"If I shut up the heavens and there is no rain; if I command the locusts to ravage the land; or if I let loose pestilence against My people, when My people, who bear My name, humble themselves, pray, and seek My favor and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear in My heavenly abode and forgive their sins and heal their land." II Chronicles 7:13-14 |
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Quest For the Messiah (Mashiach)
The Old Testament is The Consecrated Hebrew Scripture.
Who is the true Mashiach (Messiah) of the Hebrew Scriptures?
Transcription by Carol Bullock of a sermon by Charles J. Voss.
Satan is more cunning than any beast of the field [2] and clever and has truly deceived the whole world. One the greatest deceptions of all time is the true identity of the Messiah (Mashiach) and the substitution of one of the Sixteen Crucified Saviors [3] by Kernsey Graves. However, what is the truth? Do the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh or Old Testament) even speak of a coming Messiah? [4] The Hebrew Scriptures are replete with information about the Messiah of Israel who will save the whole world. Nevertheless, who is he? This has been a well-hidden fact that we need to explore.
The Jewish Concept of the Mashiach (Messiah)
- “The Mashiach (the Hebrew term for Messiah) was never thought of as a supernatural being and was never described that way in any part of Jewish scripture that refers to the Mashiach [maw-shee’-akh]. The phrase “son of G-d” does not appear anywhere in Jewish scripture nor does anything even remotely resemble that term.
The Mashiach is conceived of as an extraordinary human being, like King David... who will unite the entire world in a peaceful kingdom centered in Israel with everyone following “God’s” law and everyone believing in the same “God”. All of the children of Israel will be reunited in the land of Israel in that time and the other nations will recognize the truth of our beliefs and will feel ashamed of the harm they have done to us.“ [5]
The Christian Concept of the Messiah
- “Jesus” of Nazareth, a 1st-century Jewish teacher who was crucified by the Romans, is believed by Christians to be the ‘Christ’ or Messiah through whom was revealed to the world and whose death reconciles the world to ‘God.’
Knowledge of “Jesus (Yeshua or Joshua’) as a historical person is provided mainly by the New Testament (especially the Gospels). From this source and a few references in other works of the 1st and 2nd centuries, the following consensus [6] can be drawn. ‘Jesus’ was born in Roman-ruled Palestine during the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus (27 BC-AD 14) and grew up in the Galilean village of Nazareth. Associated early in his career with John the Baptist, he gathered around him a group of disciples attracted by his interpretation of Jewish law and his miracles, especially his exorcisms and healing of the sick. ‘Jesus’ criticisms of Jewish religious leaders, coupled with the political rhetoric he used in announcing that G-d’s rule was about to replace human rule, led to mounting opposition toward him in both the Jewish and Roman establishments. Arrested in Jerusalem, he was tried, condemned, and executed [for treason] as a claimant to Jewish kingship. This death by crucifixion--a form of execution used by the Romans to punish non-Roman citizens who threatened Roman authority--took place when Pontius Pilate was Roman governor of Judea (AD 26-36). ‘Jesus’ followers subsequently claimed that G-d had raised him from the dead, and ‘Christianity,’ the movement launched in his name, quickly spread throughout the Mediterranean world. The Roman emperors Claudius and Nero took actions to suppress ‘Christianity’ in the middle of the 1st-century, and by the end of the century, Jewish authorities in Palestine had adopted policies aimed at sharply differentiating ‘Christians’ from Jews.
The Gospel accounts vary in the information they provide about ‘Jesus.’ The Gospels according to Mark and John concentrate on the story of his public activity and teachings. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke furnish accounts of his birth and childhood. All, however, agree on the essential features of his life.” [7]
General Information about the Messiah
- “The foundation of ‘Christianity’ rests on the claim that ‘Jesus Christ’ was the Jewish messiah. In fact, the writings of the Hebrew Scriptures (The Tanakh or Old Testament) are actually the writings of the nation of ancient Israel. Since the nation of Israel was composed of twelve tribes, the Jews of today being composed of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin along with part of the tribe of Levi, they make up only a small portion of the nation of Israel. Can the claims of ‘Christianity’ that the messiah was the son of 'God' who became flesh and dwelt among us to be crucified for the sins of mankind be found and verified in The "Holy" Scriptures? How many times was the messiah supposed to come? Most 'Christians' say twice: Once to be crucified by the Romans to atone for sin and again to establish himself as King of Kings and usher in the Kingdom of ‘God.’” [8]
“The word ‘messiah’ is an English translation of the Hebrew word ‘mashiach,’ which simply means ‘anointed with oil.’ It usually refers to someone who has been initiated into the service of CREATOR through the ceremony of being anointed with oil. In the Holy Bible, every Israelite and Jewish king was anointed with oil as well as hereditary High Priests who served in the Temple. Sometimes prophets were anointed with oil. All of these people could correctly be referred to as ‘anointed’ or ‘messiahs.’” [9]
Is the coming Mashiach of the Jews, of Israel, or of the Gentiles? What is the difference between the people of Israel and the people of the rest of the world? Are all of the Israelite people Jewish? Before answering the question concerning the identity of the Mashiach, it is important to understand who the people of the Commonwealth of Greater Israel are.
What is the difference between the Jews and Israel?
Did you know that the first place the Scriptures use the word “Jew” the JEWS ARE AT WAR WITH ISRAEL?2 Kings 16:5-6 (KJV) “Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him. At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and [drove] the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.”
Did you know that all Jews are Israelites [10] but not all Israelites are Jewish? How could that possibly be? The story begins with Abraham and his obedience to the Great CREATOR who gave him many promises. One of the promises was that Abraham’s descendants would make up many nations:
Genesis 17:3-5. [11] Then Abram fell on his face, and CREATOR talked with him, saying: “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.”
Another of these promises was that these descendants of Abraham would be called the sons of Isaac:
Genesis 27: 12. And CREATOR
[12] said unto Abraham, “Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.”
Even though Sarah was barren and was in her old age, the Great CREATOR intervened and she gave birth to a son and named him Isaac, (Genesis 21:2-3). Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob. The birthright of Isaac passed to Jacob (Genesis 25:24-33). ETERNAL changed Jacob’s name to Israel (Genesis 35:10). Thus all the sons that Israel (Jacob) had became known as the “sons of Israel,” and the resulting nation became the nation of Israel. Yet, the overriding name would still be the “sons of Isaac.”
The twelve sons of Israel (Jacob) were: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher (Genesis 35:23-26). The families of each of these sons became large and compose the twelve tribes of Israel. These same twelve tribes became known as the children of Israel and became slaves in Egypt. Moses later brought these Israelite tribes out of slavery from Egypt.
However, Joseph had two sons named Ephraim and Manasseh and the tribe of Joseph became split into two tribes that were named after his sons (Genesis 48:9-16). Since the tribe of Joseph was then accounted as being two tribes, in reality there became thirteen tribes of Israel.
The tribe of Judah sprang from one man, Judah, who was only one of Israel’s (Jacob’s) children. They were the ones who became known as Jews. The Jewish people only make up one-thirteenth of the tribes of Israel. Thus, we can see that all Jews are Israelites but not all Israelites are Jewish.
The tribe of Levi became the Levitical priesthood scattered among all the tribes and was not counted as a tribal nation (Numbers 1:47-50). Thus, even though there were actually thirteen tribes, there were only twelve tribal nations.
Who are the people of Israel in today’s world?
ETERNAL promised Abraham that his descendants would become as numerous as the stars in the heavens (Genesis 17:5-7). Notice the longevity of the nations of Israel of a thousand generations that our CREATOR has promised:Deuteronomy 7:6-9. For you are a [set apart] people to ETERNAL CREATOR; ETERNAL CREATOR has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. ETERNAL did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because ETERNAL loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, ETERNAL has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Therefore know that ETERNAL CREATOR, He is SOVEREIGN, the faithful Mighty One who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His Commandments.
Next ETERNAL CREATOR said the House of Israel would be taken captive. Take note that the House of Judah (Jews) is mentioned by itself, and that both nations are mentioned together as the House of Isaac. Therefore, it requires both Israel and Judah together to make up the House of Isaac.
Amos 7:9-16. The high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste. I will rise with the sword against the house of Jeroboam. Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words.” For thus Amos has said: “Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive from their own land.’” Then Amaziah said to Amos: “Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. There eat bread, and there prophesy. But never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is the royal residence.” Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “I was no prophet. Nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheepherder and a tender of sycamore fruit.” Then ETERNAL took me as I followed the flock, and ETERNAL said to me, “Go, prophesy to My people Israel.” Now therefore, hear the word of ETERNAL: you say, “Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not spout against the house of Isaac.”
After King Solomon’s death, the Commonwealth of Israel split into two nations. The Northern Kingdom consisting of ten tribes became the nation of Israel with Shechem as the first capital. Samaria eventually became the permanent political capital of the Northern Kingdom. Israel consisted of the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim, Manasseh, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. Jeroboam (their first king) set up a golden calf in Dan and one in Bethel and turned their religion to pagan mythology causing them to be taken into captivity and losing their identity.
The Southern Kingdom consisted of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and part of Levi, which became the nation of Judah with its capital remaining in Jerusalem. The Babylonians later took Judah into captivity but Judah retained the sign of the Sabbath and did not lose its identity, as did the tribes of Israel. After seventy years, most of the Jews returned to Jerusalem to build the Second Temple.
Since the ten tribes of the nation of Israel had turned to a mythological religion, they no longer worshipped The Righteous One of Israel nor kept the Sabbath. They worshipped the mythological ‘sun god’ on the first day of the week instead. The CREATOR set the Sabbath for a sign between Himself and Israel for all generations (Exodus 31:13: Ezekiel 20:12,20). And since Israel did not keep the sign for the CREATOR’s people, they became the “Lost Ten Tribes.”
As time progressed, Assyria became a powerful empire. They captured and deported the ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in approximately 740-720 BCE (Before Common Era). Assyria removed Israel from their homeland and replaced them with other captured peoples of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians placed the captured people of Israel in the western part of the empire. Later Babylon became the world-ruling empire replacing Assyria. Rather than be taken captive by the Babylonians, the Assyrians migrated westward and, in doing so, they pushed the Israelites farther westward.
In the late 1800’s, some Assyrian clay cuneiform tablets were discovered and they were finally translated in the 1930’s. These tablets were Assyrian records of this 700’s BCE Israelite deportation. There were records of four deportations which proved the ten tribes of the northern Nation of Israel were assembled into Assyrian culture and became identifiable as the Camerians, Sycthians, and Goths. Our records of ancient history show that over several hundred years and through different paths, the Sycthians, Camerians, and Goths migrated essentially to northwest Europe and became known as the Anglo-Saxon Celtic people.
Linguistic analysis of the word “Anglo-Saxon” shows the word “Saxon” means “sons of Isaac.” This is exactly what The Mighty One promised Abraham and again to Jacob:
Genesis 48:16. The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
Our CREATOR’s statement to Abraham, “in Isaac shall your seed be called” has happened exactly that way. The basic message the CREATOR was relaying through Abraham is: through Isaac the children of Israel will be able to learn their identity.
Secular history traces the Anglo-Saxon “Lost Ten Tribes” of Israel through the Caucasus Mountains where they picked up the name Caucasians. From there they migrated into Europe and England. Portions of them migrated from Europe to America. Generally speaking, the democracies of Europe, America, and the countries of the former British Commonwealth are the “lost tribes” of Israel. Most people in these countries have the mistaken feeling that they are gentiles because most people today have no idea past two or three generations where they came from.
The people of northwest Europe migrated to the British Isles, Ireland, and Scotland. They colonized South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and America. Since they were from the Anglo-Saxon, Celtic people and are called Saxons (sons of Isaac), this is a fulfillment of prophecy.
For a long time, many people have felt there was more to the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) than what they were being taught. This is true because the Hebrew Scriptures were written to the people of Israel. The world-time clock says that we are less than a minute away from midnight. The hour is late in this earth age and time is too short just to be playing church. Educate yourself on the location of Israel [13] and the truth of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Jacob Prophesies of the Mashiach
Jacob (Israel) the patriarchal father of both the House of Israel and the House of Judah proclaimed the coming or advent of the Mashiach in the end time.Genesis 49:1, 8-10. And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: . . . Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s children shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down; he lies down as a lion; and as a lion, who shall rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.
The Companion Bible[14] adds the word “he” so that verse then reads “Until, he, Shiloh comes.” “Shiloh is an epithet of the Mashiach.” [15] Who is this Shiloh that is to appear? Is he one who the people will obey? The New Scofield Reference Bible’s note for verse ten states:
“Several suggestions have been offered to explain the word ‘Shiloh.’ The oldest translations render it ‘whose it is’ or ‘to whom it belongs’ with reference to the Messiah’s reign and the prophecy of Ezekiel 21:27.”
Then Scofield says that the prophecy does not refer to the city of Shiloh nor was it already fulfilled in King David of ancient Israel. Then Scofield states of verse ten that:
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“The reference is to Messiah. Rule in Judah will not depart until He comes, when that sovereignty will be heightened to include the world.”
Ezekiel Prophesies of the Mashiach
Ezekiel was among the Jewish exiles carried away to Babylon. Ezekiel went into Babylonian captivity with Judah; and by that time, Israel had long since been taken into Assyrian captivity. They had become the “Lost Ten Tribes” and thus have not yet heard this prophecy from Ezekiel; therefore, it is a prophecy for Israel in the latter days. Since Ezekiel died long ago and since this is an end-time prophecy, it has yet to be revealed to Israel:Ezekiel 2:3. And He said to me: “Son of man, I AM SENDING YOU TO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day.”
Ezekiel 21:25-28. Now to you, O profane, wicked prince of Israel, whose day has come, whose iniquity shall end, thus says ETERNAL CREATOR: “Remove the turban, and take off the crown; nothing shall remain the same. Exalt the humble, and humble the exalted. Overthrown, overthrown, I will make it overthrown! It shall be no longer, UNTIL HE COMES WHOSE RIGHT IT IS, AND I WILL GIVE IT TO HIM.”
Note: The verses are numbered differently in the KJV or the NKJV than in the Tanakh.
Ezekiel 21:30-32 (Tanakh). And to you, O dishonored wicked prince of Israel, whose day has come the time set for your punishment thus said the ETERNAL CREATOR: “Remove the turban and lift off the crown! This shall not remain as it is; exalt the low and abase the high. Ruin, an utter ruin I will make it. IT SHALL BE NO MORE UNTIL HE COMES TO WHOM IT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS; AND I WILL GIVE IT TO HIM.”
Psalms tell of the Mashiach
Someone will appear who has authority to take the crown--and it rightfully belongs to him. But who? Notice another passage about the coming Mashiach:Psalm 2:1-12. Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing: The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against ETERNAL AND AGAINST HIS ANOINTED, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; ETERNAL shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure. “YET I HAVE SET MY KING ON MY [SET APART] HILL OF ZION. I will declare the decree,” ETERNAL has said to me, “YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU. Ask of me, AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE NATIONS FOR YOUR INHERITANCE, and the ends of the earth for your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve ETERNAL with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. BLESSED ARE ALL THOSE WHO PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM.
The kings and judges are told to “kiss up” to this son, whoever he is, because he is the Anointed and rules with a rod of iron. But who could this be? Who could this possibly be??
The English in verses 4 through 6 in the Tanakh are clearer:
Psalm 2:4-6. He who is enthroned in heaven laughs; ETERNAL mocks at them. Then He speaks to them in anger, terrifying them in His rage, “but I have installed My king on Zion, My [set apart] mountain!” LET ME TELL OF THE DECREE: ETERNAL SAID TO ME, “YOU ARE MY SON, I HAVE FATHERED YOU THIS DAY.”
Whoever appears on the scene as the Mashiach will be a begotten son of our CREATOR. He will be given the nations as an inheritance to be able to break (punish) with a rod of iron. They will pay homage to him and put their trust in him. But who? Who? Notice another Mashiach verse:
Psalm 16:7-11. I will bless ETERNAL who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set ETERNAL always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. FOR YOU WILL NOT LEAVE MY SOUL IN SHEOL, nor will You allow Your [set apart] One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; AT YOUR RIGHT HAND ARE PLEASURES FOREVERMORE.
Whoever the Mashiach is will be a son of our CREATOR with authority to take the crown over all kings. He will stand from his grave to eternal life and will sit at the right hand of the Mighty One forevermore. Nevertheless, oh who could this ever be?
Whoever it is, the Dead Sea Scrolls state he will stand from his grave to be the Son of our SOVEREIGN and he will not come down from heaven on a cloud.
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“For Yours is the might and in Your hands, the battle . . . for our Ruler is holy and the glorious King [ETERNAL] is with us. The host of His Spirits is with our foot soldiers and horsemen. They are as clouds of dew covering the earth as torrential rain shedding judgment on all that grows there. Arise hero [King David] . . . smite the nations, your enemies, and consume guilty flesh with your sword.” This last clearly being a Messianic allusion. [16]
“This Holy offspring that sprouts from the ground will be called the Son of G-d and he will occupy his own throne, the Throne of David. [17]
Balaam Tells of Mashiach
Even Balaam, who wanted to put a curse on Israel, was forced to testify of the coming end-time Mashiach:Numbers 24:15. So he [Balaam] took up his oracle and said: “The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, and the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened; the utterance of him who hears the words of The Mighty One and has the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, with eyes wide open: I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult. And Edom shall be a possession; Seir also, his enemies shall be a possession, while Israel does valiantly.”
But who is the Star that shall come out of Jacob as a Scepter rising from Israel?
Pieces of the Puzzle
In order to understand the Scriptures that hold the key to the Mashiach’s identity, we must first cover some basic Scriptural knowledge. With this basic knowledge, we can begin a treasure hunt from the Hebrew Scriptures whose translations have been tainted by the doctrines of those religions claiming to descend from the Fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. First, notice something about the shepherd boy David. He was the anointed king and was given CREATOR’s Righteous Spirit:
1 Samuel 16:12-13. (KJV) And he [Jesse] sent, and brought him [David] in. . . . And ETERNAL said [to Samuel], “Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and ANOINTED him in the midst of his brethren: AND THE SPIRIT OF ETERNAL CAME UPON DAVID FROM THAT DAY FORWARD. . .
2 Samuel 23:1. Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; thus says the man raised up on high, the anointed of the SOVEREIGN of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:
The Hebrew Words inspired by the Mighty One of Israel state that King David is the anointed of the SOVEREIGN. David was anointed by the Prophet Samuel using olive oil poured on his head as prescribed by the Law of the Mighty One.
Greek words of the New Testament say a man from Galilee is the Messiah. The Greek states that he was anointed by a prostitute who rubbed a perfumed balm on his feet that one of his disciples coveted.
These are TWO DIFFERENT Messiahs and yet only one can be the “anointed of the SOVEREIGN.” Will the real Mashiach please stand up from his grave.
King David knew that ETERNAL will not leave him in the grave forever, but will cause him stand from his grave to everlasting life in the likeness of the CREATOR Himself. He knew that he will sit at the Mighty One’s right side. Notice the next two passages:
Psalm 17:14-15. With Your hand from men, O ETERNAL, from men of the world who have their portion in this life, and whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, and leave the rest of their possession for their babes. As for me [David], I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied WHEN I AWAKE IN YOUR LIKENESS.”
Psalm 16:1,5-11. Preserve me [David speaking], O CREATOR, for in You I put my trust . . . O ETERNAL, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. I will bless ETERNAL who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set ETERNAL always before me; because, He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh [DAVID’S] also will rest in hope. For YOU WILL NOT LEAVE MY [DAVID’S] SOUL IN SHEOL. NOR WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE [DAVID] TO SEE CORRUPTION. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; AT YOUR RIGHT HAND ARE PLEASURES FOREVERMORE.
And David Shall Be Their King
These next Scriptures are quoted from The Living Bible because they are in conversational English. Read these verses in context in your own Scriptures and then you can see that the Scriptures plainly tell us who the Mashiach is:Ezekiel 37:21-28 (TLB). For the ETERNAL CREATOR says: “I am gathering the people of Israel from among the nations and bringing them home from around the world to their own land, to unify them into one nation. One king shall be king of them all; no longer shall they be divided into two nations. They shall stop polluting themselves with idols and their other sins, for I will save them from all this foulness. Then they shall truly be My people and I their Mighty One. And David, My Servant—the Messiah—shall be their King, their only Shepherd; and they shall obey My laws and all My wishes. They shall live in the land of Israel where their fathers lived, the land I gave My servant Jacob. They and their children after them shall live there, and their grandchildren, for all generations. And My Servant David, their Messiah, shall be their Prince forever. And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting pact. I will bless them, multiply them, and put My Temple among them forever. And I will make My home among them. Yes, I will be their Mighty One, and they shall be My people. And when My Temple remains among them forever, then the nations will know that I, ETERNAL, have chosen Israel as My very own.”
Ezekiel 34:11-13 (TLB). For ETERNAL CREATOR says: “I will search and find My sheep. I will be like a shepherd looking for his flock. I will find My sheep and rescue them from all the places they were scattered in that dark and cloudy day [of Jacob’s Trouble]. And I will bring them back from among the people and nations where they were, back home to their own land of Israel.”
Ezekiel 34:14-28 (TLB). “I Myself will be the Shepherd of My sheep and cause them to lie down in peace,” ETERNAL CREATOR says. “I will seek My lost ones, those who strayed away, and bring them safely home again . . . And as for you, O My flock—My people,” ETERNAL CREATOR says, “I will judge you and separate good from bad, sheep from goats.” ...Therefore ETERNAL CREATOR says: “I will surely judge between these fat shepherds and their scrawny sheep. For these shepherds push and butt and crowd My sick and hungry flock until they’re scattered far away. So I Myself will save My flock; no more will they be picked on and destroyed. ... And I will set one Shepherd over all My people, even My Servant David. He shall feed them and be a Shepherd to them. “And I, ETERNAL, will be their SOVEREIGN, and My Servant David shall be a Prince among My people. I, ETERNAL, have spoken it. I will make a peace pact with them and ... I will make My people and their homes around My hill a blessing. And there shall be showers, showers of blessing, for I will not shut off the rains but send them in their seasons. ...When I have broken off their chains of slavery and delivered them from those who profiteered at their expense, they shall know I am ETERNAL. No more will other nations conquer them ... They shall live in safety and no one shall make them afraid.”
Jeremiah 30:8-10 (TLB). “For on that day,” says ETERNAL of Hosts, ‘” will break the yoke from their necks and snap their chains, and foreigners shall no longer be their masters! For they shall serve ETERNAL CREATOR, and David their King, WHOM I WILL RAISE UP FOR THEM,” says ETERNAL. “So don’t be afraid, O Jacob My servant; don’t be dismayed, O Israel; for I will bring you home again from distant lands, and your children from their exile. They shall have rest and quiet in their own land, and no one shall make them afraid.”
Micah 5:2-4 (NIV). "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one [David] who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers’ return to join the Israelites. He will stand [from his grave] and shepherd his flock in the strength of ETERNAL, in the majesty of the name of ETERNAL his SOVEREIGN. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
Micah 5:1-3 (Tanakh). And you, O Bethlehem of Ephrath, least among the clans of Judah, from you one [i.e., David] shall come forth to rule Israel for Me--one whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. Truly, he will leave them helpless until she who is to bear has borne [i.e., David stands from his grave]; then the rest of his countrymen shall return to the children of Israel. He [David] shall stand and shepherd by the might of ETERNAL, by the power of the name of ETERNAL CREATOR, and they [Israel] shall dwell secure. For lo, he shall wax great to the ends of the earth.
Hosea 3:4-5. (NKJV) For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or teraphim. Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek ETERNAL their CREATOR and David their king. They shall fear ETERNAL and His goodness in the latter days.
David to be the King for Eternity to Come
With crystal clear wording, the ETERNAL states that He will establish King David as the one shepherd over His sheep. Most serious students of Scripture understand that since the message of Ezekiel was never taken to the captured Northern Kingdom--that it is an end-time message. The time setting is the Messianic Kingdom:Ezekiel 34:25 (NKJV). I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and [can] sleep in the woods.
David is promised to be the King in the Messianic Kingdom:
Ezekiel 34:1,11,22-24 (NKJV). And the word of ETERNAL came to me, saying, ... “For thus says ETERNAL CREATOR: Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out . . . I WILL ESTABLISH ONE SHEPHERD OVER THEM, and he shall feed them; MY SERVANT DAVID. He shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, ETERNAL, will be their SOVEREIGN, and My servant David a prince among them; I, ETERNAL, have spoken.”
Now we will go back and look at Psalm 2 and it is now obvious that the reference is to King David.
Psalm 2:1-3. (NKJV) Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing: The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against ETERNAL AND AGAINST HIS ANOINTED [DAVID WAS ANOINTED], saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.”
...2:4-9. He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; ETERNAL shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure ‘YET I HAVE SET MY KING [DAVID] ON MY HOLY HILL OF ZION I will declare the decree.” ETERNAL has said to me [David], “YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU. Ask of me, AND I WILL GIVE YOU [DAVID] THE NATIONS FOR YOUR INHERITANCE, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
...2:10-12.Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve ETERNAL with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the son [King David], lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. BLESSED ARE ALL THOSE WHO PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM.
King David is the anointed or Mashiach since anointed = messiah = Mashiach. ETERNAL CREATOR plainly tells us to put our faith and trust in Him and His firstborn son, King David. Notice this in a different context:
Psalm 89:20-21. I have found My servant David; With My holy oil I have anointed him, with whom My hand shall be established; also My arm shall strengthen him.
...24. But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, and in My Name his horn
[18] shall be exalted.
...26-28. He shall cry to Me, “You are my Father, My SOVEREIGN, and the Rock of my salvation.” Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth. My mercy I will keep for him forever, And My Covenant shall stand firm with him.
...29-32. His seed also I will make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven. If his sons forsake My Law and do not walk in My Judgments, If they break My Statutes and do not keep My commandments, then I will punish their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
...33-37. Nevertheless My loving kindness I will not utterly take from him, nor allow My faithfulness to fail. My Covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David: his seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me; it shall be established forever like the moon, even like the faithful witness in the sky." Selah
The SOVEREIGN of the cosmos states that King David: 1) is the anointed one. 2) is the Mashiach. 3) will live and rule on his own throne forever. 4) his seed will endure forever. None of this is said to or about a man from Galilee. Why? Because he was not anointed [19] nor did he have seed (children) and even if he did slip around and have children, they did not rule as the king of Israel.
The Mashiach King of Israel?
Quoting Vendyl Jones: [20]- "
“The only person in the Bible who was called “HaMeshiach of HaShem” [21] was King David the son of Jesse. Saul, son of Kish was anointed as a prophet and later anointed as king of Israel. David said of Saul, “I will not raise up my hand against the ‘L-rd’s’ anointed.” "HaShem" made no Messianic covenant with Saul.
“"HaShem" did make an eternal Messianic Covenant with David in II Samuel 7. It was an eternal covenant that the throne of David, son of Jesse, would be established forever. Solomon, son of David, reigned on the throne of his father David. In all, twenty-two kings sat on the throne of David, son of Jesse. All of them were anointed as kings, yet, only David was called the Messianic king of Israel. The 21 kings that followed him sat on David’s throne, not their own throne.
“The great Messianic prophesy in Isaiah 11 does not promise a descendant of David to be the Mashiach. It is very plainly stated that David himself will be the Messianic king of the Messianic age.
“And there shall come forth a rod [22]out of the stem of Jesse and a branch [23]shall grow out of his roots... The “rod” was the earthly reign of David during his lifetime. The “branch” is his reign in the Messianic age to come.
“Ezekiel 34 speaks of the slothful shepherds who caused the Diaspora of Israel. He also spoke of the regathering of Israel in the last days. In verse 23 we read “And I will set up [raise-up] one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even My servant David; [he/David] will be their shepherd 24. And HaShem, will be their ‘G-d’ and My servant David a prince among them....”
“Ezekiel 37:24. And David shall be prince over them: and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall also walk in My judgments, and observe My statutes, and do them.” David was a shepherd of the flocks and became the Shepherd of Israel. ...
“Jeremiah 23 begins as does Ezekiel 34, opposing the slothful shepherds of Israel that caused them to be scattered. In 23:5 in Hebrew it reads, “ The days are coming that HaShem will raise up to David, [the] righteous branch, and he will reign king and make prosperity and justice and righteousness in the earth.
“Again in Jeremiah 30:9. But they will serve HaShem Elokim, and David the king whom I will raise-up over them.
“Continuing in Jeremiah 33:15. In those days and at that time will I cause the branch [the reign] of righteousness to grow up unto David, and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
“Zechariah 12:8” ...and the house of David will be as ‘G-d’ as the angel of HaShem before them.
“When the Messiah comes, the first thing in the order of events is the [standing from the graves] of the dead. This is one of the very few things on which Judaism and 'Christianity' fully agree. For this reason, I [Vendyl Jones] underscored all the verbs in reference to David that his second advent is directly connected with his [standing from his grave]. In reality, one does not precede the other. The [standing] and the coming of the Messiah happen simultaneously. In the words of Isaiah 26:19 “Thy dead men shall live together; with my body shall they rise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust: for thy dew is like the dew of the herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.”
“This is not some new idea of Vendyl Jones. The people of Qumran were called Essenes. The word Essenes is a Greek corruption of the Hebrew word “Ishiim.” The word “Ishi” is Jesse in English. The Dead Sea Scrolls are void of any aspect of their belief in the soon coming of the Messiah and the soon redemption of Israel. They saw the time of the end and the third house in far distant generations. They believed that the “Son of Ishi,” that is to say, “David son of Ishi, “would redeem Israel and the world at the [standing from their graves] of all the dead.
“Yes, I believe there will be the coming of the Messiah. ... Based on the Jewish Scripture, I find only that David himself, and no other, will be the Messianic King of Israel. ” [24]
What about the word “UNTO”?
Also, notice that in the phrase “upon David,” the word “upon” does not appear in the Tanakh. [25]1 Samuel 16:12-13 (Tanakh). So they sent and brought him . . . And ETERNAL said, “Rise and anoint him, for this is the one.” Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of ETERNAL gripped David from that day on. Samuel then set out for Ramah.”
The addition of the English word “unto” is another English word that is added to the text. The King James translators added the word “unto” to 2 Samuel 22:51. The word “unto” is not in the Hebrew and should have been italicized if added to an English translation and likewise for the word “to” in Psalm 18:50. Neither word is in the original and both should have been in italics.
Psalm 18:50 (KJV). Great deliverance giveth he to His king; and showeth mercy to His anointed,
2 Samuel 22:51 (KJV). He [ETERNAL] is the tower of salvation for His king: and showeth mercy to His anointed, unto David, and to His seed for evermore.
to David, and to his seed for evermore.
“What difference does it make?” you might ask. The answer is: much in every way because without the “unto” or “to” both verses WOULD read: “To His anointed David.” The English word “anointed” comes from the Hebrew word in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #H4899 which is “Mashiach” (maw-shee’-akh) and means, “anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); especially the Mashiach.” Therefore, ETERNAL is plainly stating that King David will be the Mashiach!!
The phrase “unto David” is used 51 times in the King James. The English word "unto" is not in the Hebrew! In some verses, its addition makes no difference whether it is there or not:
2 Samuel 22:51. (KJV) He is the tower of salvation for His king: and showeth mercy to His anointed [Mashiach],
1 Samuel 17:41. (KJV) And the Philistine came on and drew near UNTO David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.”
UNTO David, and to his seed for evermore.
1 Samuel 17:17. (KJV) And Jesse said UNTO David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren.
In some verses, its addition causes our English language to flow less smoothly:
1 Chronicles 12:16. (KJV) And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold UNTO David.
However in some verses its addition completely distorts the meaning:
Jeremiah 23:5. “Behold, the days come,” saith ETERNAL, “that I will raise UNTO David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.”
The addition of the word “unto” changes the meaning indicating that a descendant of David will someday be the Branch who will be the Mashiach. However, the Hebrew clearly and boldly states that ETERNAL will raise [stand from his grave] David himself as the Mashiach. Another verse that states exactly the same thing:
Jeremiah 33:15. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up UNTO David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
[26]
No Hebrew Word for Resurrect
The American Heritage Electronic Dictionary gives the meaning for the word “resurrection” to be: “The act of rising from the dead or returning to life.” The Greek word “anstasis” means “the dead will become alive or a resurrection from death” (Strong’s #G386). In reading the New Testament, the Greek word “anstasis” was translated into the English word “resurrect” because both words have the same meaning of “rising from the dead.”The NT word “resurrection or resurrect” is not found in The Hebrew Scriptures. There is no Hebrew equivalent word that specifically means “rising from the dead” used in The Hebrew Scriptures. There are words used that mean simply to “raise or rise up,” but not specifically “to raise or rise or stand from the grave.”
An example is the word “quwm” (Strong’s # H6965) which means “to arise, to exist, to go forth, to grow up, to stand.” Two examples of its use not connected to rising from the grave:
2 Samuel 17:21. Now it came to pass, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well and went and told King David, and said to David, “arise (quwm) and cross over the water quickly.”
Genesis 4:8. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose (quwm) up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
An example of “quwm” connected with bringing back to life:
Jeremiah 23:5. ”Behold, the days come,” saith ETERNAL, ”that I will raise (quwm) UNTO David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.”
King David, a righteous Branch, will stand from his grave as King. He shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. How very plain it is that King David is the righteous Branch that will stand from his grave to rule. He will follow ETERNAL’s Spirit and rule with peace and righteousness.
Question: Where are roots? Answer: They are in the soil, in the ground, buried.
Q: What happens when a root sprouts? A: Its branch emerges from the ground.
Q: Where is King David? A: In the ground, in the soil, buried.
Q: What will happen to King David when he stands from his grave? A: He will emerge as the Branch from the ground:
Isaiah 11:1-7. There shall come forth a Rod [27] from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch [King David] shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of ETERNAL shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of ETERNAL. His delight is in the fear of ETERNAL, and he shall not judge by the sight of his eyes, nor decide by the hearing of his ears; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his loins, and faithfulness the belt of his waist. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
ETERNAL will cause King David, the righteous Branch to STAND FROM HIS GRAVE as King and then he will save the House of Isaac from captivity. In the next verse UNTO are not in the Hebrew:
Jeremiah 33:14-16. “Behold, the days come,” saith ETERNAL, ”that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow [sprout] up UNTO David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called,”
King David will sprout up from the ground. The English word “sprout” comes from the Hebrew word “tsamach” (tsaw-makh’) which in Strong’s is #H6779, a primary root word and means to sprout. This is another Hebrew word used to express a rising from the dead.
Zechariah 6:11-13. Take the silver and gold, make an elaborate crown, and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Then speak to him, saying, “Thus says ETERNAL of hosts,” saying: “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch! From his place [in the grave] he shall brach (tsamach) out, and he shall build the Temple of ETERNAL; yes, he shall build the Temple of ETERNAL. He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throneŠ”
Remember that anointed = messiah = mashiach so King David will be the Anointed or Mashiach. King David’s physical reign was the horn of David. His spiritual reign will occur when he buds out of his place in the ground:
Psalm 132:13-17. For ETERNAL hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is My rest forever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. There will I make the horn (rod) of David to bud (tsamach) I have ordained a lamp for mine Anointed [Mashiach].
There are many Scriptures stating that King David will stand from his grave and be the Mashiach. The two English words “bringing forth” in the following verse come from the Hebrew word [28] “bow” and mean, “to go or come” and again are referring to King David’s waking from his sleep of death:
Zechariah 3:8-10. “Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, You and your companions who sit before you, for they are a wondrous sign; for behold, I am bringing forth (Hebrew bow’ means “to go or come”) My servant the Branch; for behold, the stone that I have laid before Joshua: upon the stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave its inscription,” says ETERNAL of hosts, “and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. In that day,” says ETERNAL of hosts, “Everyone will invite his neighbor under his vine and under his fig tree.”
Contrasted with King David is an example of the unrighteous king of Babylon, called an “abominable branch,” who will not rule:
Isaiah 14:4-6,19. That you will take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say: “How the oppressor has ceased, the golden city ceased! ETERNAL has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers; he who struck the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he who ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted and no one hinders. ... But you are cast out of your grave like an ABOMINABLE BRANCH, like the garment of those who are slain, thrust through with a sword, who go down to the stones of the pit, like a corpse trodden underfoot.” [29]
Mashiach Mentioned in Josephus
A footnote in Josephus correctly shows that the promise to Solomon’s posterity always ruling the everlasting kingdom throughout the generations was to Solomon and the eternal Throne was to King David himself, when he stands from his grave as the Mashiach.-
Now when the king [David] saw that his affairs grew better almost every day, by the will of G-d, he thought he should offend him, if, while he himself continued in houses made of cedar, such as were of a great height, and had the most curious works of architecture in them, he should overlook the ark while it was laid in a tabernacle, and was desirous to build a temple to G-d as Moses had predicted such a temple should be built. And when he [David] had discoursed with Nathan the prophet about these things, and had been encouraged by him to do whatsoever he had a mind to do, as having G-d with him and his helper in all things, he was thereupon the more ready to set about that building. But G-d appeared to Nathan that very night, and commanded him to say to David,* that he took his purpose and his desires kindly, since nobody had before now taken it into their head to build him a temple...
* Josephus seems to confound the two distinct predictions which CREATOR made to David and to Nathan, concerning the building him a temple by one of David’s posterity: the one belongeth to Solomon, the other to the Mashiach. (7:4:4:1-4 Josephus)
A wide range of people from Balaam to Josephus have spoken of King David as being the coming Mashiach. It is one of the prominent messages of The Hebrew Scriptures and a major clue to understanding their meaning.
Footnotes
[1] See Appendix I for "Who What is G-d and What is His Name."[2] Paraphrased from Genesis 3:1.
[3] “Sixteen Crucified Saviors.” by Kersey Graves, first published in 1875, reprinted by The Cleage Group, Inc.
[4] Holman Dictionary for Windows, ver. 1.0. “MESSIAH (Mehs si’ uh) Transliteration of the Hebrew word (Mashiach maw-shee'-akh) meaning, “anointed one” that was translated into Greek as “Christos.” ...Since apostolic times, the name “Christ” has become the proper name of ‘Jesus,’ the person whom Christians recognize as the “God-given Redeemer” of Israel and the church’s “Lord.” “Christ” or MESSIAH is therefore a name [used] to express ... the church’s link with Israel through the Old Testament....”
[5] Quoted from Web page “Jews for Judaism” answer to question in Frequently Asked Questions, “JewFAQ@aol.com.”
[6] “An opinion or position reached by a group as a whole or by majority will,” American Heritage Dictionary,
[7] Copyright 1995 by Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc.
[8] Quoted from a tape, “The Messiah of the Holy Scriptures: ‘God’ or Man?” Rabbi Michael Skobac, Jews for Judaism, How to Answer a Christian Missionary
[9] op. cit. Holman
[10] This statement is true for those of the bloodline of Judah but it is not true for all that believe in the religion of Judaism.
[11] New King James Version (NKJV) used throughout unless specified and emphasis is the authors unless noted.
[12] I will use ETERNAL in place of "the Lord" and CREATOR, SOVERINGN, or Mighty One in place of "God."
[13] Two books by Yair Davidy, The Tribes and Ephraim reveal the identity of the lost ten tribes. Two others are The US and Briton in Prophesy by Herbert W. Armstrong and Babylon Mystery Religion and the Lost Ten Tribes by Darrell Conder
[14] The Companion Bible, Zondervan Bible Publishers, 1974.
[15] Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament #H7886 = Shiyloh, (shee-lo’); from #H7951; tranquil; SHILOH, AN EPITHET OF THE MESSIAH. And #H7951 = shalah, (shaw-law’); i.e. secure or successful: (together they say the one who will be successful in bringing peace and tranquillity.)
[16] Quoting Robert Eiseman quoting the “The War Scroll” of 18.12-19.4 in “James the Brother of Jesus” p 436, in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
[17] Quoting Robert Eiseman and Michael Wise quoting the “The War Scroll” of column xixf. in The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered p 68-69.
[18] Strong’s #7161 qeren (keh´-ren) a horn (as projecting); by implication a flask, cornet, a peak (of a mountain); Obviously referring to King David’s rule in ETERNAL’s Set Apart Mountain.
[19] Forgive me I forgot, a prostitute anointed the Galilean’s feet with perfume.
[20] Who was ‘Jesus’?, Vendyl Jones, Vendyl Jones Research Institute.
[21] HaShem means “The Name” and is sometimes used to substitute for ETERNAL’s Name by some groups. Another gimmick to keep from pronouncing it is to misspell it as in “Elokim” or leave the vowels out as in “L-rd” or “G-d.”
[22] A rod is a small bud as compared to a full-grown branch.
[23] A rod is a small bud as compared to a full grown branch
[24] This section is from Vendyl Jones
[25] See our article “Why Satan Not Win?” for a discussion of the Greek Septuagint and its derivatives.
[26] One source does agree with the statement for this verse. The person states that they can read Hebrew and actually the word “to” is there.
[27] op. cit. “The ‘rod’ was the earthly reign of David during his lifetime. The ‘branch’ is his reign in the Messianic age to come” The Mashiach King of Israel? By Vendyl Jones.
[28] Strong’s #H935 bow (bo).
[29] See our article “Why Satan Not Win?” to better understand this verse.