6:12 the Branch. A messianic title, the importance of which explains its occurrence here and in 3:8. Isaiah first used the term to denote the Messiah (Is. 4:2). Jeremiah then developed it as a title for the Davidic descendant who would rule on David’s throne (Jer. 23:5, 6; 33:15, 16). Zechariah joins the royal and priestly offices in this title. Early Jewish interpreters saw it as a messianic title. All this shows the preparation in the Old Testament for the truth that Christ is our High Priest (Heb. 4:14; 7:24; 9:11) and our King (Heb. 1:8; Matt. 22:41–46). He is our Savior and our Lord.