(1) In the O.T., the term branch has a symbolic and messianic connotation with Jesus Himself. Jesus is referred to as “the Branch of Jehovah” Is 4:2, as “the Branch of Righteousness”   Jer 23:5; 39:15 also as “the Branch of Jesse”   Is 11:1; Acts 2:30; 15:13-19

Jesus was called a Nazarene,

          “Jesus of Nazareth”  Mt 26:71

      The root word for Nazarene in Heb. is “Nester” which means “green shoot” (Is 11:1.). In Greek, Nazareth means a city of Branches. Is 11:1 speaks of the Messiah as “shoot”   or “ Twig”  - a branch coming out of the stump of Jesse which was to be cut down from its kingly level. Later, “Nazarene”   has become an epithet of reproach, ridicule and rejection. Jesus truly was a branch cut down, i.e., rejected, despised and cast out,

        “He made himself of no reputation”   Phil 2:7

        “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”   Jn 1:46; 7:52

(2) The term “Branch” has also a connotation with the nation Israel- as God’s blessings and curses on Israel.

          Israel the “green olive tree …”   Jer 11:16

        “The Lord will cut off from Israel -------- 

         Branch and rush in one day.” Is 9:14?

        “The branches of it are broken.” Jer 11:16

The Israel was a blessed nation like the “green olive tree” as long as she was faithful and obedient. But as she failed and disobeyed God’s commandment she was broken,

“Israel the ‘green olive tree’……the branches of it are broken” (Jer 11:16)

(3) In the N.T., Jesus called Himself as the true vine and his disciples the branches in Jn 15:1-8. The idea is that when our personal relationship with Jesus is truly like the branches that abide in the tree, we can live an abundant Christian life.

Name of the Author of this article: Dr. Surya Kumar Daimari, MA,M.Ed, PGDTE,D.Min.(Doctor of Ministry)
The author is a freelance writer.
Book published: The Names of the Believers in the Bible in Types and Symbols .
https://outskirtspress.com/thenamesofthebelieversinthebible