D&C 113

In regards to the question -

"WHO is the Stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th verses of the 11th chapter of Isaiah?" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 113:1)

By revelation, the Prophet answered -

"...thus saith the Lord: It is Christ." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 113:2)

But then two questions and there respective answers at first seem kind of confusing -

"What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of the 11th chapter of Isaiah, that should come of the Stem of Jesse?
4 Behold, thus saith the Lord: It is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 113:3 - 4)

"What is the root of Jesse spoken of in the 10th verse of the 11th chapter?
6 Behold, thus saith the Lord, it is a descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph, 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." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 113:5 - 6)

As one ponders both answers, it only seems logical that the Prophet is somwhat tactfully referring to himself. But how can an individual be both the rod that comes from the stem or base while at the same time, be the root also? Though I may not be correct, my thoughts this morning seemed to consider both foreordination in the pre-earth life and then the actual result in the present life. Alma taught of receiving the priesthood in -

"...the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works..." (Book of Mormon Alma 13:3)

Verse 6 reflects this being the case as it states "unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom". In this manner, I can understand how one could be both the root and the rod.