesn’t make any sense.
2. Revelation5:5 cannot describe Jesus as being literal ‘Lion’ and a literal
‘Lamb’ in the same context; these are obvious metaphors. In the contextof
Revelation5:5, Jesus is referred to as ‘the Lion’ that is from the ‘tribe of
Judah’ but Revelation5:6 refers to him as, “a Lamb standing, as if slain,
having sevenhorns, seveneyes, which are the sevenspirits of God, sent out
into all the earth.” This is obviously figurative language, andtherefore, it is

bad hermeneutics to use verse 5 as a literal proof for Jesus’fleshly, earthly
messianic lineage connectionto king David.
In other words, Revelation5:5 cannot be used to prove Jesus’bloodline
lineage as originating literally from the earthly tribe of Judah, when in the
same breath, Jesus is called‘a Lamb as if slain with seveneyes and seven
heads! Besides this, the seveneyes & seven heads are identified elsewhere in
the Book ofRevelationas being one and the same as the ‘seven spirits.’ The
‘sevenspirits’ are proven elsewhere in the Book ofRevelationto be the ‘seven
churches.’
3. Revelation5:5 describes Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah because,
as the Rootof David, he {Jesus}has prevailed, thereby fulfilling the type, as in
Jacob’s blessing to physical Judah (i.e. a lion’s cub). The final triumph for
Jesus is when he had overcome his final enemy (death) trusting God would
resurrecthim, after he shed his blood as a worthy sacrifice. As a Lamb, Jesus
sacrificedhis blood to purchase for Yahweh a heavenly kingdom of priests.
(Revelation5:10). Two things are in view:
A. The ‘Lion’ was the tribal symbol on Judah’s flag (eachof the 12 tribes of
Israelcarried a symbolic flag). If this symbolic Lion was intended to be proof
text, (for the fleshly bloodline of Judah, which it isn’t), then such ‘alleged
proof’ falls apart later in the context. The remaining text subsequently calls
Jesus a ‘Lamb’ that was slain to purchase for God with his BLOOD men from
every tribe, tongue, people, and nation,” (Revelation5:9-10). So, my question
to those who insist that Lion of Judah is literal and bloodline, then what do
they do with the Lamb? Is he a dead Lamb, or a dead lion, or what? You see
how distorted the text becomes when you are inflexible.

B. In Revelation5:5, the text says that Jesus is calledthe ‘Rootof David’
because he has ‘overcome & was found worthy to open the book & its seven
seals.’ The use of the word ‘root’ implies the source oflife for a tree. In the
scriptures, natural Israelis called the natural olive tree; had Israelnot sinned,
including the specifiedsins of Judah and Levi, David’s fleshly bloodline would
still be part of their messianic ‘root.’ As noted previously, Yahweh was forced
to modify His promise and oath of covenantto David’s descendentbecause of
Judah’s transgression. Yahweh’s modification was done by amending the
terms of His promise to David’s descendent, changing it from a fleshly line to
a spiritual kingdom, with a spiritual seed(Jesus).
David understood that his fleshly son would not inherit the throne of Israel,
but instead, in 2 Samuel 7:19 he prayed to Yahweh and said, “… for You have
spokenalso of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future.”
Therefore, the ‘root’ of David refers to Jesus as the future intended source of
spiritual life; Jesus is the way, the truth, and the ‘life’ and no man comes to
the Fatherbut thru him.’ (John 14:6)
With the aforementionedexplanation, Matthew 22:43-46 makes more sense;
when Jesus quotes king David’s own psalm, he asks the Phariseesthis
question; he said to them, “Thenhow does David in the Spirit call him ‘Lord,’
saying, 44 ‘The LORD (i.e. Yahweh) said to my Lord (Adon), “Sit at My right
hand, until I put your enemies beneath your feet’”? 45 If David then calls
Him ‘Lord,’ how is he {the Christ} his {David’s} son?” We know that Jesus
is quoting from Psalms 110 because Luke’s gospelmentions the psalm by
name (see Luke 20:41-44 with Mark 12:35-37).
The three word phrase, ‘in the spirit,’ is similar to the words used by the
apostle John in his prologue to the Book ofRevelationand like the words of
the prophet Ezekiel, and other prophetic writings that speak of future events.

_ Revelation1:9-11 I, John, your brother and fellow partakerin the
tribulation and kingdom and perseverancewhichare in Jesus, was onthe
island called Patmos, becauseofthe word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice
like the sound of a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write in a book what you see, and
send it to the sevenchurches…” NASB
_ Revelation21:10 And he carriedme awayin the Spirit to a great and
high mountain, and showedme the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of
heaven from God. NASB
If you hold to the doctrine that Jesus is ‘God’ (i.e. Deity) then you have a real
problem with the Psalms 110 above. If so, then Psalms 110 would read like
this, “Yahweh (God) said to My Deity {Jesus},” ‘Sit at My right hand, until I
(Yahweh) “put your (God’s)enemies beneath your (God’s) feet’”? Now you
have two Deities (Gods)with One Deity usurping the other and giving Him
orders; this absurd example shows what happens when you make Jesus into
any form of ‘Deity’ insteadof simply calling him the man Christ Jesus, the
mediator betweenGod and men (1 Timothy 2:5).
As we’ve proven thus far, Jesus’bloodline didn’t come thru Judah. Just the
same, many Christians wrongly attempt to use both gospels (Matthew &
Luke), as the fleshly connectionthru Mary, Jesus’mother, to the bloodline of
David. I have study links that examines this topic in-depth and simplicity,
proving that Luke and Matthew’s genealogyboth points to Joseph. One
lineage is Joseph’s bloodline thru Judah, and the other is Joseph’s anointed
lineage as the kinsman redeemer, according to the statutes of the law. Mary,
the mother of Jesus, is from the same bloodline as her cousinElizabeth, which
was Levite (thru Aaron). For more information, click onto these links:

The Genealogyof the Messiah
Jesus BecameThe Only BegottenSonof God AT THE RESURRECTION
Jesus, DescendentOfDavid, ResurrectedSeedOf God
Jesus was a man ‘attested’(verified publicly) to the ‘Men of Israel.’ The man
Jesus was attestedby God to the Jews supernaturalmiracles and signs, which
God performed through him. These signs and miracles were done to
authenticate his role as the one and only true Messiahto Israel.
Acts 2:22-36 “Menof Israel, listen to these words:Jesus the Nazarene, a man
attestedto you {Jewishpeople} by God with miracles and wonders and signs
which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves
know — 23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and
foreknowledgeofGod, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and
put Him to death. 24 But Godraised Him up again, putting an end to the
agonyof death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.” New
American Standard Bible - Updated Edition
Peteris speaking these words to the same crowdof Jews that incited the
Romans to crucify Jesus;as heirs to the promises in the Law and the
Prophets, they were responsible for the murder of their OWN promised
Messiah, who was to be a descendentof king David that would ascendto
David’s throne of power, and rule in righteousness andjustice forever.
Note in Acts 2:23 the phrase, “… this Man, delivered over by the
predetermined plan and foreknowledgeofGod, you nailed to a cross…” The

words, “predetermined plan, and foreknowledgeofGod,” imply that God the
Father, Yahweh of the Old Testament, knew aheadof time that He would
have to formulate modification to His original promise to David.
Becausethe people of Israel repeatedlydisobeyed Yahweh’s Law and because
they repeatedly rejectedand even murdered the Yahweh’s Prophets sent to
warn them, as noted previously, they were cut off from the benefits of
Yahweh’s covenantthru David. Fortheir atrocities and other acts of
disobedience to Yahweh’s covenant, Israel, including the tribe of David’s
lineage (Judah) was cut out of the promise of David’s descendents long; long
before Jesus was evenborn. Considerthe words of the Prophet Jeremiah in
this regard, one of literally hundreds of such narratives found throughout the
Old Testament.
Jeremiah33:14-26 “Behold, days are coming,'declares the LORD,'when I
will fulfill the goodword which I have spokenconcerning the house of Israel
AND the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a
righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and
righteousness onthe earth. 16 In those days Judah shall be saved, and
Jerusalemshall dwell in safety; and this is the name by which she shall be
called: the LORD is our righteousness.'17 Forthus says the LORD, 'David
shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel;18 and the
Levitical priests shall never lack a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to
burn grain offerings, and to prepare sacrifices continually.'"
It is apparent that Jeremiah’s prophecy invalidates the fleshly lineage of
Judah and the fleshly lineage of the Levitical priests, (Levites are from Aaron)
BECAUSE when Jesus was sacrificed, and then resurrectedby God as
acceptanceofhis sacrifice forthe sins of all mankind. In Psalms 110:4,
Yahweh has swornMessiah{Jesus}is to be a priest forever, after the manner
and order of Melchizedek.

The Book ofHebrews, the Book ofGalatians and other New Testamentbooks
make it known that the Levitical priesthoodwas done awaywith. And yet,
Jeremiah33:18 says, “andthe Levitical priests shall never lack a man before
Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to prepare sacrifices
continually.’” In Hebrews 5:10; 7:11,15,21we find that the Levitical
priesthood was abolishedthru Christ’s atonement, THEREFORE,the ONLY
WAY that Jeremiah33:17-18 (above)can be simultaneously true, with David
never lacking a man to sit on the throne & the Levitical priests offering
sacrifices continuallyis if these are all fulfilled in the one man Jesus the
Christ.
Jeremiah33:19-26 And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 20
"Thus says the LORD, 'If you the house of Israel and the house of Judah can
break My covenantfor the day, and My covenantfor the night, so that day
and night will not be at their appointed time, 21 then My covenantmay also
be broken with David My servant that he shall not have a sonto reign on his
throne, and with the Levitical priests, My ministers. 22'As the host of heaven
cannot be counted, and the sand of the sea cannotbe measured, so I will
multiply the descendants ofDavid My servant and the Levites who minister to
Me.'" 23 And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 24 "Have
you not observed what this people have spoken, saying, 'The two families
which the LORD chose, He has rejectedthem'? Thus they despise My people,
no longer are they as a nation in their sight. 25 "Thus says the LORD, 'If My
covenantfor day and night stand not, and the fixed patterns of heavenand
earth I have not established, 26 then I would rejectthe descendants of Jacob
and David My servant, not taking from his descendants rulers overthe
descendants ofAbraham, Isaac, andJacob. But I will restore their fortunes
and will have mercy on them.’” New American Standard Bible
Jeremiah33:19-26 makes it clearthat David’s descendents thru Judah
violated Yahweh’s covenant promise with David, and as a consequence,

Yahweh cut off the bloodline descendents from ever being associatedwith
David’s future messianic throne. The same violation of Yahweh’s covenant
occurredwhen the nation of IsraelrejectedYahweh’s covenant, and as a
result, Yahweh cut off the Levitical fleshly descendents from His eternal
position offering up sacrifices.
The cutting off of the Levitical priesthood and the line of Judah in the flesh
from Yahweh’s promise to David’s descendenthad to be witnessedby the
same generationof Jews as the Messiah. Therefore, YahwehsentJohn the
Baptist aheadof Jesus to prepare the way by baptizing people into repentance
for the forgiveness oftheir sins.
The Pharisees were legalfleshly, bloodline heirs to the Levitical priesthood.
Some of these Jewishleaders were knownto be bloodline descendents from
Judah, (making them heirs, not as Levitical priests, but as David’s bloodline
lineage to Israel’s throne). When John the Baptist saw many of the Pharisees
and Sadducees coming for baptism (Matthew 3:5-17), he said to them, “You
brood of vipers, who warnedyou to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore,
bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can
say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father'; for I say to you, that
God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. And the axe is
already laid at the root of the trees;every tree therefore that does not bear
goodfruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Isaiah4:2-4 In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and
glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be the pride and the adornment of the
survivors of Israel. 3 It will come about that he who is left in Zion and
remains in Jerusalemwill be calledholy — everyone who is recordedfor life
in Jerusalem. 4 When the Lord has washedawaythe filth of the daughters of
Zion and purged the bloodshed of Jerusalemfrom her midst, by the spirit of

judgment and the spirit of burning. New American Standard Bible - Updated
Edition
The ‘Branch of the LORD’is a metaphor that Isaiahuses;he portrays a tree,
with a branch that is strong and mighty like Yahweh (i.e. the LORD). Those
Jews that remain in what will become the TRUE ZION and the NEW
JERUSALEM will be calledholy because they are washed in the blood of
Jesus, the true Branch of Yahweh. This prophecy of the Messiah’s coming
also mentions his righteous indignation and the ‘spirit of burning,’ which is a
prophetic metaphor that describes how God the Father will use His only
begottenson Jesus, as he {Jesus}works on behalf of God in the midst of the
first century church.
John the Baptistprophesied about this spiritual purging during his brief
ministry, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he that comes after me shall
baptize you with FIRE!” John the Baptistalso mentions how Jesus will
‘thoroughly clean’his Father’s ‘threshing floor’ and all that is spiritual chaff
(i.e. Jewishmanmade religion) will be thrown into the fire and BURNED with
unquenchable flames.’
CONCLUSION
There is much, much more that is taught in the Scriptures concerning Jesus as
the rootof David, but this study has been prepared as basic foundation for
those whose calling is that of a teacher, and who need to grasphold of simple
yet revelatoryand meaningful interpretations of messianic prophecy. I hope
this has been helpful to you the reader, in building up your knowledge ofour
Lord Jesus, who is our Counselorand Comforter, guiding us to the Father.
Below is anotherfinal messianic prophecy of Jesus as the Branchof Jesse;the

{bracketedwords} are the author’s commentary to explain Isaiah 11:1-10 in
part.
Isaiah11:1-10 And there shall come forth a Shootout of the stock of Jesse
{this refers to the faith of David}, and a Branch(Jesus)out of his roots {out of
David’s roots, which refers to David’s spiritual ancestors;i.e. Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob}shall grow and bear fruit {i.e. the Branch is Jesus, who bears
much fruit for his Father God in the church} 2 The Spirit of Yahweh will
rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counseland
strength, the spirit of knowledge andthe fear of Yahweh. 3 And he will
delight in the fear of Yahweh, and he will not judge by what his eyes see, nor
make a decisionby what his ears hear; 4 but with righteousness he will judge
the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; and he will
strike the earth with the rod of his mouth {shepherd’s staff; Jesus is the good
shepherd}, and with the breath of His lips {Jesus speakswith authority given
from on High; also, Jesus IS the gift of the Holy Spirit} he will slaythe wicked
{Jesus puts to shame the devil & his demons; e.g. casting them into a herd of
swine}. 5 Also, righteousness willbe the belt about His loins, and faithfulness
the belt about His waist{Jesus provides these tools as part of the spiritual
armor given to the church to wage waragainstthe principalities, the rulers,
and the spiritual forces of darkness;see Ephesians 6 }. 6 And the wolfwill
dwell with the lamb { the wolf is symbolic of false teachers, posing as sheep
amongstthe lambs, meaning vulnerable new converts in the churches}, and
the leopardwill lie down with the young goat, and the calfand the young lion
and the fatling together;and a little boy will lead them {Jesus said we must be
converted, and become as little children, humble, innocent, &pure}. 7 Also
the cow and the bear will graze, their young will lie down together, and the
lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child will play by the hole of the
cobra, and the weanedchild will put his hand on the viper's den. {be wise as
serpents, but gentle; don’t allow your minds to be beguiled, as when the
serpent deceivedthe woman} 9 They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy
mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge ofYahweh as the waters
coverthe sea. 10 Thenin that day the nations will resortto the root of Jesse,
Who will stand as a signal for the peoples;And His resting place will be

glorious. Amplified Bible (verse 1); New American Standard Bible - Updated
Edition (verses 2-10)
“Evenso, come Lord Jesus…SELAH”
Bible verses about Jesus Christ as the Root of David
(From Forerunner Commentary)
Revelation5:1-7
The setting for the release ofthe four horsemenbegins in Revelation4, which
describes God's throne room in heavenwith all its splendor and attendant
beings. As chapter5 opens, a scrollwith writing on both front and back and
sealedwith seven seals is introduced, shown in the right hand of the Father.
This last detail highlights His sovereigntyand the divine origin of the scroll.
That He holds it in His right hand suggestsmight or authority (Exodus 15:6;
Psalm20:6; 44:3; 110:1;Lamentations 2:3-4; etc.), and that He is sitting on
the throne alludes to coming judgment (see Proverbs 20:8; Matthew 27:19;
Acts 25:6).
The scrollitself includes a few peculiar details not found in ordinary scrolls.
First, John uses the word biblion for it, a diminutive of the normal biblos,
implying that this particular scroll was not lengthy—a bookletas comparedto
a book. Biblion is often used of letters, contracts, and other documents whose
contents would not fill more than one sheet of parchment or vellum.
However, this scrollis "written inside and on the back," or as it is literally in
the Greek, "writtenwithin and behind." The Greeks hada specific term for
such a relatively rare document: opisthografon, literally "behind writing."
Since writing coveredthe entire surface, nothing could be added to it. Thus,
the image symbolizes a complete and finished work.

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