“Prophets of the Old Testament: Foretelling the Coming of the Messiah”

“Prophets of the Old Testament: Foretelling the Coming of the Messiah”

by Neil McBride

Prophets of the Old Testament: Foretelling the Coming of the Messiah

The Old Testament is a treasure trove of profound prophecies illuminating the path to the coming of the Messiah, embodied in Jesus Christ. These messages, delivered by the Divine’s chosen prophets, act as a guiding light of hope and assurance, promising salvation and deliverance. They hint at the arrival of a Saviour destined to redeem humanity through a journey filled with suffering, death, and eventual resurrection. The anticipation of this pivotal event reverberates from the earliest texts of the Bible to the concluding chapters of the Hebrew Scriptures, weaving a consistent tapestry of prophetic insight. From the beginning of the biblical narrative, the promise of a Messiah shaped the faith and hope of God’s people, giving them a future to look toward, even in times of deep suffering and uncertainty.

The Role of the Prophet in the Old Testament

In the context of the Old Testament, prophets held a sacred role as God’s communicators. They were the voices that echoed divine will, providing warnings, comfort, and direction to the people. Prophets were not only foretellers of future events but also spokespeople for God, calling people to repentance, justice, and faithfulness. They acted as intermediaries between God and the people of Israel, often delivering messages of hope for the faithful while issuing stern rebukes for those living in sin.

While much of their discourse addressed Israel’s immediate crises, their prophecies also vividly painted a future where a Messiah would triumph over sin and extend everlasting salvation to all. These future-oriented messages were particularly important in times of crisis, when the people of Israel faced exile, oppression, or despair. The prophets assured them that despite their suffering, a saviour was coming who would fulfil God’s promises.

An intriguing feature of prophetic utterance was its rich symbolism, colourful imagery, and sometimes elusive language. These characteristics were particularly pronounced in Messianic prophecies. While many of these predictions may have seemed obscure to the original audience, their meanings gradually unfolded over time, especially through the lens of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, and transformative impact. The fulfilment of these prophecies in Christ offers a profound testimony to the ongoing revelation of God’s plan of salvation throughout history.

Early Messianic Prophecies

One of the earliest hints of the Messiah emerges in Genesis, where God addresses the serpent after the fall of Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:15 introduces us to the concept of the “Protoevangelium” — the first proclamation of the Gospel — as God promises that the woman’s seed will crush the serpent’s head. This promise foreshadows Christ’s ultimate victory over evil forces, encapsulating the hope of redemption even in humanity’s darkest hour. Despite the serpent’s temporary triumph, God declares that the battle will be won through the “seed” of the woman — a clear reference to Jesus Christ, who would come as the offspring of a woman, to destroy the works of the devil and restore humanity’s relationship with God.

This early promise of redemption sets the tone for the rest of Scripture, with each successive prophecy building on the foundation of this initial declaration. As the narrative of Israel unfolds, the scriptures unveil increasingly detailed prophecies concerning the Messiah, offering solace and encouragement to those grappling with sin, oppression, and exile. These promises are a constant reminder that God’s plan for salvation was not contingent upon the momentary circumstances of Israel, but rather on His eternal, unchanging covenant.

The Prophecies of Isaiah

Isaiah is perhaps the most renowned prophet among those foretelling the coming Messiah. His evocative imagery and profound spiritual insight culminate in the depiction of a “suffering servant” in Isaiah 53, an extraordinary prediction of Christ’s role. Isaiah poignantly describes a figure who would be despised and rejected, bearing the burdens of sin and suffering. The lines resonate with deep spiritual significance:

“But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

The punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

This prophetic vision not only anticipates the agony of Jesus’ crucifixion but also underscores the profound love and sacrifice that underpin the message of salvation. The servant’s suffering is not a random or meaningless tragedy, but a deliberate and redemptive act. He suffers for the sake of others, bringing healing and peace through His wounds. This passage speaks directly to the heart of the Christian understanding of Christ’s sacrificial death: He took on the punishment we deserved so that we might receive the peace that He alone can offer.

Moreover, Isaiah foretells the miraculous birth of the Messiah, famously proclaiming in Isaiah 7:14 that a virgin will conceive and give birth to a son named Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This prophecy finds fulfilment in the nativity narratives recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, connecting the dots between the Old and New Testaments. The concept of “God with us” speaks to the heart of the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation — that God Himself took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, living among us and ultimately giving His life for us.

The Prophecies of Micah

Micah, in his succinct yet impactful book, contributes a vital Messianic prophecy found in Micah 5:2. He proclaims that the Messiah will emerge from humble Bethlehem:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

Though you are small among the clans of Judah,

Out of you will come for me

One who will be ruler over Israel,

Whose origins are from of old,

From ancient times.” (Micah 5:2)

This promise is realised when Jesus is born in Bethlehem, solidifying the intricate link between the prophetic words of the past and the unfolding narrative of the New Testament. It is striking that Micah prophesied that the Messiah would come from the humble town of Bethlehem, which was relatively insignificant in the eyes of many. This detail highlights the theme throughout Scripture: God’s ways often differ from human expectations. The Messiah would not come in grandeur and power, but rather in humility, born in a place that seemed to hold little promise.

This prophecy was later echoed in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth, where the Messiah’s humble origins are emphasised. This reinforces the paradox of the Kingdom of God, which turns the world’s values upside down.

The Prophecies of Zechariah

Zechariah, a prophet from the post-exilic era, enriches the Messianic prophecies with his declaration in Zechariah 9:9:

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

Righteous and victorious,

Lowly and riding on a donkey,

On a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

This striking portrayal is fulfilled during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a moment full of significance as He rides in not on a warhorse, but symbolically on a donkey, embodying humility and peace rather than militaristic dominance. The people of Jerusalem were expecting a Messiah who would deliver them from Roman oppression. Still, Jesus came as a humble king, not through the might of military conquest but through the power of love and sacrifice. His entrance on a donkey fulfils Zechariah’s vision and is symbolic of the peace He offers, surpassing the temporal peace that Israel sought.

The Messiah’s Role in the Old Testament

The Old Testament sketches multiple facets of the Messiah’s role: as a king, a servant, a shepherd, and a prophet. The Messianic prophecies consistently allude to a figure designated to restore Israel, bring peace, and establish God’s Kingdom on Earth. Most compelling, however, is the portrayal of the Messiah as a saviour who bears the weight of humanity’s transgressions. As Isaiah poignantly articulates, the Messiah would be “pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5), demonstrating that His suffering and sacrifice were paramount to reconciling humanity with God.

The Messiah’s role extends beyond political or military leadership; He is to be a servant who suffers for the sake of others, a shepherd who guides His flock, and a king who establishes an eternal kingdom of peace. His work is not merely the restoration of Israel but the restoration of all of creation to its intended state of peace and harmony with God.

Conclusion: The Fulfilment in Christ

When we examine Old Testament prophecies in the light of the New Testament, we are struck by Jesus Christ’s meticulous fulfilment. From His humble beginnings in Bethlehem to His sacrificial death on the cross, each prophecy unfolds as a testament to God’s unwavering promise to His people. Jesus’ life and work offer the clearest and most complete revelation of God’s nature, His love for humanity, and His plan for salvation.

For Christians, these prophecies are not merely historical footnotes; they are vibrant affirmations of faith that offer insights into the character of God, the depth of human need, and the transformative power of love and sacrifice. The threads of prophecy intricately woven throughout the Old Testament culminate in the person of Christ, inviting believers to embrace the hope and salvation He extends to all. These prophecies affirm that God’s promises are sure, His plan is unfolding, and the Messiah has come, bringing the gift of eternal life with Him.

“Prophets of the Old Testament: Foretelling the Coming of the Messiah”

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)