Topical Encyclopedia The term "Messianic" is derived from the Hebrew word "Mashiach," meaning "anointed one." In the context of the Bible, it refers to the expectation and fulfillment of the Messiah, a central figure in both Jewish and Christian theology. The concept of the Messiah is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament through the person of Jesus Christ.Old Testament Foundations The anticipation of a Messiah is woven throughout the Old Testament, beginning with the promise of a redeemer in Genesis 3:15, often referred to as the Protoevangelium, where God declares to the serpent, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." This passage is seen as the first hint of a coming savior who would defeat evil. The Messianic hope is further developed in the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, where God assures them of a blessing to all nations through their descendants (Genesis 12:3, 26:4, 28:14). The lineage of the Messiah is narrowed down to the tribe of Judah in Genesis 49:10: "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." The Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 is another cornerstone of Messianic prophecy, where God promises David that his throne will be established forever: "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom." Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel provide further insights into the nature and mission of the Messiah. Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of a child born to us, a son given, who will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 53 presents the suffering servant, a figure who bears the sins of many. Jeremiah 23:5-6 foretells a righteous Branch from David's line who will reign wisely. Daniel 7:13-14 describes the "Son of Man" who is given dominion and glory. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament presents Jesus of Nazareth as the fulfillment of these Messianic prophecies. The Gospel of Matthew opens with a genealogy tracing Jesus' lineage back to David and Abraham, establishing His rightful claim to the Messianic title (Matthew 1:1-17). The angel's announcement to Mary in Luke 1:31-33 affirms Jesus' identity as the promised King: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David." Jesus Himself acknowledges His Messianic role. In John 4:25-26, He reveals to the Samaritan woman, "I who speak to you am He," in response to her mention of the coming Messiah. His miracles, teachings, and fulfillment of prophecies serve as evidence of His Messianic identity. In Luke 4:18-21, Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue and declares, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." The apostles and early church also affirm Jesus as the Messiah. Peter's declaration in Matthew 16:16, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," and Paul's writings, such as Romans 1:1-4, emphasize Jesus' fulfillment of the Messianic promises: "concerning His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." Messianic Expectations and Beliefs In contemporary terms, "Messianic" often refers to Jewish believers in Jesus who maintain their Jewish identity while accepting Him as the Messiah. This movement, known as Messianic Judaism, seeks to reconcile Jewish traditions with the belief in Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The Messianic hope remains a central theme in Christian eschatology, with the expectation of Jesus' second coming to fully establish His kingdom on earth, as anticipated in passages like Revelation 19:11-16, where He is depicted as the victorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Of or relating to the Messiah; as, the Messianic office or character.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia EXPECTATION, MESSIANICmes-i-an'-ik. Greek 1694. Emmanouel -- "God with us," Immanuel, a name of Christ ... Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Emmanouel Phonetic Spelling: (em-man-oo-ale') Short Definition: Emmanuel Definition: Emmanuel, a Messianic title derived ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1694.htm - 6k 605. apokatastasis -- restoration 1357. diorthosis -- a correction, a reform 165. aion -- a space of time, an age 3824. paliggenesia -- regeneration, renewal Strong's Hebrew 7886. Shiloh -- perhaps "he whose it is," a Messianic title... 7885, 7886. Shiloh. 7887 . perhaps "he whose it is," a Messianic title. Transliteration: Shiloh Phonetic Spelling: (shee-lo') Short Definition: Shiloh. ... /hebrew/7886.htm - 6k Library Messianic Predictions in the Prophets. The Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch. The Messianic Call Messianic Discussion with John the Baptist. Appendix xiv. The Law in Messianic Times. Figurative Style of Certain Messianic Prophecies in the Psalms ... Messianic Claims Met by Attempt to Stone Jesus. The Disciples Prohibited to Reveal Christ's Messianic Dignity. ... The Doctrine of the Resurrection the Body Will Rise Again. ... Christ the Deliverer. Thesaurus Messianic... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Of or relating to the Messiah; as, the Messianic office or character. Int. ... EXPECTATION, MESSIANIC. mes-i-an'-ik. ... /m/messianic.htm - 6k Immanuel (3 Occurrences) Messiah (9 Occurrences) Zealot (4 Occurrences) Nathan (42 Occurrences) Gog (12 Occurrences) False. Restoration (4 Occurrences) Christs (2 Occurrences) Canaanite (74 Occurrences) Resources How can I identify messianic prophecies in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Messianic Judaism? | GotQuestions.org What is the Messianic Secret? | GotQuestions.org Messianic: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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