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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 306 min read

What Does the Hebrew Bible Say About the Coming Messiah?

The Messiah in the Hebrew Scriptures


The Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, contains numerous prophecies about the coming Messiah. The term "Messiah" (Hebrew: ma·shiʹach) appears explicitly in Daniel 9:25-26, where it refers to the Anointed One who is to come. However, many other passages point to this promised figure, whose mission and nature are progressively revealed through the Scriptures.


One significant passage is Psalm 2:2, which, while initially applicable to the opposition against King David, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, as confirmed by Acts 4:25-27. This dual application of the text demonstrates how certain Old Testament passages prefigure the coming of Jesus Christ.


The role of various "anointed" individuals in the Hebrew Scriptures also foreshadows the Messiah. Figures such as David, the high priest, and even Moses (referred to as "Christ" in Hebrews 11:23-26) prefigure Jesus in their roles and actions, illustrating aspects of the Messiah's future work.



Convincing Proofs that Jesus is the Messiah


To establish that Jesus is the Messiah, one must examine the prophecies He fulfilled. Jesus Himself pointed to the Hebrew Bible’s prophecies to validate His messianic identity. In Luke 24:44, Jesus stated, "These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled."


Prophecies of the Messiah’s Birth


The Hebrew Bible contains specific predictions about the Messiah’s birth, which Jesus fulfilled. Micah 5:2 foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, as recorded in Matthew 2:1-6.


Genesis 49:10 predicted that the Messiah would come before the scepter and staff depart from Judah, which occurred in the first century C.E. It says, "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his." The destruction of the temple in 70 C.E. marked the loss of Judah's tribal identity and judicial authority, indicating the Messiah’s arrival before this event.


Isaiah 7:14 predicted the Messiah's virgin birth: "Therefore Jehovah Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." This prophecy, fulfilled in Jesus’ birth to the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:22-23), signified a miraculous and divine intervention in human history.



The Nature of the Messiah


The Hebrew Bible also describes the unique nature of the Messiah, indicating both His human and divine aspects. Micah 5:2 not only specifies Bethlehem as the Messiah's birthplace but also hints at His eternal nature: "whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."


Isaiah 9:6 further elaborates on the Messiah’s divine nature: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." These titles reflect the Messiah’s divine attributes and His role in bringing everlasting peace and justice.



The Life and Ministry of the Messiah


Isaiah 35:5-6 foretells the miraculous works of the Messiah: "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy." Jesus’ ministry was marked by such miracles, as recorded in the Gospels, fulfilling these messianic signs.


Isaiah 61:1 predicts the Messiah’s mission to bring good news and healing: "The Spirit of the Sovereign Jehovah is on me, because Jehovah has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." Jesus read this passage in the synagogue and declared its fulfillment in Luke 4:18-21.


However, Isaiah 53:3 also foretells the Messiah’s rejection: "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces; He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem." Despite performing many signs and wonders, Jesus faced rejection and disbelief, particularly from His own people.



The Death of the Messiah


The Hebrew Bible predicts not only the life and ministry of the Messiah but also His sacrificial death. Daniel 9:26 foretells the timing of the Messiah’s death: "After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary." This prophecy indicates the Messiah’s death before the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 C.E.


Psalm 22:16 vividly describes the Messiah’s crucifixion: "Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet." Written centuries before crucifixion was practiced, this prophecy finds its fulfillment in the manner of Jesus’ death (John 19:37).


Isaiah 53:5-6 emphasizes the substitutionary nature of the Messiah’s death: "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and Jehovah has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Jesus’ crucifixion and the atonement for humanity's sins fulfilled this profound prophecy.



The Resurrection of the Messiah


The Hebrew Bible not only foretells the Messiah’s death but also His resurrection. Isaiah 53:10 speaks of the Messiah’s prolonged life after death: "Yet it was Jehovah’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and though Jehovah makes His life an offering for sin, He will see His offspring and prolong His days, and the will of Jehovah will prosper in His hand."

Psalm 16:10 expresses confidence in the Messiah’s resurrection: "because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay." This verse, quoted by Peter in Acts 2:27, points to Jesus’ resurrection as evidence of His messianic identity.



The Return of the Messiah


The Hebrew Scriptures present the Messiah in two distinct roles: as a suffering servant and a victorious king. This dual depiction can be understood as referring to two separate comings of the Messiah. The first coming involved His sacrificial death for atonement, and the second coming will involve His reign as king.


Zechariah 12:10 links these two roles: "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son." This prophecy points to the recognition of the Messiah by Israel at His second coming, acknowledging the one they pierced during His first coming.


The Hebrew Bible’s prophecies, when taken together, provide a comprehensive picture of the Messiah’s birth, nature, life, death, resurrection, and return. These prophecies, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, offer compelling evidence of His messianic identity, affirming Him as the Promised One.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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