The Role of the Messiah in Jewish Scripture and Deification

The concept of the Messiah in Jewish scripture is rich and multifaceted, encompassing a figure who will bring about world peace, restore the Davidic throne, and return all the Jewish people to the land of Israel. This article explores how the Messiah is portrayed in Jewish scripture, particularly in terms of his role as a prophet and his relationship with God.

The Messiah in Jewish Scripture

According to the Jewish scripture, the Messiah is not to be deified; rather, he is a prophet chosen to lead the Jewish people to peace and fulfillment. The scripture makes it clear that a man cannot be a God, as explicitly stated in the first commandment prohibiting the worship of any other gods (Exodus 20:3).

The Jewish scripture teaches that God has spoken to the fathers through the prophets at various times and ways. In the end, God has spoken through His Son, who is the radiance of His glory, the very image of His substance (Hebrews 1:3).

References to the Messiah in Jewish Scriptures

The Jewish scriptures contain numerous references to the Messiah, often referred to as the "son of Joseph" or the "son of David." One such reference is found in 2 Samuel 7:4-17, where Nathan prophesies to King David about his descendants who will inherit the Promised Land and uphold the covenant.

The Messiah is also described as the one who will usher in a time of peace and establish eternal kingship over the earth. He is presented as the one who will lead the nation of Israel to fulfill the promises of the Davidic covenant. The prophecy in Psalm 2:7 ("You are my Son. Today I have become your Father") speaks of a unique relationship between God and the Messiah, distinct from that with the angels (Hebrews 1:5).

Deification and the Messiah

The concept of deification, or the belief that the Messiah or any human could become divine, is not consistent with the Jewish understanding of the scripture. The passage in Hebrews 1:6-9 emphasizes that the Messiah does not have the status of the angels, and instead, is anointed with divine oil, indicating a special but not deified role.

The passage in Hebrews 1:13-14 (or WMBBE in the provided reference) stresses that God, and not the angels, has inherited the better name of "My Son." The Messiah's unique position at God's right hand signifies His role as the chosen one, not as a deity.

Moreover, the Jewish scriptures emphasize that no angel has been told to sit at the right hand of God, further distinguishing the Messiah from any divine status. Instead, the role of the Messiah is described as one of service, guiding and leading the people of Israel towards righteousness and salvation.

Conclusion

The Jewish scripture provides a clear and consistent portrayal of the Messiah as a figure who is a prophet and leader, not a deified god. While some passages may seem to suggest a near-deific status, such as the Psalm 2:7 reference, the overall message is one of a human chosen by God to fulfill specific roles and fulfill the promises of the Davidic covenant. This understanding of the Messiah is central to Jewish theology and practice.