The Messiah in the Old Testament

We frequently quote St. Augustine’s observation, “In the Old Testament the New Testament is concealed; in the New Testament the Old Testament is revealed.”

Psalm 40:7 is speaking about the Lord when it says, “…in the volume of the book it is written of me” (Hebrews 10:5-10).

But the message of salvation isn’t necessarily clear at first skim through the Old Testament. As Hosea 12:10 says: “I have spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.”

The word “messiah” is a derivative of the Hebrew Meshiach, which means “anointed,” specifically as a synonym for “king.” The important ritual of anointing future kings symbolized the Spirit and power of God on the man He had chosen to rule. David was anointed as king when he was still just a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:13), and David refused to harm God’s anointed King Saul (1 Samuel 26:9).

Throughout the Old Testament, the Messiah is depicted as Priest and King, Prince, Ruler, Redeemer, and Prophet—all positions of leadership. Space limitations prevent me from touching on the full abundance of verses depicting his leadership roles, so I will highlight a representative few here and encourage our readers to engage in further study on their own.

Our Gifts To You

“Freely you have received, freely give.” Many of you will read this article between the American holiday of Thanksgiving and the worldwide holiday of Christmas, both days of being thankful and generous. “Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in the United States, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Liberia. It began as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.” And Christmas – “Christ’s mass” – celebrates the Greatest Gift of all. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

This month is well suited to remind you, Gracious Reader, of three opportunities you have from Koinonia House. Participation in these platforms has no required cost. A brief introduction follows.