Page 24 - May 2026 - Truth & Tidings

holy humanity of the Lord Jesus; the word of the shepherds, the kings who have
itself means a shoot or sprouting forth. been among them. While human agency
This title, “the branch,” looks back to His is highlighted, divine discipline has also
incarnation. In the reference from Isaiah been at work. God indicates that because
quoted above, we are not only introduced of their national sins He has driven them
to His deity, but the next statement men- in His displeasure into and among the
tions that “the fruit of the earth shall be countries of the world. This righteous
excellent and comely,” a most beautiful King will recall this remnant and bring
reference to our Lord’s manhood. This is this diaspora to an end. This is the stress
also seen in the frequently quoted passage of the immediate context; however, in the
from Isaiah 53:3, “He shall grow up before next chapter of this book, a personal con-
him as a tender plant, and as a root out of trast is introduced. King Zedekiah, whose
a dry ground.” personal name was Mattaniah, is set forth
We note the promotion of this Davidic as a contrast to the Lord Jesus. He was
King: He is raised up by God. The par- the last king of Judah. Nebuchadnezzar
ticulars of His character are described. changed his name to Zedekiah. His name
He is a righteous branch. His prosperity also includes the Hebrew word Tsedek.
is unquestioned. He shall reign and pros- His name means Jehovah is righteous;
per; the presentation of His kingdom in yet he did evil in the sight of the Lord and
its exactitude and expanse is highlighted. His Word and was chastened in divine
He promotes judgment and justice on the displeasure, deprived of his sight and
earth. His purpose is identified: both Ju- carried down by the king of Babylon into
dah, comprising two tribes of the divided captivity.
nation, and Israel, the ten-tribe confed- The impact of the coming King and the
eracy, shall be saved, and both will dwell kingdom glory of Christ is repeated in
safely. His designation is most precious: Jeremiah 33:16. In that chapter, we find
He is the Lord our righteousness. the same title, “The LORD our righteous-
The nation of Israel will be saved in that ness.” However, this does not have the
coming day and, like us who are saved in Saviour in view but the nation of Israel,
this era, will have divine righteousness and in particular the city of Jerusalem;
imputed to them. This righteousness in that day, it will not only be the capital
was provided by the death of the Lord city of Israel but also of the world and the
Jesus and becomes their possession upon kingdom of Christ.
repentance and the reception of Christ, We anticipate this coming day of glory,
when they shall look upon Him whom because in that day the very city where
they pierced. We learn from this title that Christ was rejected and where the greatest
the Lord Jesus is their long-expected King, miscarriage of justice was committed will
and it also highlights His personal identi- be so identified with the greatness of this
fication as Jehovah; He is God. coming King and so changed that justice
The contrast in this book could not be and equity will flow from that city. It will
more marked. Before introducing the be so linked to Him that one of the titles by
Lord Jesus in this way, the plight, posi- which Jerusalem will be known through-
tion and poverty of Israel are highlighted. out the thousand-year reign of Christ will
They have been scattered by the activity be “The Lord Our Righteousness.”

152 TRUTH kTidings May 2026