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There many passages of the Old Testament that Christians and Messianic Jews view as being prophecies of Jesus as the Messiah. The following are the key passages with commentary both modern and from ancient Jewish sources:
There are many passages of the Old Testament that Christians and Messianic Jews view as being prophecies of Jesus as the Messiah. The following are the key passages with commentary both modern and from ancient Jewish sources:
==Deity==
==Deity==
===The Messiah is called "Son of God"===
===The Messiah is called "Son of God"===
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
Commentary:
Commentary:
Jews have often claimed emphatically that "God has no Son," but their own Scriptures and rabbis reject this claim. Psalm 2 refers to the Lord's 'anointed one' ([[Messiah]]), twice called "Son," who will receive the nations as inheritance. The Midrash on the psalms sees in this figure the "one who is to come," the "Messiah-King" before whom all will bow down, and also the "son of man coming with the clouds" of the book of Daniel (7:13).
Rashi also associates the "Son" with the Messiah: “Our Rabbis have taught that this concerns the Messiah-King, and in harmony with this interpretation it can be applied to David himself.” So does Ibn Ezra, who reckons that the psalm refers to the "anointing of David as king... or else it concerns the Messiah" (cf. Santala, p. 119). The talmud concurs, even associating with this psalm the two Messianic traditions of the triumphant Messiah son of David and the suffering Messiah son of Joseph:
Rashi also associates the "Son" with the Messiah: “Our Rabbis have taught that this concerns the Messiah-King, and in harmony with this interpretation it can be applied to David himself.” So does Ibn Ezra, who reckons that the psalm refers to the "anointing of David as king... or else it concerns the Messiah" (cf. Santala, p. 119). The talmud concurs, even associating with this psalm the two Messianic traditions of the triumphant Messiah son of David and the suffering Messiah son of Joseph:
{{quotebox|"The Rabbis have said that this means the Messiah, the Son of David, who is to come quickly in our time. The Holy One will say to him: ‘Ask of me, and I will give it to you,’ as it is said... ‘this day I have begotten you; ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance.’ And because he saw the Messiah, the Son of Joseph, who was killed… I will ask you for nothing more than life…" (Sukka 52a) (cf. Santala, p. 120) }}
{{quotebox|"The Rabbis have said that this means the Messiah, the Son of David, who is to come quickly in our time. The Holy One will say to him: ‘Ask of me, and I will give it to you,’ as it is said... ‘this day I have begotten you; ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance.’ And because he saw the Messiah, the Son of Joseph, who was killed… I will ask you for nothing more than life…" (Sukka 52a) (cf. Santala, p. 120) }}
The Zohar even appends to the description of the Son ("bar") a quasi-trinitarian statement mentioning the Holy One, His Son, and His Spirit:
The Zohar even appends to the description of the Son a quasi-trinitarian statement mentioning the Holy One, His Son, and His Spirit:
“You are the good shepherd; of you it is said, ‘Kiss the Son.’You are great here below, the teacher of Israel, the Lord of the serving angels, the son of the Most High, the son of the Holy One, may his name be praised and his Holy Spirit.” (Zohar, part III, p. 307, Amsterdam edition) (cf. Santala, p. 121)
“You are the good shepherd; of you it is said, ‘Kiss the Son.’You are great here below, the teacher of Israel, the Lord of the serving angels, the son of the Most High, the son of the Holy One, may his name be praised and his Holy Spirit.” (Zohar, part III, p. 307, Amsterdam edition) (cf. Santala, p. 121)
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
{{Bible quote|When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” |book=Matthew|chap=2|verses=16-17}}
{{Bible quote|When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” |book=Matthew|chap=2|verses=16-17}}
Commentary:
Commentary:
Rabbis have observed here that these "everlasting" origins mean Messiah is not merely human but God. Rabbi David Qimhi comments on Mic 5:2:
"It will be said in the Messianic age that his 'origins are from old, from ancient time;' 'from Bethlehem' means that he will be of the house of David, because there is a long period of time between David and the Messiah-King; and he is El (God), which is how he is 'from old, from ancient times.' (Qimhi on Mic 5:2)
"It will be said in the Messianic age that his 'origins are from old, from ancient time;' 'from Bethlehem' means that he will be of the house of David, because there is a long period of time between David and the Messiah-King; and he is El (God), which is how he is 'from old, from ancient times.' (Qimhi on Mic 5:2)
In Genesis 1:2 we read: "The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." The midrash Rabbah says in this context that "this was the spirit of the Messiah" who was already present at creation. (Bereshith Rabbah 1:2, Santala, p. 35)
In Genesis 1:2 we read: "The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." The midrash Rabbah says in this context that "this was the spirit of the Messiah" who was already present at creation. (Bereshith Rabbah 1:2, Santala, p. 35)
According to the Talmud, the Messiah's name is one of the seven things which were ordained before creation. (Pesahim 54a, Nedarim 39b) (cf. Santala, p. 52)
According to the Talmud, the Messiah's name is one of the seven things which were ordained before creation. (Pesahim 54a, Nedarim 39b) (cf. Santala, p. 52). The apocryphal book of Enoch also presents the Messiah and Son of Man as pre-existent before the creation of the world:
The apocryphal book of Enoch also presents the Messiah and Son of Man as pre-existent before the creation of the world:
{{quotebox|And at that hour that Son of Man was named In the presence of the Lord of Spirits, and his name before the Head of Days. Yea, before the sun and the signs were created, before the stars of the heaven were made, His name was named before the Lord of Spirits. He shall be a staff to the righteous whereon to stay themselves and not fall, and he shall be the light of the Gentiles, and the hope of those who are troubled of heart. All who dwell on earth shall fall down and worship before him, and will praise and bless and celebrate with song the Lord of Spirits. And for this reason hath he been chosen and hidden before Him, before the creation of the world and for evermore. (1 Enoch 48:2-6)}}
{{quotebox|And at that hour that Son of Man was named In the presence of the Lord of Spirits, and his name before the Head of Days. Yea, before the sun and the signs were created, before the stars of the heaven were made, His name was named before the Lord of Spirits. He shall be a staff to the righteous whereon to stay themselves and not fall, and he shall be the light of the Gentiles, and the hope of those who are troubled of heart. All who dwell on earth shall fall down and worship before him, and will praise and bless and celebrate with song the Lord of Spirits. And for this reason hath he been chosen and hidden before Him, before the creation of the world and for evermore. (1 Enoch 48:2-6)}}
Thus we see that Jesus' eternal sonship is not an invention of the New Testament but finds its roots in the Hebrew scriptures, in apocryphal literature and is even confirmed in rabbinical literature.
Thus we see that Jesus' eternal sonship is not an invention of the New Testament but finds its roots in the Hebrew scriptures, in apocryphal literature, and is even confirmed in rabbinical literature.
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
{{Bible quote|He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth... All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.|book=Colossians|chap=1|verses=15-17}}
{{Bible quote|He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth... All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.|book=Colossians|chap=1|verses=15-17}}
Commentary:
Commentary:
Hebrew is a contextual language - that is relatively few words but each word having a variety of meanings. This requires knowledge of the literature, and literatures - that is, knowledge of the context to determine the precise meaning. Biblical Hebrew has a help in this, though, and that is "signs" (t'amey Hamikr'a) that accompany the text, usually above the letters, sometimes to the side, which are divided into two main categories - conjunctive and disjuctive. The conjunctive tie two words together, the disjuctive indicate that the words are separate in thought. These two categories of signs also serve as punctuation - full stop (period), semi-stop (coma),and even thought groupings. they were written down by the Masoretes of the 5th cent A.D., that is the people that carried on the earlier tradition of how things were understood. Masoret=tradition. Thus, In Isaiah 9:6, the Hebrew words themselves can bear the meaning "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor of the Mighty God..." or His name shall be called " Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God...". But the T'amey Hamikr'a decide the case. Between "Counsellor" and Mighty God" there is a disjunctive. Therefore His name shall be called Counsellor, the Mighty God..." is correct - according to the understanding that the Masoretes received.
[[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] is a contextual language - it has relatively few words, and each word can take a variety of meaningsdepending on context. However, the rabbis in the intertestimental period preserved helpful "signs" (t'amey Hamikr'a) which the Masoretes (from the Hebrew "masoret", "tradition")of the 5th cent A.D. later wrote into the manuscripts. Conjunctive "signs" tie two words together; disjunctive indicate that they are separate thoughts. These two categories of signs also serve as punctuation - full stop (period), semi-stop (coma),and even thought groupings. According to these punctuation marks, Isaiah 9:6 reads: "His name shall be called Counsellor, the Mighty God..."
The midrash on Lamentations also attributes the name of God to the Messiah:
The midrash on Lamentations also attributes the name of God to the Messiah:
==Lineage and Birth==
==Lineage and Birth==
===The Messiah will be the seed of the woman===
===The Messiah will be the seed of the woman===
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
Commentary:
Commentary:
This passages speaks of an enmity between the serpent, who has just led Adam and Eve into sin, and a mysterious woman and her seed, who will bruise the serpent's head. Both the Targum Jonathan and the Jerusalem Targum associate this passage with the days of the Messiah who will come and make peace between men at the end of days:
This passage prophesies that a descendant of "the woman" (named [[Eve]] later in the chapter) will crush the head of the serpent, who has just led Adam and Eve into sin. Both the Targum Jonathan and the Jerusalem Targum associate this passage with the days of the Messiah who will come and make peace between men at the end of days:
“And they [the sons of the woman] will finally make peace in the days of the Messiah-King.” (Gen 3:15, Targum Jonathan)
“And they [the sons of the woman] will finally make peace in the days of the Messiah-King.” (Gen 3:15, Targum Jonathan)
“They will make peace in the end, at the close of the end of the days, in the days of the Messiah King.” (Gen 3:15, Jerusalem Targum)
“They will make peace in the end, at the close of the end of the days, in the days of the Messiah King.” (Gen 3:15, Jerusalem Targum)
At first sight this prophesy about the Messiah who is the "seed of the woman" seems meaningless - for is not everyone born of a woman? At the same time, the idea also sounds odd because one's seed usually comes from the father. Thus the passage possibly hints at the fact that the one who will bruise the head of the serpent will receive his human "seed" from his mother rather than from his father. Jesus, "born of a woman" (the virgin Mary) without human father, was indeed the "seed of the woman" who came to defeat the ancient serpent (1 Jo 3:8, Rev 19:19-21) and establish peace between Jews and Gentiles, as described in the book of Ephesians. Chapter 12 of the book of Revelation in particular gives us a vivid picture of the woman, her seed the Messiah, and their battle against the serpent:
At first sight this prophesy that Messiah will be the "seed of the woman" seems meaningless - everyone is born of a woman, and everyone is also born of a man. Thus, the passage possibly hints at the fact that the One Who will bruise the head of the serpent will have no human father. Thus Jesus was "born of a woman" who was a virgin, [[Mary]], with no human father. It was He who defeated the ancient serpent (1 John 3:8, Rev 12, Rev 19:19-21) and established peace between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14-18).
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
===The Messiah will be Son of Abraham===
===The Messiah will be Son of Abraham===
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
Commentary:
Commentary:
God promised to Abraham that his seed would be a worldwide blessing and his descendants would become extremely numerous. The midrash tells us how the seed of Abraham will greatly multiply in the days of the Messiah, who will himself be a descendant of Abraham:
God promised to Abraham that his seed would be a worldwide blessing and his descendants would become extremely numerous. The midrash likewise says, “In the days of the Messiah, Israel will be compared to the sand of the sea.” (Bamidbar Rabbah 2) (cf. Santala, 41). Jesus, of course, was a descendant of Abraham. Through Jesus, the promises made to Abraham were extended to all nations; through him, millions of Christians have come to know the God of Israel and have received the spiritual blessings that He promised to Abraham.
“In the days of the Messiah, Israel will be compared to the sand of the sea.” (Bamidbar Rabbah 2) (cf. Santala, 41)
Jesus, of course, was a descendant of Abraham. Through Jesus, the promises made to Abraham were extended to all nations; through him, millions of Christians have come to know the God of Israel and have received the spiritual blessings that He promised to Abraham.
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
{{Bible quote|Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “and to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “and to your Seed,” who is Christ.|book=Galatians|chap=3|verses=16}}
{{Bible quote|Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “and to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “and to your Seed,” who is Christ.|book=Galatians|chap=3|verses=16}}
===The Messiah will be a descendant of Jacob===
===The Messiah will be a descendant of Jacob===
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
{{Bible quote|I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel… Out of Jacob One shall have dominion, and destroy the remains of the city.|book=Numbers|chap=24|verses=17-19}}
{{Bible quote|I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel... Out of Jacob One shall have dominion, and destroy the remains of the city.|book=Numbers|chap=24|verses=17-19}}
Commentary:
Commentary:
The Aramaic Targums of this passage confirm that the "Star of Jacob" will be the Messiah:
The Aramaic Targums of this passage confirm that the "Star of Jacob" will be the Messiah:
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but he is not near; when a king shall arise out of Jacob and be anointed the Messiah out of Israel, He will slay the princes of Moab, and reign over all the children of men; (Num 24:17, Targum Onkelos)
{{quotebox|I see him, but not now; I behold him, but he is not near; when a king shall arise out of Jacob and be anointed the Messiah out of Israel, He will slay the princes of Moab, and reign over all the children of men; (Num 24:17, Targum Onkelos)
<p></p>
..but when a mighty king of the house of Jacob shall reign, and shall be anointed Messiah, wielding the mighty scepter of Israel, He will slay the princes of Moab.... (Num 24:17, Targum Jonathan) }}
..but when a mighty king of the house of Jacob shall reign, and shall be anointed Messiah, wielding the mighty scepter of Israel, He will slay the princes of Moab.... (Num 24:17, Targum Jonathan)
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
{{Bible quote|Jesus… the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham...|book=Luke|chap=3|verses=34}}
{{Bible quote|Jesus… the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham...|book=Luke|chap=3|verses=34}}
===The Messiah will be from the tribe of Judah===
===The Messiah will be from the tribe of Judah===
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
Commentary:
Commentary:
This passage informs us that a mysterious "Shiloh" will arise from the tribe of Judah and will rule his people. Yet how do we know that this refers to the Messiah? The targumim, the midrash, and the Talmud all reveal that this "Shiloh" is in fact the name of the Messiah, who will come from the tribe of Judah:
This passage informs us that a mysterious "Shiloh" will arise from the tribe of Judah and will rule the people. The targumim, the midrash, and the Talmud unanimously confirm that this "Shiloh" is in fact Messiah, who will come from the tribe of Judah:
The transmission of dominion shall not cease from the house of Judah, nor the scribe from his children's children, forever, until the Messiah comes, to whom the Kingdom belongs, and whom nations will obey. (Gen 49:10-12, Targum Onqelos)
{{quotebox|The transmission of dominion shall not cease from the house of Judah, nor the scribe from his children's children, forever, until the Messiah comes, to whom the Kingdom belongs, and whom nations will obey. (Gen 49:10-12, Targum Onqelos)
<p></p>
Kings and rulers shall not cease from the house of Judah, nor scribes who teach the Torah from his seed, until the time when the King Messiah shall come, the youngest of his sons, and because of him nations shall melt away....How beautiful is the King Messiah who is destined to arise from the house of Judah...How beautiful are the eyes of King Messiah, as pure wine! (Gen 49.10-12, Targum Jonathan)
Kings and rulers shall not cease from the house of Judah, nor scribes who teach the Torah from his seed, until the time when the King Messiah shall come, the youngest of his sons, and because of him nations shall melt away....How beautiful is the King Messiah who is destined to arise from the house of Judah...How beautiful are the eyes of King Messiah, as pure wine! (Gen 49.10-12, Targum Jonathan)
<p></p>
The sceptre will not depart from Judah... until Shilo (‘he’) come, this is the Messiah-King... 'Judah's sceptre' means the Great Synagogue, the Sanhedrin, which was struck and which collapsed... until Shilo come. (Bereshit Rabbah 98) (cf. Santala, p. 50)
The sceptre will not depart from Judah... until Shilo (‘he’) come, this is the Messiah-King... 'Judah's sceptre' means the Great Synagogue, the Sanhedrin, which was struck and which collapsed... until Shilo come. (Bereshit Rabbah 98) (cf. Santala, p. 50)
<p></p>
What is the name of the Messiah-King?... The LORD (YHWH - יהוה) is his name, because Jer. 23:6 says, 'This is the name by which he will be called: the LORD our Righteousness (יהוה צדקנו)... SHILOH is his name, because it is written in Gen. 49:10, 'until Shiloh comes'... (Lamentations Rabbah 1:16 (on Lam. 1:15-17); see also Sanhedrin 98b)
What is the name of the Messiah-King?... The LORD (YHWH - יהוה) is his name, because Jer. 23:6 says, 'This is the name by which he will be called: the LORD our Righteousness (יהוה צדקנו)... SHILOH is his name, because it is written in Gen. 49:10, 'until Shiloh comes'... (Lamentations Rabbah 1:16 (on Lam. 1:15-17); see also Sanhedrin 98b)}}
Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, being of the tribe of Judah. In addition, the prophecy and its midrash inform us about the time of the Messiah's coming. They reveal that the tribe of Judah must retain its identity and genealogy until the coming of the Messiah, after which the scepter (the rule) would depart from that tribe. Indeed, the Jews preserved their genealogies up to the time of Jesus but lost them soon after, in 70 A.D., when the Temple was destroyed. Rabbi Rahmon interpreted this national calamity as the loss of the sceptre of Judah spoken of in Genesis 49, and he expressed distress at the fact that the Messiah should have appeared before that time:
Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, being of the tribe of Judah. In addition, the prophecy and its midrash inform us about the time of the Messiah's coming. They reveal that the tribe of Judah must retain its identity and genealogy until the coming of the Messiah, after which the scepter (the rule) would depart from that tribe. Indeed, the Jews preserved their genealogies up to the time of Jesus but lost them soon after, in 70 A.D., when the Temple was destroyed. Rabbi Rahmon interpreted this national calamity as the loss of the sceptre of Judah spoken of in Genesis 49, and he expressed distress at the fact that the Messiah should have appeared before that time:
"When the members of the Sanhedrin discovered that the rights of life and death had been torn from their hands a general consternation seized hold of them. They covered their heads with ashes and their bodies with sackcloth, shouting, 'Woe to us! The sceptre of Judah has been taken away and the Messiah has not yet come.'" (cf. Santala, p. 103)
"When the members of the Sanhedrin discovered that the rights of life and death had been torn from their hands a general consternation seized hold of them. They covered their heads with ashes and their bodies with sackcloth, shouting, 'Woe to us! The sceptre of Judah has been taken away and the Messiah has not yet come.'" (cf. Santala, p. 103)
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
{{Bible quote|Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book.|book=Revelation|chap=5|verses=5}}
{{Bible quote|Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book.|book=Revelation|chap=5|verses=5}}
===The Messiah will be a descendant of David===
===The Messiah will be a descendant of David===
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
Commentary:
Commentary:
This prophecy speaks of a certain descendant of David who will be a "branch of righteousness" and king, will save Judah and Israel, and will be called "YHWH Our Righteousness" (יהוה צדקנו). The talmud tells us that Rabbis Shmuel Ben Nahman (260 AD) and Abba Bar Kahana (300 AD) came to the conclusion that this divine name, "YHWH our Righteousness" is none other than "the name of the Messiah" (Baba Bathra 75b, cf. Santala, p. 64). Jesus, whose name means "salvation," fulfilled this prophecy as the Son of David who came to save his people from their sins:
This prophecy speaks of a certain descendant of David who will be a "branch of righteousness" and king, will save Judah and Israel, and will be called "YHWH Our Righteousness" (יהוה צדקנו). The talmud tells us that Rabbis Shmuel Ben Nahman (260 AD) and Abba Bar Kahana (300 AD) came to the conclusion that this divine name, "YHWH our Righteousness" is none other than "the name of the Messiah" (Baba Bathra 75b, cf. Santala, p. 64). Jesus, whose name means "salvation," fulfilled this prophecy as the Son of David who came to save his people from their sins:
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
===The Messiah will be born of a virgin===
===The Messiah will be born of a virgin===
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
===The time of the Messiah's coming was predicted===
===Messiah will come during the fourth world empire===
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
The Talmud records how after a time of 2,000 years of Torah should have come the time of the Messiah for 2,000 years, but somehow something went wrong:
The Talmud records how after a time of 2,000 years of Torah should have come the time of the Messiah for 2,000 years, but somehow something went wrong:
{{quotebox|The tradition of Elijah teaches that the world is to exist for six thousand years; in the first two thousand desolation; in the next two thousand the Torah will flourish and the next two thousand are the days of the Messiah but on account of our sins, which were great, things turned out as they did. (Sanhedrin 97a) }}
According to Jewish tradition, the world was created in 3761 BC. The 2,000 years of desolation should have lasted until approximately 1761 BC, at which time would have begun the age of the Torah (according to conservative biblical chronology, the Exodus and giving of the Torah occurred around 1445 BC, which is relatively close). Then, after 2,000 years of Torah, the age of the Messiah should have begun around 239 AD and lasted until 2239 AD. According to the Talmud, therefore, the Messiah should have come already; indeed we are even nearing the end of the Messianic age according to the talmudic calculations!
According to the main Jewish chronological authority, Rabbi Jose ben-Halafta, the world was created in 3761 BC; by Archbishop [[James Ussher]]'s more accurate reckoning, it was created in 4004 BC. The 2,000 years of desolation should have lasted until 1761 BC by ben-Halafta or 2004 BC by Ussher, at which time would have begun the age of the Torah (according to conservative biblical chronology, the Exodus and giving of the Torah occurred around 1445 BC, which is relatively close). Then, after 2,000 years of Torah, the age of the Messiah should have begun around 239 AD by ben-Halafta or 4 BC by Ussher ([[Jesus Christ]] was born 4-6 BC) and will last until 2239 AD by ben-Halafta or 1996 AD by Ussher. According to the Talmud, therefore, the Messiah should have come already; indeed, the Messianic age either will end soon or has already ended!
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
{{Bible quote|And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed... Joseph also went up from Galilee... To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife... And she brought forth her firstborn son. |book=Luke|chap=2|verses=1-7}}
Thus Jesus came during the Roman empire, as the prophet Daniel predicted.
===The Messiah will be cut off before the destruction of the temple===
===The Messiah will be killed circa 32 AD===
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
* Passover fell on April 10, 32 AD! If Jesus was crucified on Passover of that year, this is extremely close to Daniel's dating!
* Passover fell on April 10, 32 AD! If Jesus was crucified on Passover of that year, this is extremely close to Daniel's dating!
Even the Talmud speaks of how 40 years before the destruction of the Temple (i.e. 30 AD, around the time of the crucifixion) the atoning sacrifices lost their power and the gates of the Holy of Holies opened by themselves. The tractate Yoma describes how previously the crimson-coloured strap which was tied between the horns of the bullock on Yom Kippur became white, signifying that God had forgiven Israel's sin. But 40 years before the destruction of the Temple it ceased to turn white. Also the westernmost light on the candlestick in the Temple, which previously remained lighted as a sign that the Shechinah rested over Israel, ceased to burn at the same time:
Even the Talmud speaks of how 40 years before the destruction of the Temple (i.e. 30 AD, around the time of the crucifixion) the atoning sacrifices lost their power and the gates of the Holy of Holies opened by themselves. The tractate Yoma describes how, previously, a crimson cloth tied between the horns of the [[scapegoat]] on the [[Day of Atonement]] (Yom Kippur) had miraculously turned white, signifying that God had forgiven Israel's sin. Yet:
During the last forty years before the destruction of the Temple the lot did not come up in the right hand; nor did the crimson-coloured strap become white, nor did its westernmost lamp shine; and the doors of the sanctuary opened themselves Then Rabbi Johanan Ben Zakkai rebuked them, saying, ‘Temple, why dost thou grieve so? I know this about thee, that thou shalt be destroyed.” (Yoma 39b) (cf. Santala, p. 105)
{{quotebox|During the last forty years before the destruction of the Temple the lot did not come up in the right hand; nor did the crimson-coloured strap become white, nor did its westernmost lamp shine; and the doors of the sanctuary opened themselves Then Rabbi Johanan Ben Zakkai rebuked them, saying, ‘Temple, why dost thou grieve so? I know this about thee, that thou shalt be destroyed.” (Yoma 39b) (cf. Santala, p. 105)<ref>See also http://custance.org/old/seed/references.html</ref> }}
It is remarkable that such dramatic changes in the Temple service mysteriously occurred right around the time of Jesus' crucifixion!
It is remarkable that God dramatically stopped favoring the Temple services right around the time of Jesus' crucifixion!
Moreover, probably to cover up this prophecy inarguably pointing to the time of Jesus, the Jewish rabbi Jose ben-Halafta mutilated the Persian chronology in his history of the world, the [[Seder Olam Rabbah]]. By his chronology, 483 years after Artaxerxes' decree was not 32 AD but c. 132 AD - pointing to the false Messiah [[Bar Kokhba]], whom Jose's mentor [[Akiba]] had recognized as Messiah. Even modern Jewish authorities admit that his chronology is inexplicably wrong; however, they do not begin to venture a reason.<ref>Larry and Marion Pierce. Afterward to [[James Ussher]]'s ''Annals of the World''. Published 2007, Master Books</ref>
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. (Isa 9:1-2)
{{Bible quote|In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.|book=Isaiah|chap=9|verses=1-2}}
Commentary:
Commentary:
Isaiah prophecied that a great light would shine in the "Galilee of the Gentiles." It is significant that Jesus grew up in Nazareth in the Galilee, and carried out most of his public ministry in this region, the "Galilee of the Gentiles" where pagans were extensively intermingled with Jews, far remote from the Jewish religious center in Jerusalem.
Isaiah prophesied that a great light would shine in "Galilee of the Gentiles," where pagans had intermingled with Jews ever since the fall of the [[Northern Kingdom]] of Israel. Thus, Jesus grew up in Nazareth in Galilee and carried out most of his public ministry in that region.
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “ The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles..." (Mt 4:12-16)
{{Bible quote|Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “ The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles..."|book=Matthew|chap=4|verses=12-16}}
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him shall you hear… (Deut 18:15)
{{Bible quote|The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him shall you hear... The LORD said to me: "What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account." |book=Deuteronomy|chap=18|verses=15-19}}
Commentary:
Commentary:
The book of Deuteronomy announces that God will raise up another prophet like Moses. The Targum Jonathan adds that this new prophet will be raised up through the Holy Spirit:
The book of Deuteronomy announces that God will raise up another prophet like Moses. The Targum Jonathan adds that this new prophet will be raised up through the Holy Spirit: “The Lord your God will raise up from your midst a prophet by the Holy Spirit who will be like me… a prophet I will raise up from amongst your brethren, through the Holy Spirit.” (Targum Jonathan) (Santala, p. 58)
The midrash on Ecclesiastes also speaks of a "Last Savior" who, like the first savior Moses, will provide bread from heaven and living water to his people:
{{quotebox|Just as there was a First Saviour so there will be a Last. Just as it is said of the First Saviour (Ex 4:20) that ‘He took his wife and sons and put them on a donkey’, so it is said of the Last Saviour that ‘He is lowly and riding on a donkey’ (Zech 9:9). As the First Saviour provided manna (Ex 16), as it is written, ‘Behold I will pour out bread from heaven upon you,’ so will the Last Saviour, as it is written (Ps 72:16), ‘Let corn abound throughout the land.’ Just as the First Saviour opened a fountain, so the Last Saviour will provide water, as it is written (Joel 3:18), ‘A fountain will flow out of the Lord’s house.’ (Midrash Qoheleth Rabbati 1) }}
Jesus' followers recognized him as "the Prophet" whom Moses had announced. In addition, Jesus provided bread from heaven for his people and promised that he would be to them "a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life":
Jesus' followers recognized him as "the Prophet" whom Moses had announced. In addition, Jesus provided bread from heaven for his people and promised that he would be to them "a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life":
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
{{Bible quote|We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." |book=John|chap=1|verses=45}}
{{Bible quote|If you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me." |book=John|chap=5|verses=46}}
Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” (Jn 6:14)
{{Bible quote|Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” |book=John|chap=6|verses=14}}
{{Bible quote|Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world... I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” |book=John|chap=6|verses=32-35}}
{{Bible quote|Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” |book=John|chap=4|verses=13-14}}
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. (Isa 35:5-6)
{{Bible quote|Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. |book=Isaiah|chap=35|verses=5-6}}
Commentary:
Commentary:
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. (Lk 7:21)
{{Bible quote|And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. |book=Luke|chap=7|verses=21}}
{{Bible quote|And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them." |book=Matthew|chap=11|verses=2-5}}
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
{{Bible quote|I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them - My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them." |book=Ezekiel|chap=34|verses=23-25}}
{{Bible quote|David My servant shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd; they shall also walk in My judgments and observe My statutes, and do them. Then they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob My servant, where your fathers dwelt; and they shall dwell there, they, their children, and their children’s children, forever; and My servant David shall be their prince forever." |book=Ezekiel|chap=37|verses=24-25}}
Commentary:
Commentary:
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
{{Bible quote|I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep... I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. |book=John|chap=10|verses=11-16}}
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious. (Isa 11:10)
{{Bible quote|And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious. |book=Isaiah|chap=11|verses=10}}
It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth. (Isa 49:6, see also Isa 42:1,6)
{{Bible quote|It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth. |book=Isaiah|chap=49|verses=6}}
Commentary:
Commentary:
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. (Mt 15:21)
{{Bible quote|Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. |book=Matthew|chap=15|verses=21}}
{{Bible quote|Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..." |book=Matthew|chap=28|verses=19}}
{{Bible quote|God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life." |book=Acts|chap=11|verses=18}}
OT Prophecy:
OT Prophecy:
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; he is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zech 9:9)
{{Bible quote|Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; he is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. |book=Zechariah|chap=9|verses=9}}
Commentary:
Commentary:
The talmud and midrash confirm that the king who will enter Jerusalem on a donkey is the Son of David and Savior:
The talmud and midrash confirm that the king who will enter Jerusalem on a donkey is the Son of David and Savior:
“The Son of David will come only in a generation which is either altogether righteous or altogether wicked… if they are righteous he will come in the clouds. If not, he will come humbly and riding on a donkey.” (Sanhedrin 97b) (cf. Santala, p. 55)
“The Son of David will come only in a generation which is either altogether righteous or altogether wicked… if they are righteous he will come in the clouds. If not, he will come humbly and riding on a donkey.” (Sanhedrin 97b) (cf. Santala, p. 55)
“Just as there was a First Saviour so there will be a Last. Just as it is said of the First Saviour (Ex 4:20) that ‘He took his wife and sons and put them on a donkey’, so it is said of the Last Saviour that ‘He is lowly and riding on a donkey’ (Zech 9:9). (Midrash Qoheleth Rabbati 1) (cf. Santala, p. 59)
“Just as there was a First Saviour so there will be a Last. Just as it is said of the First Saviour (Ex 4:20) that ‘He took his wife and sons and put them on a donkey’, so it is said of the Last Saviour that ‘He is lowly and riding on a donkey’ (Zech 9:9). (Midrash Qoheleth Rabbati 1) (cf. Santala, p. 59)
Jesus indeed rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, as a sign of lowliness and subjection, yet also as the sign of his Messianic kingship:
Jesus indeed rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, as a sign of lowliness and subjection, yet also as the sign of his Messianic kingship:
NT Fulfillment:
NT Fulfillment:
Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, “The Lord has need of them…” (Mt 21:2-3)
{{Bible quote|Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, “The Lord has need of them…” |book=Matthew|chap=21|verses=2-3}}
==Rejection==
==Rejection==
Zech 12:10 ("they will look on me whom they have pierced") is interpreted by the Talmud as referring to “the Mashiach, Son of Joseph”:
Zech 12:10 ("they will look on me whom they have pierced") is interpreted by the Talmud as referring to “the Mashiach, Son of Joseph”:
And the land shall mourn... what is the cause of the mourning?... one explained, the cause is the slaying of Messiah the son of Joseph... It is well according to him who explains that the cause is the slaying of Messiah the son of Joseph, since that well agrees with the Scriptural verse, and they shall look upon me because they thrust him through, and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son. (Sukka 52a) (cf. Santala, p. 186)
And the land shall mourn... what is the cause of the mourning?... one explained, the cause is the slaying of Messiah the son of Joseph... It is well according to him who explains that the cause is the slaying of Messiah the son of Joseph, since that well agrees with the Scriptural verse, and they shall look upon me because they thrust him through, and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son. (Sukka 52a) (cf. Santala, p. 186)
When Jesus was crucified, his hands and feet were pierced with nails. In addition, immediately after he died, a Roman soldier pierced his side with a spear:
When Jesus was crucified, his hands and feet were pierced with nails. In addition, immediately after he died, a Roman soldier pierced his side with a spear:
Midrash Ruth, commenting on Ruth 2:14, discusses the "Messianic meal": "The fifth interpretation of [Ruth 2:14] makes it refer to the Messiah. Come hither: approach to royal state. And eat of the bread refers to the bread of royalty; and dip thy morsel in the vinegar refers to his sufferings, as it is said, but he was wounded because of our transgressions (Isa 53:5). (Ruth Rabbah 5:6)
Midrash Ruth, commenting on Ruth 2:14, discusses the "Messianic meal": "The fifth interpretation of [Ruth 2:14] makes it refer to the Messiah. Come hither: approach to royal state. And eat of the bread refers to the bread of royalty; and dip thy morsel in the vinegar refers to his sufferings, as it is said, but he was wounded because of our transgressions (Isa 53:5). (Ruth Rabbah 5:6)
Rabbi Elia de Vidas writes: “Thus the Messiah suffered on account of our sins, and was wounded; He who does not wish the Messiah to be wounded for our transgressions may choose himself to suffer and carry his own sins.” (cf. Santala, p. 202)
Rabbi Elia de Vidas writes: “Thus the Messiah suffered on account of our sins, and was wounded; He who does not wish the Messiah to be wounded for our transgressions may choose himself to suffer and carry his own sins.” (cf. Santala, p. 202)
The talmud also associates the suffering servant with the Messiah: "What is the Messiah's name? ... the Rabbis said: His name is 'the leper scholar,' as it is written, surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him a leper, smitten of God, and afflicted (Isa 53:4). (Sanhedrin 98b)
The talmud also associates the suffering servant with the Messiah: "What is the Messiah's name? ... the Rabbis said: His name is 'the leper scholar,' as it is written, surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him a leper, smitten of God, and afflicted (Isa 53:4). (Sanhedrin 98b)
Most remarkable is this prayer from the Mahzor Rabbah, prayed on Yom Kippur, the great day of atonement:
Most remarkable is this prayer from the Mahzor Rabbah, prayed on Yom Kippur, the great day of atonement:
“Then, before the creation, he already set up the Temple and the Messiah… the Messiah our righteousness has turned away from us, and can find no-one who can justify us. The yoke of our sins and our transgressions is a burden to us; and he was wounded for our transgressions, he suffered on his shoulders our iniquities; there is forgiveness for our sins. In his wounds we are healed; it is time to create forever a new creation… He is our God, our Father, our King, he is our Saviour and he will liberate and redeem us for a second time and let us hear of his grace a second time…” (Mahzor Rabbah for the Great Day of Atonement) (Santala, p. 207)
“Then, before the creation, he already set up the Temple and the Messiah… the Messiah our righteousness has turned away from us, and can find no-one who can justify us. The yoke of our sins and our transgressions is a burden to us; and he was wounded for our transgressions, he suffered on his shoulders our iniquities; there is forgiveness for our sins. In his wounds we are healed; it is time to create forever a new creation… He is our God, our Father, our King, he is our Saviour and he will liberate and redeem us for a second time and let us hear of his grace a second time…” (Mahzor Rabbah for the Great Day of Atonement) (Santala, p. 207)
The New Testament, of course, interprets Isaiah 53 as referring to Jesus, the paschal lamb sacrificed for the sins of the world:
The New Testament, of course, interprets Isaiah 53 as referring to Jesus, the paschal lamb sacrificed for the sins of the world:
Who are the two Lords spoken of in this psalm? The midrash on the psalms tells us that this dialogue here is between the LORD and the Messiah:
Who are the two Lords spoken of in this psalm? The midrash on the psalms tells us that this dialogue here is between the LORD and the Messiah:
“Sit at my right hand,” – “he says this to the Messiah; and his throne is prepared in grace and he will sit upon it.” (Midrash on the Psalms) (cf. Santala, p. 124)
“Sit at my right hand,” – “he says this to the Messiah; and his throne is prepared in grace and he will sit upon it.” (Midrash on the Psalms) (cf. Santala, p. 124)
Jesus claimed that he was the one who would sit at the right hand of God:
Jesus claimed that he was the one who would sit at the right hand of God:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “ Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. (Rev 5:12-14)
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “ Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. (Rev 5:12-14)
==See Also==
==See also==
*[[Jesus Christ]]
*[[Messiah]]
*[[Messianic Judaism]]
*[[Messianic Judaism]]
*[[New Testament understanding through the Jewish perspective]]
*[[New Testament understanding through the Jewish perspective]]
*[[Targum]]
*[[Targum]]
*[[Judaism]]
*[[Judaism]]
* [http://www.israelcatholic.com/content/view/49/77/lang,en/ The Messiah in the Tanakh]. Previous compilation of these prophecies, with commentary.
*[[Singing the Hebrew Scriptures]]
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Old Testament]]
[[Category:Judaism]]
[[Category:Christianity]]