Rays of Messiah's Glory

In his book, 'Rays of Messiah's Glory', David Baron insightfully uncovers precious truths about the Messiah set forth in the Old Testament Scriptures. This book is sure to satisfy any who have an appetite for the Scriptures and will thrill the heart as the author examines the Glory of the Messiah in Old Testament prophecy.

In the third chapter, 'The Branch, or four aspects of Messiah's character' Baron delves into the only four Old Testmant texts in which the Messiah is described as a 'branch' and explores the different aspects of the Messiah's character that are portrayed by each Scripture. The Messiah is described as the 'Branch of Jehovah', 'My Servant, the Branch', 'the Man whose name is 'the Branch'', and the 'Branch of David'. Baron states that these four descriptions are comparable to 'the four different aspects in which the Lord Jesus is presented to us in the Gospels': Matthew's Gospel portrays the Messiah as the Son of David, Luke portrays His humanity, Mark portrays Him as a Servant and John as the Son of God. Baron explores these attributes of the Messiah's character in depth. He explains the Jewish thought that the Hebrew word for 'branch' in Jeremiah 23.15 has the literal meaning 'son'. Since the Jews often quoted the verse about the Messiah as the 'Branch of David' to prove that the Messiah is David's son, Baron goes on to argue that the same is true of the description of Messiah as the Branch of Jehovah, ie that the Messiah is the Son of God.

Baron's fifth chapter deals with the precious Messianic prophecy of Zechariah 10.4, 'Out of Him [Judah] the Corner, out of him the Nail, out of him the Battle Bow, out of him shall come forth He that shall rule all together' (the absolute ruler). Baron searches the Scriptures for other uses of each of these 'four precious titles of the Messiah'. Baron again uses his knowledge of Hebrew and ancient custom to throw light and understanding onto biblical words. He explains that the word for 'nail' 'is applied , first, to a tent pin which is driven into the earth and to which the tent is tied (Ex 27.19, Ex35.18, Judges 4.21,22) and, secondly to a strong peg or pin, built into the wall of the Eastern building (Ezek 15.3, Isa22.22,23). In either case it denotes strength and equal firmness with the building itself.'. Baron refers to the prophecy of Isaiah 22.21-25 about the nail 'fastened in a sure place' which Baron believes is 'in it's first instance addressed to Eliakim' but refers 'in its fulness to none other than the Messiah'. Baron backs all of his arguments with the mind of a Jewish scholar. The prophecy goes on to say concerning the nail that 'They shall hang upon Him all the glory of His Father's house' '. Using his knowledge of ancient custom, Baron explains that the nail served dual purpose, firstly for bearing burdens and secondly 'that upon it may hang all the glory of the house'. He explains that 'A great portion of the wealth of the ancients consisted in gold and silver vessels and changes of raiment. These, as well as shields, swords, and suits of armour taken in battle', were hung 'on the peg which was generally built into the wall in the most conspicuous position for display and for the admiration of those who entered the building (1Kings 10.10,17,21; Song of Songs 4.4).' Baron not only thrills the reader as he brings understanding of the text but exhorts and draws spiritual application in abundance.

Having grown up as an Orthodox Jew in England in the latter part of the nineteenth century, Baron dedicated this book to Christians, especially British Christians, 'as a token of gratitude for having on their shores first heard of Him, faith in Whom has ever since filled me with 'joy unspeakable and full of glory'; and also as a token of appreciation of their endeavours to bring those to a knowledge of Christ, through whom in the first place their salvation came (John 4.22), and 'whose are the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the Law, and the service of God, and the promises, whose also are the fathers, and of whom is Christ, concerning the flesh, Who is over all, God blessed forever.' '

'Rays of Messiah's Glory' by David Baron is printed by Keren Ahvah Meshihit, Jerusalem.