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Why We Must Believe Yahushua is the Messiah
It is evident that the proper understanding of Isaiah 52/53 plays an important part in determining whether or not Yahushua is the Messiah. For this reason, we will begin here. If Isaiah 53 is indeed a Messianic prophecy, it will be consistent with other known messianic prophecies. So let's begin.. To recognize the Messiah, we must first determine what the scriptures say this Messiah will be like. Although there are other scriptures that describe the Messiah as one conquering and ruling the world, we cannot ignore others that many believe describe Him also as a meek Servant. Although we could certainly read through the entire book of Isaiah up to this point, for brevity let's begin at the point where this meek Servant is described in very minute detail.
So here we have a very detailed description of this Servant. In just 15 verses we are able to count at least 58 characteristics of this Servant. The next section will sum up the description of this Servant based on the verses above. It is quite important that we read them all, for any one of them could prove as a disqualifier. |
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Survey of the Servant of Isaiah 53 He will deal prudently (52:13) He will be exalted, extolled and be very high (52:13) Many will be astonished at Him (52:14) His visage (appearance) was marred (disfigured) more than any man (52:14) His form marred more than the sons of men (52:14) He shall sprinkle many nations (52:15) Kings shall shut their mouths at him. (52:15) He shall grow up as a tender plant (53:2) He shall grow up as a root out of dry ground (53:2) He would not be comely or beautiful (53:2) He would have no beauty to be desired. (53:2) He would be despised and rejected of man (53:3) He would be a man of sorrows (53:3) He would be acquainted with grief (53:3) He would be despised rather than esteemed (53:3) He would bear their griefs/sicknesses (53:4) He was esteemed stricken, smitten by Elohim and afflicted (53:4) He was wounded for their transgressions (53:5) He was bruised for their iniquities (53:5) By His stripes/wounds, others were healed (53:5) Yahweh laid on Him the iniquity of them all (53:6) He was oppressed (53:7) He was afflicted (53:7) He was led as a lamb to the slaughter (53:7) As a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. (53:7) He was taken from prison/confinement and from judgment. (53:8) He was "cut off" from the land of the living (53:8). He was stricken for the transgressions of Yahweh's people (53:8). They made his grave with the wicked, but with the rich at his death (53:9). He had done no violence (53:9). There was no deceit in his mouth (53:9). It was pleasing to Yahweh to bruise Him (53:10). Yahweh has put Him to grief (53:10). His soul was a trespass offering or offering for sin [Heb. "Asham"] (53:10) He shall see His seed (53:10). He shall prolong His days (53:10) The pleasure of Yahweh shall prosper in His hand (53:10) After the suffering of His soul, He shall see the light of life (Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint in 53:11). Yahweh shall see the travail of His soul and be satisfied (53:11) By His knowledge this righteous Servant shall justify many for He shall bear their iniquities (53:11). Yahweh will divide this servant a portion with the great and He will divide the spoil with the strong because of the next three items (53:12) He poured out His soul unto death (53:12) He was numbered with the transgressors (53:12) He bore the sin of many (53:12)
They will see him (53:2) There would be no beauty for them to desire of him (53:2) They hid their faces from Him (53:3) They despised and did not esteem the Servant (53:3) Their griefs/sicknesses were borne by the Servant (53:4) They esteemed the Servant stricken, smitten by Elohim and afflicted (53:4) Because of their transgressions, the Servant was wounded (53:5). Because of their iniquities, the Servant was bruised (53:5). They would be healed by the stripes/wounds of the Servant (53:5). They have all turned, every one, to his own way. (53:6) The iniquities of all of them, Yahweh laid on the Servant (53:7). For their transgressions, the Servant was stricken (53:8) They made the Servant's grave with the wicked, but with the rich at his death because he had done no violence and no deceit was in his mouth (53:9) They will be justified/declared righteous (Tsadak) by this Servant's knowledge, for He shall bear their iniquities. (53:11) |
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Who is the Servant?
Is it Judah? If this is describing Judah, consider this scripture: Isaiah 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken If the Servant is Judah, then who are Yahweh's people in this verse? It can't be Judah because they say that the Servant is Judah. Also, lets remember that Isaiah was of the tribe of Judah. With this being the case, who is the "we", "our" and "us"? For instance: Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Whose transgressions is the Servant wounded for? Whose iniquities? Who is healed by His stripes? According to Isaiah, it is "our" iniquities and transgressions, the chastisement of "our" peace was upon Him and by His stripes "we" are healed. "we" in this instance would be Judah since Isaiah is from the tribe of Judah. So for instance, when it says "we despised Him" then the "we" would be Judah. This makes it impossible for the Servant of Isaiah 53 to be Judah since the servant is distinguished from Judah. Also, how can Judah be a trespass offering? It doesn't make any sense. Yet even if this isn't convincing enough, keep reading to see other scriptures that parallel Isaiah 53 as descriptions of the Messiah. It is Israel? Based on the above information, there are several qualifications that prevent it from being Israel.
1. The Servant will deal "prudently" Those who deny Yahshua the Messiah say that Israel (not Judah) apostates and turns from the true faith. Surely, none of the above attributes would accurately fit the description of even their understanding of Israel. However, there is evidence that the Servant of Isaiah 53 is Israel. Let's examine Isaiah 49 which also speaks of a Servant: Isaiah 49:1 "Listen, O coastlands, to Me, And take heed, you peoples from afar! Yahweh has called Me from the womb; From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name. 2 And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me." 3 "And He said to me, 'You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.' In Isaiah 49, the Servant spoken of here is indeed identified as Israel. Let's keep reading. 4 Then I said, 'I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; Yet surely my just reward is with Yahweh, And my work with my Elohim.' " 5 " And now Yahweh says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him ( For I shall be glorious in the eyes of Yahweh, And My Elohim shall be My strength), Now we see that though this Servant is Israel, He is bringing Israel back to Yahweh. How can Israel bring back Israel? 6 Indeed He says, 'It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.' " Here, this Servant is not only bringing back Israel, He is going to be a light to the Gentiles and even be Yahweh's salvation to the ends of the earth! These are all things that line up with prophecies of the coming Messiah (as will be discussed later). Thus, the Messiah can also be called Israel. Indeed, the coming Messiah was going to come from the tribe of Israel and not from a Gentile seed. The coming Messiah was to be the true, righteous embodiment of Israel.
If this Servant if Isaiah 53 is the Messiah, other messianic prophecies must be consistent with this description. Are there any other scriptures in Isaiah that identify the Messiah as Yahweh's "Servant"? Yes: Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. This scripture also speaks of a Servant in whom Yahweh delights and who will bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. This is consistent with other prophecies that we will be reading, which declare the Messiah to bring judgment. If this Servant in Isaiah 53 is to be identified as the Messiah, are there other scriptures that mention a suffering "servant" Messiah as well? Let's examine Isaiah chapter 50: Isaiah 50:1-6 Thus says Yahweh: "Where is the certificate of your mother's divorce, Whom I have put away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? For your iniquities you have sold yourselves, And for your transgressions your mother has been put away. Why, when I came, was there no man? Why, when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink because there is no water, And die of thirst. I clothe the heavens with blackness, And I make sackcloth their covering. The Master Yahweh has given Me the tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned. The Master Yahweh has opened My ear; And I was not rebellious, Nor did I turn away. I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting" In the above scriptures, we find the same attributes that were applied to the Servant in Isaiah 53. He would be rejected even though He has the power to "dry up the sea", "make rivers a wilderness" and "clothe the heavens with blackness" and "sackcloth". Surely this is not an accurate picture of Israel, Judah or the Gentiles. Since when does Israel or Judah have the power to control the heavens and the earth? Rather, any casual glance into Isaiah and Jeremiah will declare that Israel and Judah have been rebellious and turned away from Yahweh. Thus, this Servant could not be them. The above verses are also consistent with Isaiah 53, which states that though the Servant is "extolled, exalted and very high", he will suffer. The Messiah would willingly "give his back" to those who strike Him, His "cheeks to those who pluck out the beard" and would not "hide His face from shame and spitting." 7 " For The Master Yahweh will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. 9 Surely The Master Yahweh will help Me; Who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; The moth will eat them up. 10 " Who among you fears Yahweh? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of Yahweh and rely upon his Elohim. 11 Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled -- This you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in torment. The above indicates that one must fear Yahweh by obeying the voice of this Servant or they will face torment. Woe to the man who contends with Him! The use of the term "Servant" confirms who is being described here. The Righteousness of Yahweh
Leviticus 19:20 And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. 21 And he shall bring his trespass offering unto Yahweh, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, even a ram for a trespass offering. 22 And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before Yahweh for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him. So we read that the purpose of a trespass offering is for atonement and forgiveness of sin. We read earlier that the Servant of Isaiah 53 will be a "trespass offering" and will "justify many", and it was He that would "bear our sins". Could we then conclude that it is this Servant that brings us atonement, forgiveness, righteousness and salvation through this offering? In order for one to be acceptable to Yahweh, they must be righteous. The only way we can be declared righteous is if we have our sins forgiven. Are there any examples in scripture that speak of the Messiah bringing righteousness to Yahweh's people through the "trespass offering" that will "justify many"? Let's examine some verses that discuss the righteousness of Yahweh. Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Yahweh, and their righteousness is of me, saith Yahweh. It is clear that from reading the above verse, that Yahweh says all of our righteousness comes from Him. Being unclean sinners, how do we get Yahweh's righteousness in us? Are there any scriptures that indicate that we would get the righteousness of Yahweh through this Messiah? Yes: Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith Yahweh, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, YAHWEH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Heb. Tsedkenu from 6664 Tsedek). Why else would the Messiah be called "Yahweh OURRighteousness" unless this were the One through whom Yahweh brought us His righteousness? This would confirm other scriptures already discussed proving that the Messiah will be a "righteous servant" that will "justify many" (Isa. 53:11) and will be a "trespass offering" and thus bring atonement and forgiveness of sin (Isa 53:10, Lev. 19). There are other scriptures that speak of the righteousness of Yahweh and how the Messiah will bring it to Yahweh's people. Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. 24 He shall say, 'Surely in Yahweh I have righteousness (Heb. Tsedekah #6666) and strength. To Him men shall come, And all shall be ashamed Who are incensed against Him. "In Yahweh all the descendants of Israel Shall be justified, and shall glory.' " When Yahweh swears an oath, we would do well to listen. He swore an oath to Abraham and look at all that Yahweh did to keep that oath. Part of this oath was that all people would say "'Surely in Yahweh I have righteousness and strength". Notice later in the verse that it says "in Yahweh" shall all the descendants of Israel be justified. This matches Isaiah 53:10 which says that this Righteous Servant will "Justify many". Because this Messianic Servant was truly righteous, he is an acceptable "trespass offering" without blemish and is able to "bear our iniquities". This is also why this Messiah is called "Yahweh our Righteousness". Yahweh shows us the need for an intercessor in Isaiah 59: Isaiah 59:15 Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and Yahweh saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. 16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. These verses are quite similar to the ones we have discussed so far. Here, Yahweh "wondered that there was no intercessor". Isaiah 53 states that this servant "made intercession for the transgressors." Also it says here that it is "His righteousness" that "sustains" Yahweh. This is like Jeremiah 23 that where Messiah is called "Yahweh our righteousness". It is only Yahweh's righteousness that is going to make us good enough to please Him. Notice also that Yahweh said "His arm brought salvation unto Him". Here, the Messiah is likened to the Arm of Yahweh. We will find this symbolism in many other Messianic prophecies. For instance: Isa 40:10 Behold, the Master Yahweh will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: If Yahweh's 'arm' will rule for him, it must mean that Yahweh Himself will not rule (although Yahweh ultimately rules all, it is His arm). But to whom will the arm of Yahweh be revealed? Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of Yahweh revealed? The Arm of Yahweh, the Righteousness of Yahweh and the real Servant of Yahweh is beginning to take shape. A real Servant of Yahweh must be righteous. With Yahweh's righteousness through His Messiah being upon believing Israel, it is easy to see why this Servant is also called Israel, for the Messiah would be one (in unity) with Israel. Let's continue in Isaiah 40: Isa 40:10 Behold, the Master Yahweh will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Surely this is the Messiah who is likened unto a Shepherd in other Messianic prophecies that we will later examine. Getting back to Isaiah 59: Isaiah 59:15 Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and Yahweh saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. 16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him 17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. 18 According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. We will later discuss how the Messiah will recompense his enemies, but this lines up with previous scripture in Isaiah 50 where the Messiah said "This you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in torment". 19 So shall they fear the name of Yahweh from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of Yahweh shall lift up a standard against him. 20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Yahweh. 21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith Yahweh; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith Yahweh, from henceforth and for ever. We see here that as a result of this salvation that the Messiah brings, there will be a new covenant. This covenant has yet to be fully instituted, for His word is not in everyone's mouth yet. This is the same covenant spoken of in Jeremiah 31: Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith Yahweh: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith Yahweh, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahweh: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Yahweh: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. In this passage we see that His law, His words are written on the hearts of Israel and Judah. Therefore this speaks of the same covenant as Isaiah 59. Here is yet another scripture that will line up with what we have read so far: Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Master Yahweh is upon me… The Spirit of Yahweh is upon whom? The Messiah. Let's keep reading: …because Yahweh hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of Yahweh, and the day of vengeance of our Elohim; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that he might be glorified. 4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. 5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. 6 But ye shall be named the Priests of Yahweh: men shall call you the Ministers of our Elohim: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. 7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. 8 For I Yahweh love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh hath blessed. 10 I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh, my soul shall be joyful in my Elohim; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Yet again, we see that Yahweh is the one who is bringing righteousness to His people. Yahweh is clothing His people with righteousness. Yet again, we see that a covenant is predicted. So to recap so far, we have established that the Messiah will be a "trespass offering" and thus bring us the "Righteousness of Yahweh". This would mean that the Messiah must have the fullness of Yahweh's righteousness in Him. We read earlier that He "put on righteousness as a breastplate". Indeed, Yahweh gave Him full measure of His Spirit: Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of Yahweh shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Yahweh; Now that we have established how the righteousness of Yahweh is seen in us through the "trespass offering" of the Messiah. Let's look at other Messianic passages. Messianic prophecy reveals that the Messiah is Yahweh's begotten Son: Psalm 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his anointed (Heb. Messiah), saying, 3 "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us." 4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; Yahweh shall hold them in derision. 5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: 6 "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion." 7 "I will declare the decree: Yahweh has said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.' " Note that the Messiah spoken of in this passage is not only Yahweh's "begotten" son, but will also be given the nations and the ends of the earth as an inheritance. It is predicted that He will break them with a rod of iron and dash them to pieces. This is like previous messianic prophecies we looked at when this Messiah would "repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies" (Isaiah 59:17). Even ancient Jews agreed that this passage was a prophecy of the coming Messiah. We find written in the Talmud: The Holy One, blessed be He, will say to the Messiah, the son of David: Ask of Me anything, and I will give it to you, as it is stated: I will surely tell of the decree of Yahweh, this day have I begotten you. Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance. b.Sukkah 52a A Son who will rise up and rule the world also mirrors other Messianic prophecy: Isa. 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty El, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Yahweh of hosts will perform this. Let's now look at another Messianic prophecy: Psalm 110:1 A Psalm of David. Yahweh said to my Master, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool." 2 Yahweh shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! 3 Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth. 4 Yahweh has sworn and will not relent, "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek." 5 The Master is at Your right hand; He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath. 6 He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies, He shall execute the heads of many countries. 7 He shall drink of the brook by the wayside; Therefore He shall lift up the head. In this passage, we see that this Master of David would: Be told by Yahweh to sit at His right hand Will rule in the midst of his enemies until His enemies are at his footstool His holy people would come forth willingly in the day of his power, full of youthful vigor. Yahweh has sworn Him in as High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek He will judge among the nations, kill offenders and heads of many countries. David calls Him his "Master" There is no record of any person in David's time that would fit this description. David was the master of all, except Yahweh. However, since David calls him "Master", it cannot be David. It must a be a Master of David. Like other Messianic prophecies, the above Master of David would rule over his enemies and be "exalted, extolled, and be very high" (Isaiah 52:13). How much higher can you get than to be seated at the "right hand of Yahweh"? We are beginning to see now even more why the Messiah is likened to the "Arm of Yahweh". Therefore, we must conclude this to be inspired words of messianic prophecy that Yahweh spoke through David. Note that in the above prophecies the Messiah will be sworn in as a priest according to the "order of Melchizedek". Melchizedek in Hebrew means "King of Righteousness". This is consistent with other scriptures that declare the Messiah to be "Yahweh our righteousness". Melchizedek was also King of Salem (Gen 14:18), which most agree is Jerusalem. So Melchizedek is a forerunner of the Righteous Messiah who will rule in Jerusalem. Now that we see that Messiah is a "High Priest" and the Messiah is at the "right hand of Yahweh", what is His role there? In Psalm 110, the High Priest is certainly in the throne room, seated at the "right hand" of Yahweh. So here we have the Messiah, not only ruling and judging the entire world, but also residing in the throne room as a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (King of Righteousness). Scripturally, there was only one time that a High Priest was permitted to enter the throne room and that was on the Day of Atonement. There, the High Priest made blood atonement for the children of Israel. Knowing that the Messiah is High Priest, the Messiah would then need to enter the throne room with an offering. But we know now that the Messiah Himself would be an "offering" for sin. It makes perfect sense that if the Messiah would bring us atonement with His offering and would be in the throne room, then He would be a High Priest. Where would the Messiah come from? Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. From this, we can draw at least 2 characteristics of the coming Messiah: He would be from Bethlehem His origins are "from old, from everlasting" How can His origin be from old, even from everlasting? Did He exist once before? Let's look again at the scripture we read from Jeremiah 23: Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith Yahweh, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, YAHWEH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS Note that the Messiah shown here is called by the full name "Yahweh"? Are there any other scriptures that refer to another as Yahweh? Yes. In this scripture, there are 2 that have the name Yahweh: Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith Yahweh the King of Israel (1), and his redeemer Yahweh of hosts (2); I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no Elohim. Genesis 19:24 Then Yahweh (1) rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Yahweh (2) out of heaven; Both of these scriptures indicate 2 that are called Yahweh. How can this be? Proverbs 30:4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son's name, If you know? What is His name, and what is His Son's name? We know that the Father's name is Yahweh. We also know that the Messiah will be called "Yahweh our Righteousness" or "Yahweh Tzidkenu". We see here mention of the Son of Yahweh. This is consistent with the scripture in Psalm 2 that showed the Messiah to be Yahweh's "Begotten" son. Therefore, we can understand why the Messiah's origins are "from old, from everlasting". This may be hard for some to accept, but it's right there in scripture for all to read. There are many other such scriptures as well if one desires to seek them out. Let's keep reading in Micah 5, which just described the Messiah as coming from Bethlehem, and having origins of old, from everlasting: 3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. From this we draw 3 characteristics: He would "give them up" This would continue until a time of travailing and bringing forth. After this, the remnant of His brethren would return to the children if Israel. Who is He giving up for a time? We know that many in Judah rejected a man named Yahshua 2000 years ago even though He fit the description of the coming Messiah like a glove. 4 And he shall stand and feed in the strength of Yahweh, in the majesty of the name of Yahweh his Elohim; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. This ruler would stand and feed in the majesty of name of Yahweh AND he shall be great unto the ends of the earth. This is the "Servant" who has the honor of being called by the full name "Yahweh" and was "exalted, extolled and very high" (Isaiah 52:13 above). Now that we have proven from the Tanakh/Old Testament the true attributes of the Messiah, lets compare the record of One called Yahshua the Messiah: John 10 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Yahshua answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. 26 "But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. Just like the chronicles of the Tanakh/Old Testament (and unlike mythology), much of the people, places and events that centered around the life of Yahshua the Messiah have been verified with archaeological and other historical data. A Spirit led, solid and in depth study of Matthew through Revelation will reveal the consistency these scriptures have with the Tanakh/Old Testament. However, if we misunderstand the Tanakh, then we will likely also misunderstand Matthew-Revelation. This is because the Tanakh is the very foundation of these writings. Let's now compare Isaiah 52:17-53:12 where we found at least 58 characteristics of this Servant with the record found in Matthew-Revelation. In the comparison below, the scriptures in Isaiah are marked in brown. The others are marked in red. Isaiah 52:13 (NKJV) Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. Matt 28:18 And Yahshua came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Reve 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to Yahweh by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our Elohim kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Isaiah 52:14 Just as many were astonished at you.... Matt 7:28 And it came to pass, when Yahshua had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: …so His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men; Matt 26:67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck [Him] with the palms of their hands, 68 saying, "Prophesy to us, Messiah! Who is the one who struck You?"
Isaiah 52:15 So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; Hebr 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to Yahweh, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living Elohim? Acts 2:33 "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of Yahweh, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. 34 "For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: `Yahweh said to my Master, "Sit at My right hand, 35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool." 36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that Yahweh has made this Yahshua, whom you crucified, both Master and Messiah." Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed? As we discussed in Micah 5:3, Yahweh knew that many would not believe. John 12:37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: "Master, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed?" Isaiah 53:2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. Read all of Luke Chapter 2. Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected by men.. John 8:48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?" 49 Yahshua answered, "I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. Mark 15:17 And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His [head], 18 and began to salute Him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 19 Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. 20 And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him. ..A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Matt 26:37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Acts 3:13 "The Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Elohim of our fathers, glorified His Servant Yahshua, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let [Him] go. 14 "But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 "and killed the Prince of life, whom Yahweh raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. Isai 53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows... Matt 8:16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick ...Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by Elohim, and afflicted. John 19:7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of Yahweh." Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Ephe 5:2 And walk in love, as the Messiah also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to Yahweh for a sweet-smelling aroma. 1Pet 2:21 For to this you were called, because the Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And Yahweh has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Matt 18:11 "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. 12 "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 "And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that [sheep] than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 "Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; Matt 27:12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?" 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. Isaiah 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? Matt 26:65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! 66 "What do you think?" They answered and said, "He is deserving of death." For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. Notice that here it says that the Messiah will be cut off, not for Himself but for others. This is in agreement with the prophecy in Daniel 9. Dani 9:26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it [shall] [be] with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. Isaiah 53:9 And they made His grave with the wicked--But with the rich at His death.. Mark 15:27 With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. Matt 27:57 Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Yahshua. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Yahshua. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. 59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. ..Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth. 1Pet 2:21 For to this you were called, because the Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps...who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased Yahweh to bruise Him; He has put [Him] to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see [His] seed, He shall prolong [His] days, And the pleasure of Yahweh shall prosper in His hand. The fact that Yahweh made His soul an offering for sin is well established. Consider the timing of His death. At the exact time of the Passover sacrifice on the 14th of Abib (even the Talmud confirms this) and His resurrection on the day of first fruits. Since when has Israel or Judah made its soul an offering for sin? That is not sound doctrine.
John 3:16 For Yahweh so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For Yahweh sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of Yahweh. Isaiah 53:11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. Isaiah 53:12 (NKJV) Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Phil 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to [the] [point] [of] death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore Yahweh also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, Colo 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Luke 11:21 (NKJV) "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 22 "But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils. 23 "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. Because He poured out His soul unto death… Matt 26:38 (NKJV) Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." Matt 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You [will]." And He was numbered with the transgressors.. Mark 15:27 With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. And He bore the sin of many, Hebr 9:27 (NKJV) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so the Messiah was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. And made intercession for the transgressors.
John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. 23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. As powerful and convincing as all these scriptures are, for brevity's sake many other scriptures have not been included. Scriptures showing that the Messiah would have to be born somewhere around the year 0, that His name would be Yahshua, that he would be preceded by a forerunner, that He would speak in parables, that He would humbly enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey, that He would be betrayed by a close friend for thirty pieces of silver, that he would be pierced in his hands and feet, that his bones would not be broken, that people would cast lots for His clothing, and that He would be not be left to corruption in the grave but would be quickly resurrected.
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