17:22 twigs. The Bible often uses a branch or tree as a symbol of royalty (Dan. 4:9–12, 19–22), particularly as a figure of the Messiah. The messianic Branch belongs to the house of David (Is. 4:2; 11:1; 53:2; 60:21; Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Zech. 6:12). Ezekiel announces that someday God would take a descendant of Jehoiachin (cf. vv. 3, 4 and 12, 13) and restore him to kingship in Judah.