Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - TZEMACH

 TZEMACH

The word “Tzemach” is apparently the Hebrew word meaning to sprout, blossom, prosper, spring forth, etc. It evidently refers primarily to organic material coming forth from the ground. 

In the book of Zechariah, a branch is considered to be the tzemach because it is that which comes forth and starts in a small way before it enlarges, spreads, and encompasses a much larger space. In fact, Zechariah used this concept in a message of prophecy to Jehozadek, the high priest.

 

…speak to him saying…

‘Behold, the Man whose name is the Branch!

From His place He shall branch out, 

And He shall build the temple of the Lord;

…He shall bear the glory, 

And shall sit and rule on His throne… 

(Zechariah 6:12-13) 

This was not the first time the concept was used. In chapter 3 of the same book we read Zechariah saying:

…For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the Branch. 

(Zechariah 3:8)

In addition, Isaiah used similar language when he said:

In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious… 

(Isaiah 4:2)

…when he referred to the time of the renewal of Zion. Also,

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,

And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 

(Isaiah 11:1)

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord,

“That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;

A King shall reign and prosper,

And execute judgement and righteousness in the earth. 

(Jeremiah 23:5)

In those days and at that time

I will cause to grow up to David

A Branch of righteousness;

He shall execute judgement and righteousness in the earth. 

(Jeremiah 33:15)

And as John says in chapter 15:

I am the vine, you are the Branches. 

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; 

for without Me you can do nothing. 

(John 15:5)

In a number of books then, prophecy refers to Jesus as being the Branch or the Tzemach; that which starts small and continues to grow until it encompasses much more than initially thought, eventually the entire world. And as it enlarges, the Branch eventually becomes the vine and we, in turn, become the branches to hopefully keep spreading what the vine has to offer: the Good News for all of us.

Something further to keep thinking about.

Adapted from The Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Chan pg 143