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Discover the historical, social, and scriptural factors that led to the heightened Messianic expectation among first-century Jews. Understand the Old Testament prophecies that fed into this anticipation and the significance of their specific hopes.

The Messianic anticipation that characterized the Jewish milieu of the first century C.E. is a subject of intense focus in biblical studies. The atmosphere was rife with a blend of anxiety, hope, and religious fervor, largely driven by Old Testament prophecies and current sociopolitical landscapes. This article aims to delve deeply into the question: “What basis did first-century Jews have for being in expectation of the Messiah?”

The Role of Prophecy

The Davidic Covenant

The prophecy in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 and its parallel in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 establish the Davidic Covenant, promising that a descendant of David would establish a kingdom that would last forever. This promise directly fueled Messianic expectations among the Jews. While King David had many successors, the decline and eventual destruction of the Jewish monarchy heightened the longing for a Davidic ruler who would fulfill this ancient covenant.

Isaiah’s Prophecies

Isaiah is a goldmine for Messianic predictions. Chapters 9 and 11 describe a figure from the line of David who will rule with wisdom, justice, and righteousness. Particularly, the “Suffering Servant” in Isaiah 53 was interpreted by many as referring to the future Messiah, who would bear the iniquities of the people.

Daniel’s Seventy Weeks

The prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27 was likely the most mathematically precise of all Messianic expectations. This prophecy essentially lays out a timeline for the appearance of the “Anointed One” or Messiah. The anticipation for a deliverer grew more intense as the calculation for the seventy weeks drew near its culmination.

The Uncertainty About Daniel’s 70 Weeks

The prophecy of the 70 weeks in Daniel had various interpretations at the time. Even though the 70 weeks were not understood uniformly, they remained a topic of great interest, contributing to the general sense of anticipation. This could be a point to discuss how the exact timing of prophecies can often be misunderstood, but the overall message remains relevant.

Absence of 70 Weeks in New Testament Writings

None of the Gospel writers connected the coming of Jesus with Daniel’s prophecy of the 70 weeks, which suggests that the early Christians did not see it as definitive proof of Jesus’ Messiahship. However, they did point out other prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, affirming His role nonetheless.

Sociopolitical Context

Roman Occupation

The Roman occupation intensified the Jews’ yearning for deliverance and strengthened their belief in the coming of a political and military Messiah who would liberate them. The occupation brought about a sense of urgency and immediate expectancy among the Jewish population.

Sectarian Movements

Various Jewish groups, such as the Pharisees and Essenes, held nuanced views on the Messiah. The Pharisees, for instance, believed in the resurrection and the coming of the Messiah who would honor the Law, while the Essenes expected two Messiahs, one priestly and another royal. These diversified views contributed to a rich tapestry of Messianic expectations.

Cultural Interpretation and Extra-Biblical Texts

Rabbinic Literature

Messianic expectations were not confined to the biblical texts alone; they were also vividly portrayed in extra-biblical Jewish literature. The Babylonian Talmud, for example, anticipates a Messianic age, which brought hope amidst adversity. Although these texts were compiled later, they reflect early traditions and perceptions about the Messiah.

The Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls, particularly the Community Rule and the War Scroll, reveal various Messianic conceptions that were prevalent during this period. While these are not canonical texts, they provide valuable historical insights into the complexity and diversity of first-century Messianic beliefs.

The Role of John the Baptizer

John the Baptizer prepared the way for Jesus by baptizing people for repentance and pointing them toward the coming Messiah. This heightened the expectation among the Jewish populace, as people began to question whether John himself might be the Christ. We could delve into how John acted as a precursor to the Messiah, much like the Old Testament prophets, setting the stage for Jesus’ public ministry.

The Shepherds as Early Evangelists

The shepherds didn’t keep the angelic announcement to themselves but became early evangelists. They spread the news to many people, stoking anticipation. Discuss the contrast between their humble occupations and the extraordinary message they carried, underscoring how God often uses the ‘lowly’ for grand purposes.

The Prophetess Anna

Anna was another figure who contributed to the Messianic expectation. A devoted servant of God, she publicly gave thanks for the child and spoke about Jesus to those who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Her role highlights how the Messianic hope was not confined to any single social or gender group but was a collective expectation.

Astrologers from the East

These non-Jewish figures came seeking the “king of the Jews,” showing that Messianic expectation extended even beyond the boundaries of Israel. Their journey symbolizes the universal hope and impact of the Messiah.

The Essenes and Other Interpretations

You could mention that while the Essenes had their own unique views, their reclusive lifestyle meant that their interpretations were not likely to have influenced the broader Jewish understanding. This serves to show that despite the lack of consensus on Daniel’s prophecy, the Messianic expectation remained high.

Conclusion

The first-century Jews had a multi-faceted basis for their Messianic expectations. Rooted deeply in the prophecies of the Old Testament and fueled by the sociopolitical turmoil of the time, these anticipations were complex and varied. They were also influenced by cultural and sectarian interpretations that added more layers to their expectations.

It’s important to appreciate the depth of this anticipation to fully understand the impact of the Messianic claims of Jesus Christ. For those who accepted him as the Messiah, he fulfilled not only the letter but the spirit of the Messianic prophecies. For others, he was a stumbling block, as their expectations were not met in the manner they had envisioned. Nevertheless, the Messianic expectations of the first-century Jews were grounded in a tapestry of scriptural, historical, and cultural threads, woven together over many centuries.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).