The “root” of Jesse is likely the same person as the “rod”
mentioned in verse 3 since both are identified as “a descendant of Jesse, as
well as Joseph” (verse 6). The “root” is also identified as one “unto whom
rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, for an ensign, and
for the gathering of my people in the last days” (verse 6). It should be noted
that a “root” in Old Testament imagery is often used to mean an offspring of
someone, not an ancestor (as is common in Western culture). Neither Jesus nor
Joseph Smith were ancestors of Jesse or David, but they can still be “roots”
and chosen heirs of the blessings of the priesthood. (Casey Paul Griffiths, Scripture
Central Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, 4 vols. [Springville,
Utah: CFI, 2014], 4:62)
The following is the definition of "rod" (שֹׁרֶשׁ) as provided by TDOT:
(4) In Isa. 11:10 šōreš means “descendants”: the
nations will inquire of the “root of Jesse.” This universalizing addition to
vv. 1–9 picks up the image in v. 1; it is now clearly a cliché, so that the
“branch from the root of Jesse” can be shortened to šōreš yišay. V. 10
may be an abbreviated reference to v. 1; šōreš may also simply mean
“shoot, descendants.” This meaning becomes increasingly important in the
post-OT period (cf. Sir. 47:22 LXX; 1 Mc. 1:10 LXX; rhíza Dauid
in Rev. 5:5 and 22:16; and šōreš yišay in early Jewish texts). In Isa.
53:2 the meaning is clearly “shoot”: the unprepossessing and vulnerable servant
of Yahweh is likened to a yônēq and a root that grows up out of dry
ground. (J. Renz, “שֹׁרֶשׁ,” in Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament,
ed. G. Johannes Botterweck, Helmer Ringgren, and Heinz-Josef Fabry, 17
vols.[Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2006], 15:500–501)
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