5.1.8

Role of the Messiah

Test yourself

Messiah

The belief in a Messiah is 1 of the 13 principles of Jewish belief taken from Maimonides (a medieval Jewish philosopher).

Illustrative background for The word 'Messiah'Illustrative background for The word 'Messiah' ?? "content

The word 'Messiah'

  • The word ‘Messiah’ means anointed one.
  • In history, kings were coronated with oil poured on them - they were anointed.
Illustrative background for Characteristics of the MessiahIllustrative background for Characteristics of the Messiah ?? "content

Characteristics of the Messiah

  • Jews believe the Messiah will have certain characteristics.
  • He will be a direct descendant of King David and will be blessed by God and have success in all that he does, including gathering all Jews to the Land of Israel.
  • Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah as they believe that he did not fulfil the prophecies of the Hebrew Bible (for example, Isaiah 53).
Illustrative background for The time of the MessiahIllustrative background for The time of the Messiah ?? "content

The time of the Messiah

  • The time that the Messiah is ruling is known as the Messianic Age.
  • The Prophet Micah said, “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
Illustrative background for Reform JewsIllustrative background for Reform Jews ?? "content

Reform Jews

  • Many reform Jews reject the idea of a leader or future king as well rejecting the idea of Jews returning on mass to an ancient homeland.
  • For reform Jews, the teachings about the Messiah and messianic age refer to humanity learning to live in peace with each other.
Illustrative background for HistoryIllustrative background for History ?? "content

History

  • Belief in the Messiah has helped Jews live through some very difficult times in their history, always believing that things will get better and that ultimately there will be peace and harmony in the world.

Characteristics of the Messiah

Jews believe the Messiah is a future king who has certain characteristics:

Illustrative background for Descendent of King DavidIllustrative background for Descendent of King David ?? "content

Descendent of King David

  • He will be a direct descendent of King David and will rule the Jewish people from Jerusalem.
  • After he dies his son will rule after him.
Illustrative background for Deeply religious pious JewIllustrative background for Deeply religious pious Jew ?? "content

Deeply religious pious Jew

  • He is a deeply religious pious Jew who will bring about world peace, rebuild the Temple and gather all Jews to the Land of Israel.
Illustrative background for Blessed by GodIllustrative background for Blessed by God ?? "content

Blessed by God

  • He will be blessed by God and have success in all that he does.
Illustrative background for Not a GodIllustrative background for Not a God ?? "content

Not a God

  • He is not a God or the son of a God.

Jump to other topics

1Buddhism

2Christianity

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson