BOUGH (bou), (Heb. aw-meer', a branch, Is. xvii.(,).
Figurative. (i) Christ is called the Branch, and the Branch of Righteousness. In His human nature lie sprang forth of the root of Jesse; His human nature has no personality of its own, but consists as an engrafted branch in His Divine person: Ili flourishes and protect s Ilis people with Ilk shadow : Ile brings forth the highest honor I..t rd vn1 createct happiness to men; Ile is infinitely righteous in Himself and in His acts; and is made of God to us righteous ness (Jer. xxiii :5 and xxxiii :15 ; Zech. iii :8 and vi :12; Is. iv :2; xi :1 and liii :2). (2) NVhen He is compared to a tree His boughs indicate His ordinances and His protecting and supporting power and grace (Ezek. xvii :23). (3) The saints are likened to branches; they are united to and derive their nourishing influence from Jesus, as their root ; they refresh and protect the world with their shadow, and bring forth fruits of holi ness (John xv :5). (4) In respect of spreading and beautiful appearance and influence the Jew ish church and nation were like boughs extending to the sea; but they and their cities were cut down and destroyed by the Assyrians ( Ps. lxxx : to, II; Is. xxx :17, and xxvii :to, I i). (5)
Kings and great men are likened to branches; they make a flourishing appearance, and have their favorites and subjects dwelling tinder their boughs, or laws ; and depending on their protec tion and support (Ezek. xvii :3 and xxxi :3 ; Dan. xi :7 and iv :12). (6) Cities desolate of inhab itants and trade are likened to forsaken boughs, uppermost branches, turned dead, or burned branches (Is. xvii :9 and xxvii :to). (7) Joseph was a fruitful bough, or flourishing son, for his numerous and honorable offspring (Gen. xlix: 22). (8) Children, or offspring, are called branches; being sprung from their ancestors they are an honor, help and pleasure to them (Job viii :16). (9) Sennacherib's bough was lopped with terror, when the Lord, by a terrible stroke, cut off his captains and numerous army as the leaves of a tree (Is. x:33). (to) Prosperity is likened to branches; it is glorious, useful and protecting (Dan. iv :14). (II) To put the branch to the nose is to smell branches carried in honor of idols; or to smell the censer of sacred incense; or by sin to furnish fuel for the devouring wrath of God (Ezek. viii :17).