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Key beliefs in JudaismThe Messiah

Judaism is a monotheistic religion, which means that Jews believe there is only one God. According to Jewish belief and the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, God existed before creation, and Jews have a special relationship with God because of covenants they have made with him, which began with God鈥檚 promise to Abraham.

Part of Religious StudiesJudaism

The Messiah

The word Messiah comes from the Hebrew word mashiach, which means 鈥榓nointed one鈥 or someone who is chosen to rule. Jews believe that the Messiah will come to Earth to bring a time of perfect peace and called the .

Qualities of the Messiah

According to the , the Messiah will be:

  • a male descendant of the Jewish King David
  • human - he will have a human birth and human parents
  • a perfect teacher of God鈥檚 law
  • a great political leader - inspirational and a good judge
  • able to rebuild the
  • ruler over humanity - but he will rule with kindness
  • the bringer of peace to the world
  • able to unite humanity
Image caption,
The Wailing Wall or Western wall is the last remnant of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem

Ultimately, it is believed that the Messiah will establish God鈥檚 kingdom on Earth.

When will the Messiah appear?

Some Jews believe that God has already decided when the Messiah will appear on Earth but that the exact date is unknown to humans.

Others agree that the Messiah will come to Earth but only when humans have proved themselves to be worthy of him by improving their actions and behaviour.

A few think that he will appear when humanity is most in need.

The Torah advises Jews that the will appear on Earth just before the Messiah arrives and that the dead will rise from their graves.

Disputes about the Messiah

Some reject the idea of a Messiah as an actual person. They do not believe that the leadership of one person is required to achieve a Messianic Age. Instead, Reform Jews believe that ordinary people have the power to bring about a peaceful and prosperous age by carrying out good actions.

The Messianic Age

During this time, people will live in peace, all Jews will return to Israel and all people will turn to the Jewish god as the one true God.

Food and water will be plentiful, crops will grow with high yields and animals will not prey on each other.

Question

Who will the Messiah be a descendant of?