Root of Jesse Third Antiphon

Radix Jesse – Root of Jesse

And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root.
Isaiah 11:1

O come, O Rod of Jesse free,
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.

Jesse was King David's father. Isaiah's reference to the "root of Jesse" reminded the people that though it seemed as though Israel had been destroyed, a root remained. 

 There would always be a remnant of God's people. 

 The root of Jesse was a symbol of hope that God would restore his people. In this prayer we call upon Jesus, descended from David to come and establish his Kingdom among his people.

O stock of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations; kings fall silent before you whom the peoples acclaim. O come to deliver us, and do not delay.