Jewish Messiah

In Jewish eschatology, the concept of the Messiah holds a significant place as the prophesied savior and future king of the Jews. The term "Messiah" is derived from the Hebrew word "Mashiach" (מָשִׁיחַ) which means "anointed one." The Messiah is expected to be a great political leader descended from King David who will lead the Jews to a future golden age that includes the gathering of all Jewish people back to the Land of Israel.

Historical Context

The anticipation of the Jewish Messiah gained prominence especially after the failure of the Hasmonean Kingdom around 37 BCE and the subsequent Jewish–Roman wars from 66–135 CE. During these turbulent times, the Messiah was envisioned as a deliverer from oppression, a restorer of peace, and a re-establisher of the Jewish nation.

Characteristics of the Messiah

Traditionally, the Jewish Messiah is expected to be a human leader, physically anointed like former Jewish kings, rather than a divine being. According to Orthodox views, the Messiah will fulfill several key roles:

1. Lineage: He must be a descendant from the Davidic line, particularly through his father.
2. Ingathering of the Exiles: He will gather the dispersed Jews back to the Land of Israel.
3. Era of Peace: Usher in an unprecedented era of global peace and prosperity.
4. Rebuilding of the Third Temple: He will oversee the rebuilding of the Third Temple in Jerusalem.
5. Restoration of Jewish Law: Reinstitute the Sanhedrin and enforce Jewish law.
6. Universal Knowledge of God: Spread the monotheistic teachings of God worldwide.

The Two Messiahs

Jewish tradition, particularly post the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, sometimes refers to two distinct figures: Messiah ben Joseph and Messiah ben David. Messiah ben Joseph is portrayed as a suffering servant who prepares the way for the triumphant Messiah ben David, who fulfills the messianic prophecies of redemption and peace.

Jewish Views on Jesus

In contrast to Christianity, which regards Jesus of Nazareth as the fulfilled Messiah, Jewish thought maintains that Jesus did not fulfill the messianic prophecies. Therefore, he is not accepted as the Messiah in Judaism. Jewish Christianity was an early religious sect that did consider Jesus as the Messiah while still adhering to Jewish law.

Messianic Judaism

Messianic Judaism is a modern religious movement that combines elements of Judaism with the belief that Jesus, referred to by his Hebrew name, Yeshua, is the Messiah and savior.

Related Topics

• Jewish Eschatology
• List of Jewish Messiah Claimants
• Armilus, an anti-messiah figure in Jewish lore

Understanding the Jewish Messiah concept provides insight into the expectations and hopes rooted deeply within Jewish religious and cultural identity.