Jesse was David’s father, through whose line the messianic king was to come (Ruth 4:22; 1 Sam. 16:1, 12, 13). Branch. This is a title for the Messiah (see 4:2). The Root of Jesse will also attract non-Jews who inhabit the future kingdom. Paul saw God’s ministry to Gentiles during the church age as an additional implication of this verse.—John F. MacArthur.