Messiah
Throughout history, Israel has been ruled by various leaders. Most Jews today believe that God will one day directly intervene in this leadership through a MessiahThe promised deliverer of the Hebrew nation at the end of times.. The word Messiah means ‘anointed one’ and originates from the times of the kings of Israel, who used to be anointTo rub water or oil on a person as a ceremony of blessing. Typically an honour reserved for royalty. .
The purpose of the Messiah
Jews believe that when the Messiah comes he will do the following:
- rebuild the Temple (Judaism)The central place of Jewish worship in Jerusalem from biblical times until AD70. in JerusalemThe capital city of Israel when Jesus was alive. The city where he was crucified, buried and rose again.
- bring a The Messianic AgeThe Jewish belief in a new era of peace brought in by the Messiah., in which all people will live in peace
- bring an awareness of God to all people
Characteristics of the Messiah
The book of Jeremiah states that the Messiah will be a great leader and will descend from King David (Judaism)The second monarch of the Israelite tribes and the father of Solomon. A very important figure in Judaism and Christianity. .
The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch, a king who will reign wisely.
The book of Isaiah states that the Messiah will be a political leader and judge. He will create a fair and just government in Israel, which will become a centre for politics worldwide.
The Messianic age
The Messianic age is often referred to by Jews as olam ha-baThe Hebrew name for the spiritual afterlife. It is also used to describe the Messianic age., meaning ‘the world to come’. Many Jews believe this will be a time of peace with a total absence of war and hatred. During the Messianic age, God will be accepted by everyone and Judaism will be known as the one true religion.
Different interpretations of Orthodox Jews and Reform Jews
As is the case for many teachings in Judaism, there are different ideas among Jews regarding the Messiah and the Messianic age.
| Orthodox Jews | Reform Jews |
| The Messianic age will only begin once the Messiah has come to Earth. | The Messianic age can be brought about by all humans joining together to create a better world. It will not necessarily be started by one man. |
| Orthodox Jews | The Messianic age will only begin once the Messiah has come to Earth. |
|---|---|
| Reform Jews | The Messianic age can be brought about by all humans joining together to create a better world. It will not necessarily be started by one man. |