Messiah - Judaism

Question 1

Give three sources of authority for the Messiah

Answer 1

One of Maimonides’ 13 principles of faith
“I will raise up from the line of David a righteous branch”
“the wolf will live with the lamb”
“Nation will not take up sword against nation”

Question 2

Why might belief in the Messiah be considered important for Jews?

Answer 2

It has been a source of hope - helped the group persist through difficulty in the strength that things will get better - there will be peace

Question 3

What do Jews mean by ‘Messiah’? (2 marks)

Answer 3

Jews see the messiah as the ‘anointed one’.
The messiah’s arrival (as a man or simply an age) will mark a time of peace - a messianic age.

Question 4

Describe Jewish beliefs about the Messiah (5 marks)

Answer 4

Messiah means ‘anointed one’.
Belief in the messiah is one of Maimonides’ 13 principles of faith.
Orthodox Jews believe the messiah will be a single man descended from King David - “I will raise for David a righteous branch” (the Tenakh).
They believe that the Messiah will bring a messianic age — a time of peace in which, according to the Tenakh, “Nation will not take up sword against nation.”
They also say that he will rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and restore all Jews, including the deceased, to Israel through resurrection.

Question 5

Explain different Jewish beliefs about the Messiah (8 marks)

Answer 5

Messiah means ‘anointed one’; belief in the messiah is one of Maimonides’ 13 principles of faith. Different beliefs occur as Jews do not believe the messiah has yet come.
Orthodox Jews:
* Single man descended from David - “I will raise for David a righteous branch”
* He will rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and restore all Jews, including the dead (via resurrection), to Israel
* His arrival will bring about a time of peace - “nation will not take up sword against nation” - a messianic age

Reform Jews:
* Messiah is not a man but simply a messianic age alone
* Can reach messianic age through collaboration - the good actions of the community
* This will bring about a time of peace where “the wolf will live with the lamb”
* They interpret the Tenakh and thus suggest that the rebuilding of the temple is simply a metaphor for peace