[boatbums]

Seriously, you do realize that nowhere in Isaiah 11:1 does the word “Nazarene” appear.

Sure it does. One only needs to know specifically what a 'netzer' is. The 'Branch' prophecies require no speculation.

That is exactly what the Targums say about the Messiah - He would be a branch (netzer) out of Jesse and that was what the city of Nazareth was called. Also, this isn't a quibble, but Matthew 2:23 says, "That which was spoken through the prophets..." . It doesn't say, "It was written. So, I agree with you and RC that there isn't any speculation required.

[vladimir998]

“That is exactly what the Targums say about the Messiah - He would be a branch (netzer) out of Jesse and that was what the city of Nazareth was called. Also, this isn’t a quibble, but Matthew 2:23 says, “That which was spoken through the prophets...” . It doesn’t say, “It was written. So, I agree with you and RC that there isn’t any speculation required.”

Either way you have proved my point: it is an extrapolation through an oral tradition. There is NO VERSE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT that says it as Matthew says it. Thanks for the assist. You guys keep proving me right again and again.