Messianic Prophecy: 400+ Reliable and not Exaustive List (Part 2:2)
Rabbinic Jewish Recognized Messianic Prophecies
Selected Jewish Prophecies that focus on “King Messiah” and his Servant to the people relationship as King Solomon described in (1 Kings 3:4-9; 2 Chr 1:7-10) and Rabbi Yeshua described in (Matt 20:25-28, 23:11-12; Mark 10:42-45; John 13:12-17).
These references were selected for straight forwardness and approachability for Western Christians learning what the Jewish way of thinking is like. This list is not exhaustive by far. Focusing on the phrase “King Messiah” aids to define the common grounds with Judaism and Christianity, both are looking forward to the coming of Messiah Son of David the King. In Modern Judaism, the idea of “King Messiah” is not well understood, yet the Ancient Rabbis who know much, also wrote much that we can learn from today about the Messiah as King and his kingly duties, roles, and identification.
Basic Function, Nuts and Bolts: This table is presenting ... Have fun!
| # | Primary Reference | Rabbi’s Notes on Messianic Prophecy | New Covenant Reference |
| 1 | Gen 1:2 (with Is 11:2, Lam 2:19) | The expression, “Spirit of God,” (Gen 1:2) is explained as “the Spirit of the King Messiah” (Is 11:2). In the phrase “moving on the face of the deep,” the deep waters represent repentance (Lam 2:19). (Mishnah 2, Mishnah 8, and Midrash Leviticus 14). | Matt 23:31-39; Luke 19:41-44 |
| 2 | Gen 5:1 | King Messiah will not come till all souls predestined for it have appeared in human bodies on earth. (Gen 5:1 in Midrash 24). | Rom 11:25b |
| 3 | Ex 19:25 | The Rabbis teach if Israel kept just one Sabbath according to the commandment, the Messiah would immediately come (Ex 19:25 in Jerusalem Targum 64a). | Matt 23:39; John 14:23 |
| 4 | Ex 40:9, 40:11 | The anointing oil used by Aaron and Levites in the Tabernacle anointing is appropriate to use on the King Messiah. (Ex 40:9, 40:11 in Targum Pseudo-Jon). | Mark 14:3b, 14:8 |
| 5 | Lev 23:40 | “Whatever time of year the Messiah was to appear, the Jews were to greet and hail Him by taking of the Lulav (Lev 23:40 – Palm, Willow, Myrtle and good fruits) clusters and singing Hosannas [Save Now] to him as the Holy One of Israel.” (Midrash Peskita de Rabbi Kahana 27:3). | Willow Matt 21:8; Myrtle Mark 11:8; Good fruits Luke 19:35-36; Palm John 12:12-13 |
| 6 | Num 11:26 | The prophecy of Eldad and Medad is said to foreshadow the latter days war against Jerusalem and shows the defeat of Gog and Magog by the Messiah. (Num 11:26 in Jerusalem Targum). | Rev 20:7-9 |
| 7 | Num 24:17a Rambam’s explanation | Rambam explains: “I see him but not now,” this refers to David; “I behold him but not nigh” this refers to King Messiah; “A star shall step forth out of Jacob,” this refers to King David; “and a scepter shall rise out of Israel,” this refers to King Messiah. (Mishne Torah [Second Torah] written by RamBam – Hilchot Melachim, c. 11-12). | King David fulfilled 1 Chr 18:2; Messiah fulfilled Is 49:6; Ps 45:6; Luke 2:32; Acts 26:23; Rev 11:15 |
| 8 | Num 24:17b | Balaam’s prophecies about “the Star from Jacob” and “the Septre from Israel” (Num 24:17) crushing Moab refers to Messiah. (Num 24:17 in Targum Onkelos, Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, Midrash Deuteronomy 1, and Midrash Lamentations 2:2). | Historically fulfilled 1 Chr 18:2; Prophecy still Rev 20:7-9 |
| 9 | Deut 30:3-5 Rambam’s explanation | Rambam explains: “King Messiah will arise in the future and will restore the kingship of David to its ancient condition, to rule as it was at first. And he will rebuild the Temple and gather the exiled of Israel. And in his days all the laws will return as they were in the past. Israel will offer up sacrifices, and will observe the Sabbatical years and the jubilee years with regard to all the commandments stated in the Torah. And he who does not believe in Messiah, or he who does not await Messiah’s coming, denies not only the prophets, but also the Torah and Moses our Master. For, behold, the Torah testifies about the Messiah as it is written in (Deut 30:3-5). (Mishne Torah [Second Torah] written by RamBam – Hilchot Melachim, c. 11-12). | Mic 4:1-2; Isaiah 2:2-4; 42:21; Luke 24:44; Rev 21:22, 21:24-27 |
| 10 | Deut 33:5 | The King who the 12 Tribes will obey is the King Messiah. (Deut 33:5 in Jerusalem Targum). | Matt 1:17; Luke 1:32-33 |
| 11 | Deut 33:5 | Jeshrun refers to King Messiah whom all twelve tribes will obey. “All will ascribe allegiance.” (Deut 33:5 in Jerusalem Targum). | Rev 21:14 |
| 12 | Is 9:7 (with Num 6:26) | The promise of peace in the Aaronic Blessing (Num 6:26) is referred to as the peace of the Kingdom of David. Linked to (Is 9:7), “of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” (Is 9:7 in Siphré on Numbers Parasha 42: Num 30:1-32:42). | John 14:27; Rev 21:22-27, 22:1-5 |
| 13 | Is 32:20 (with Zech 9:9) | The first clause applies to the study of Torah. The second clause applies to the two Messiahs. The first Messiah son of Joseph, is likened to the ox, and the second Messiah son of David to the donkey, with reference to Zech 9:9 in Tanchuma, Parasha 1). | Messiah as an Ox - Matt 21:12; John 2:15; Rev 19:14 Messiah as a donkey - Matt 21:1-9; John 13:1-5; Messiah as both beast of burden and humble combined - Matt 21:12-15 |
| 14 | Is 53:4c | The Messiah bears the name of “Leprous” or “Leper Scholar” as it says, “smitten by God” (Is 53:4). (Talmud Sanhedrin 98b on Isaiah 53). | Mark 1:40-44, 2:15-17; Luke 5:12-14 |
| 15 | Is 59:15 | The Messiah will come to destroy the nations and establish his rule of the earth for 1,000 years of peace when this is happening. When people are behaving: people who fear sin are abhorred, truth will fail, children will rebel against parents, general distance from Torah or lawlessness abounds, the teachings of the Sadducees will universally prevail (there is no resurrection of the dead). Also the study of Torah will decrease, increase in global poverty and despair, apostasy increases, and a growing disregard for the Scriptures. Then the Messiah will come and establish his Kingdom. (Multiple references in Talmud Sanhedrin 96b to 99a). | Parallels for each example: Rom 1:32; 2 Thes 2:10; 2 Tim 3:2c; Matt 13:40; 1 John 3:3-5; 1 Cor 15:12-14; 1 John 2:3-6; Rev 6:8, 6:15-17; 2 Thes 2:3; Dan 11:36; Rev 13:5 |
| 16 | Is 60:21 (with Is 48:11, 59:16) | Rabbi Johanan also said: The son of David will come only in a generation that is either altogether righteous or altogether wicked. Either “in a generation that is altogether righteous,” – as it is written, “Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever” (Is 60:21). Or “altogether wicked” - as it is written, “and he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor” (Is 59:16). For it is also written, “For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it” (Is 48:11). (Is 60:21 in Talmud Sanhedrin Folio 98a). | Matt 24:21-22 |
| 17 | Eze 11:19 | In Messianic days, a great spiritual change will take place. The evil desire will be taken out of the heart (Eze 11:19 in Midrash Deuteronomy 6). | Rom 8:3 with Ex 36:26; Acts 13:38-41; Rom 8:3-4; Gal 2:16; Heb 7:11-12, 7:18-19; in light of this idea consider Rom 10:1-11 |
| 18 | Joel 3:18c | Implying the Messiah will cause a fountain to miraculously to spring up, just as Moses did in the wilderness (Joel 3:18c in Midrash Eccl 1:9). | John 4:10, 4:15, 7:38-39 |
| 19 | Zech 3:8 | The name Semech [Branch] is applied to King Messiah. (Zech 3:8 in Targum). | Matt 1:20 |
| 20 | Zech 3:10 | In context of describing the future time of universal peace under the Messianic Kingdom rein. (Zech 3:10 in Midrash Ps 122). | John 1:48-51, 3:13 |
| 21 | Mal 3:3 Rambam’s explanation (with Ezra 2:63) | Rambam explains: In the days of King Messiah, when his kingdom is established and all Israel are gathered into it, the descent from all Israel will be confirmed by him through the Holy Spirit which will rest upon him, as it is written, And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver (Mal. 3:3). First he will purify the children of Levi and will clarify, “this one is of priestly descent, and this one is of Levitical descent.” And he will reject those who are not descended of Israel, as it written, “and the Governor said to them that they should not eat the most holy things till there stood up a priest with urim and thummin” (Ezra 2:63). From this you learn that the presumption of descent will be confirmed, and those with established descent will be announced by the Holy Spirit. And he will establish the descent not merely from Israel but between each tribal descendant. (Mishne Torah [Second Torah] written by RamBam – Hilchot Melachim, c. 12. sect. 3). | John 1:32; Rom 8:11, 8:16; 1 Cor 3:13 |
| 22 | Mal 4:5 (Heb Bible 3:23) | The forerunner of the Messiah, Elijah, is described in (Mal 4:5, Heb Bible 3:23, in Midrash Pirke de-Rabbi Eliezer c. c. 29, 40; Mishnah Deuteronomy 3; Midrash Song of Songs 1:1; Talmud repeatedly, Yalkut repeatedly, and Mishne Torah Hilkhot Melakhim 11-12). | Matt 17:10-13 |
| 23 | Ps 2:1 (with Ps 2) | Messiah is slain by Robbers (Satan) but this becomes his downfall and Messiah overcomes (Ps 2). Also commented; in the last days Gog and Magog will fight against the Messiah and be defeated. (Ps 2:1 in Talmud Berach. 7B, Talmud Abhod. Zarah 3b, and Midrash Psalms 2). | Mark 3:4-6, 14:41-42; John 12:30-32; Luke 6:7-11, 22:1-7, 24:7; Acts 2:23-24; 2 Cor 5:15; Rev 12:10-11 |
| 24 | Ps 2:2, 2:4 (with Ps 37:13) | “Against God, and His Messiah” (Ps 2:2), is likened to a robber (Satan) who stands defiantly behind the palace of the king, and says, If I shall find the son of the king, I shall lay hold on him, and crucify him, and kill him with a cruel death. But the Holy Spirit mocks at him, “He that sits in the heavens shall laugh” (Ps 2:4, 37:13). (Ps 92:11 Midrash Pirke de-Rabbi Eliezer c.28, Midrash Pirke de-Rabbi Eliezer c. 28, and Yalkut vol. ii. par. 620, p. 90a). | Mark 12:6-11; Luke 20:13-18; 1 Cor 15:20-26 |
| 25 | Ps 16:9 (with Is 4:5) | “My glory shall rejoice in the King Messiah, in the future whom shall come forth from me, upon all the glory a covering” (Is 4:5). Continuing, “also my flesh shall dwell in safety” teaching that death is not our final resting place in connection with King Messiah. (Is 4:5 and Ps 16:9 in Midrash Ps 16:9). | John 11:24-25; Acts 2:22-36, 13:34; 1 Cor 15:12-13, 15:16-22, 15:26 |
| 26 | Ps 21:1 (Heb Bible 21:2) (with Is 11:10) | The King in (Psalm 21:1) is King Messiah. (Targum Ps 21:1). This same King is linked to (Is 11:10), where Rabbi Chanina explains the objective of the Messiah. King Messiah is to give specific commandments to the Gentiles. This is in parallel contrast to Israel, who receives commands directly from God himself. (Midrash Ps 21:1). | John 14:6-11, 13:33-35; Matt 28:19a, 28:20a; Acts 15:5-11, 15:14-21 |
| 27 | Ps 21:3 (Heb Bible 21:4) | God will crown Messiah with His own crown. (Ps 21:3 in Midrash Exodus 8). | 1 Cor 15:24-28; Phil 2:9; Rev 21:22 |
| 28 | Ps 21:5 (Heb Bible 21:6) | The glory referenced in the first clause of this verse is of the King Messiah. The second clause is proof of its Messianic application. (Ps 21:5, Heb Bible 21:6, in Yalkut on Numbers 27:20, Midrash Ps 21:5). In addition, this passage is directly applied to the Messiah in (Midrash Genesis 15). | John 12:28; Phil 2:9 |
| 29 | Ps 80:17 (Heb Bible 80:18) | Rephrasing “the Son of Man” with “King Messiah”. (Targum on Ps 80:17, Heb Bible 80:18). | John 12:28-34 |
| 30 | Psalm 95:7c | If Israel did penitence only one day (or else properly observed even one Sabbath), the Messiah the Son of David would immediately come. Larger context reads God says this to Israel, “My son, open to Me a door of repentance even small as a needle’s eye, and I will open to you doors wide enough for carriages and wagons and I shall come in.” (Ps 95:7c in Midrash Exodus 25). | Rev 3:19 |
| 31 | Ps 110:2 (with Gen 38:18) | “The rod of Thy strength” has an interesting mystic interpretation linking histories. The pledges which Tamar took from Judah (Gen 38:18) was a leading from the Holy Spirit. Judah’s seal is interpreted as signifying the Kingdom of God, the bracelet as the Sanhedrin (the Jewish Court of Law), and the staff representing the King Messiah. (Ps 110:2 and Is 11 in Midrash Genesis 85). | Mal 3:3; Luke 3:16 |
| 32 | Ps 110:2 (with Gen 32:22, 38:18; Ex 4:17, Num 17:8, 1 Sam 17:40) | The staff of Aaron is said to have been in the hands of every king until the Temple was destroyed. Since then, it was hid and will be restored to King Messiah. (Midrash Numbers 18). The self-same staff was used by Jacob with which he crossed Jordan (Gen 32:22), the staff of Judah (Gen 38:18), and Moses’ staff of miracles (Ex 4:17), and Aaron’s budding staff (Num 17:8), and the young man David had this self-same staff in his hand when he slew Goliath (1 Sam 17:40). This very same staff will be restored to the Messiah. (Ps 110:2 in Yalkut on Psalm 110). | Rev 2:26-27 |
| 33 | Ps 110:7 | Applied in Messianic times. When streams of blood flow from the wicked, birds will come to drink that flood. (Ps 110:7 in Yalkut u. s. col. d). | Rev 19:17-18, 19:21 |
| 34 | Ps. 139:23-24, 139:26 (with Is 60:1-3) | Rabbinic Tradition says, in the hour when King Messiah comes, He will stand on the roof of the Temple and proclaim the hour of their deliverance has come. Those who believe will rejoice in the light that had risen upon them (Is 60:1), “Arise, shine, for thy light is come.” This light is for those who believe only (Is 60:2), “For darkness shall cover the earth.” In that same hour, God uses the light of the Messiah and of Israel to shine on all nations that they should walk in the light of Messiah and of Israel (Is 60:3), “The Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Ps. 139:23-24, 26 in Yalkut, vol. ii. Par. 359, p. 56 c.). | Luke 4:16-22, 19:41-48; John 10:26-28, 10:16; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8, 13:46-47 |
| 35 | Song of Songs 8:1 | “The King Messiah will be revealed to the congregation of Israel. And the children of Israel shall say to Him, “Come and be a brother to us, and let us go up to Jerusalem. And there we will together suck the meaning of Torah, as an infant its mother’s breast.” (Targum Song of Songs 8:1). | Matt 9:9-10; Mark 10:20-22; Luke 13:31-35; John 1:47-48; 14:2-3 |
| 36 | Song of Songs 8:1 | “I will take you, O King Messiah, and make you to go up into my Temple. There you shall teach me to tremble before Yahweh, and to walk in His ways. There we shall hold the Feast of Leviathan, and drink the old wine, which has been kept in its grapes from the day the world was created, and eat of the pomegranates and of the fruits which are prepared for the just in the Garden of Eden.” (Targum Song of Songs 8:1) A prominent tradition in Judaism is, Leviathan’s purpose is to be the main course in the feast of righteous at the Garden of Eden. (Talmud Baba Batra 75). | Matt 13:17, 13:52; Mark 10:17; Rev 19:9 |
| 37 | Ruth 2:14 (with Dan 12:11-12) | Rabbi Berachiah, in the name of Rabbi Levi says, the second Redeemer should be like the first (Ruth 2:14). As the first Redeemer (Moses) appeared, and disappeared, and reappeared after three months, so the second Redeemer would also appear, and disappear, and again become manifest (Dan 12:11-12). (Ruth 2:14 in Midrash Ruth 5). | Acts 1:9-11 |
| 38 | Dan 7:13 | If Israel behaved in a worthy manner, the Messiah would come in the clouds of heaven (in glory and power); if otherwise, Messiah will come humble, and riding upon a donkey colt. (Dan 7:13 in Talmud Sanhedrin 98a). | Donkey: Matt 21:2-7. Clouds: Matt 24:30-31, 26:63-64; 1 Thes 4:16-17; Rev 1:7 |
| 39 | Dan 9 (with Ps 90:4) | Rabbi Pastor Leopold Cohen reads in (Daniel 9) that Messiah will come before the destruction of the second temple. In Talmud, Rabbi Katinait interprets “for a thousand years is like yesterday in your sight when it passes by” (Ps 90:4), as the earth having existing only 6,000 years. Talmud explains 2,000 years under chaos and 2,000 years under Torah of Moses and 2,000 years under the Messiah. Then the Shabbat Millennium 1,000 years of peace. Then comes the war of God and Magog, and the Messiah will renew the world after 7,000 years. (Dan 9 in Talmud Sanhedrin 96b and 99a, and Yalkut vol. 2, p 129d). | Rev 20:2-10, 22:1-3 |
| 40 | Dan 7:9 | Rabbi Akiba explains one throne is set for God, and the other throne for the Messiah. (Dan 7:9 in Talmud Chagigah 14a). | Mark 14:62; Acts 7:55-56; Heb 1:3, 12:2; Rev 21:22 |
Translating the Short hand Hebrew to Long hand English
| Ber. A or Ber. B = Talmud |
| Ber. #.# = Mishnah |
| Ber. R. = Midrash. |
| Deb. = Deuteronomy |
| Book R. or Book Rabbah = Midrash |
| Pirqué de R. Eliez. = Midrash Pirke de-Rabbi Eliezer |
| Chag. = Talmud Chagigahib |
The Hebrew Names for Bible Book names are replaced with common English Bible Book Names.
| Beresh. = Genesis |
| Shemoth = Exodus |
| Vayik. = Leviticus |
| Bamid. = Numbers |
| Dvar. = Deb. = Deuteronomy |
| Cant. = Song of Songs |
In Summary: 16 Jewish Expectations of Messiah
According to RamBam’s list of Messianic Prophecies, recorded in his writings “Mishne Torah [Second Torah] section Hilchot Melachim, c. 11-12”.
1 Restore the throne of David
2 Rebuild the Temple
3 Gather the exiles
4 Restore the Torah
5 He will be a descendent of David
6 He does not have to perform signs or wonders
7 He will be a student of Torah
8 He will force Israel to study Torah
9 He will fight the wars of Yahweh
10 Elijah will come before Messiah
11 The battle of Gog and Magog will precede the day of Messiah
12 Messiah will purify the priesthood and Levites
13 Messiah will identify and accept those who are truly of Israel
14 Messiah will identify the tribes of Israel
15 In Messiah’s reign there will be no hunger or wars
16 In Messiah’s reign the chief occupation on the earth will be the study of Yahweh
Brief Biography: Rambam is also called Maimonides. His translation of the Mishne Torah [Second Torah] records the following. This Rabbi lived in Spain from 1135 to 1204 and has had great influence in shaping modern Judaism. Rambam’s list of prophecies can be referenced in Raphael Patai’s book, The Messiah Texts, pages 322-327.
Organized by Thomas Robinson for One Unity Resource Bible, 2016
Biblography: Reference, Inspiration, and Research Articles:
Edersheim, A. (1883). The life and times of Jesus the Messiah: Appendix 9 Rabbinic Writings Messianicly Applied (Updated and Corrected edition ed.). Retrieved from http://philologos.org/__eb-lat/default.htm reguarding Rambam: (Citing Raphael Patai’s work, The Messiah Texts, 1989, pages 322-327).
Patai, R. (1979). The Messiah Texts. New York: Avon Books. In-text citations: (Patai, 1979)