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 prosperityBeing successful or thriving, particularly with regard to finance. called the The Messianic AgeThe Jewish belief in a new era of peace brought in by the Messiah..
Qualities of the Messiah
According to the TorahLaw; teaching. The word Torah can be used in a narrow sense to mean the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (The Five Books of Moses) and also in a wider sense to include the whole of the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud., 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 Temple (Judaism)The central place of Jewish worship in Jerusalem from biblical times until AD70.
- ruler over humanity - but he will rule with kindness
- the bringer of peace to the world
- able to unite humanity
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 ElijahA Hebrew prophet who rescued the Jewish faith from being corrupted by worship of the false god Baal. Many Jews believe that Elijah will return to Earth before the coming of the Messiah. will appear on Earth just before the Messiah arrives and that the dead will rise from their graves.
Disputes about the Messiah
Some Reform JewsJews who have adapted their laws and practices as modern life has changed. 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?
King David.