Exploring the Messianic Figures in Psalm 105 and the Dead Sea Scrolls: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Psalm 105:15

Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Does the word "messiah" in Hebrew in Psalm 105, verse 15, appear in the plural form?

In Psalm 105, verse 15 (which is similar to 1 Chronicles 16, verse 22), the phrase "Touch not my anointed ones" uses the Hebrew word מְשִׁיחָי, which is indeed the plural form of מָשִׁיחַ, meaning "anointed one" or "messiah." The phrase in full is אַל-תִּגְּעוּ בִמְשִׁיחָי, which translates as "Do not touch my anointed ones."

In this context, the term "anointed ones" refers to the patriarchs or to the people of Israel as a whole, who were considered anointed by God, in the sense that they were chosen and set apart for His divine purposes. It does not refer to the messianic figure that would come from the line of David or to any singular "Messiah" as understood in later Jewish and Christian thought.

The use of "messiah" in the plural form in Psalm 105, verse 15, thus refers to multiple individuals who have been anointed or consecrated by God for a special role or task, and it underscores the idea that anointing was not only for kings but could also be applied to other chosen servants of God.

Qumran Cave 1, where the first of the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

Do the Dead Sea Scrolls predict not two but three messiahs, one of whom is the messianic prophet or prophetic messiah?

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of ancient Jewish texts discovered in the mid-20th century near the Dead Sea. These scrolls contain various religious and historical writings, including some that mention messianic figures.

One particular scroll, known as the "War Scroll," describes a future battle between the forces of good and evil, led by three different messianic figures. These three messiahs are referred to as the "Messiah of Aaron," the "Messiah of Israel," and the "Prophet" or "Prophetic Messiah."

The Messiah of Aaron is believed to be a priestly figure who will lead in spiritual matters, while the Messiah of Israel is seen as a kingly figure who will lead in political and military matters. The Prophet or Messianic Prophet is believed to be a figure similar to Moses who will offer guidance and wisdom during this period.

Overall, these scrolls suggest that there may be not just one but three different messianic figures who will play important roles in bringing about redemption and victory for God's people. This interpretation adds complexity to traditional beliefs about the role of the messiah in Jewish theology.

How much can be learned from the Dead Sea Scrolls that can add to what was already known?

Who were the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls and what influence did they exert on the Bible?

The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1946 near the Dead Sea, are a collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE.

While the exact authors are unknown, most scholars believe the scrolls were written by a Jewish sect called the Essenes, based on historical accounts and similarities between Essene beliefs and the content of the scrolls.

The Dead Sea Scrolls have had a significant impact on biblical studies and our understanding of the development of Judaism and Christianity:

1. Confirming the accuracy of the Old Testament:

The scrolls contain the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), dating about a thousand years earlier than previously available manuscripts. They demonstrate that the biblical text was transmitted with a high degree of accuracy over this period.

2. Updating biblical translations:

The Dead Sea Scrolls have prompted scholars to make some changes in modern Bible translations, such as:

- 1 Samuel 17:4 - Some scrolls give Goliath's height as "four cubits and a span" (about 6.5 feet) rather than "six cubits and a span" (over 9 feet).

- Psalm 145 - A missing verse found in a scroll has been added to this psalm in recent translations.

3. Providing insight into Second Temple Judaism:

The scrolls offer a detailed look at Jewish culture, beliefs and practices during the Second Temple period (516 BCE - 70 CE), the time of Jesus. This helps scholars reconstruct the historical and religious context of early Christianity.

4. Illuminating the relationship between Judaism and early Christianity:

While the scrolls do not mention Jesus or Christianity directly, they shed light on Jewish beliefs and scriptures that shaped the teachings of Jesus and the birth of the Christian movement.

In summary, the Dead Sea Scrolls, likely written by the Essenes, have made a substantial contribution to biblical scholarship by affirming the reliability of the Old Testament text, prompting updates to modern translations, and providing valuable insight into the Jewish roots of Christianity. Their discovery has greatly enriched our knowledge of the Bible and the ancient world that produced it.

Understanding Jesus as Messiah: Differing Expectations in Jewish and Christian Beliefs

There is a belief that Jesus was a messiah in the same sense as other messiahs before him. Scripturally, Jesus was not the apocalyptic messiah who was predicted by the Hebrew prophets to establish God's kingdom in the Holy Land. Could you kindly provide an explanation for the meaning of the preceding statement?

The belief that Jesus was a messiah in the same sense as other messiahs before him refers to the idea that he was seen as a savior figure who would bring about spiritual redemption and salvation. In this context, messiah is understood as a leader or deliverer chosen by God to fulfill a specific role in the divine plan.

However, scripturally speaking, Jesus was not the apocalyptic messiah that many Jews were expecting based on the prophecies found in Hebrew scriptures. The traditional Jewish understanding of the apocalyptic messiah was of a powerful political and military leader who would liberate Israel from its enemies, establish God's kingdom on earth in the Holy Land, and rebuild the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Jesus' teachings and actions did not align with these expectations of a conquering warrior king. Instead, he preached about love, forgiveness, and spiritual transformation. He emphasized inner righteousness over outward displays of power. This led many Jews to reject Jesus as their expected messiah, that is, the apocalyptic messiah.

In Christian theology, Jesus is believed to be the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in a different way than what was traditionally expected. Christians see Jesus as the ultimate savior who brings salvation through his sacrificial death and resurrection, rather than through political conquest.

So, when it is said that Jesus was not the apocalyptic messiah predicted by Hebrew prophets to establish God's kingdom in the Holy Land, it means that his role and mission were different from what many people at that time were anticipating based on their interpretation of scripture.

Who in the Old Testament is anointed with sacred oil to be God's Messiah?

Numerous figures in the Old Testament were consecrated with holy oil to symbolize their appointment as holy messengers, commonly known as messiahs (anointed ones). Among them were:

1. Kings: The most prominent examples are the kings of Israel and Judah. For instance:
Saul: Anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10, verse 1).
David: Also anointed by Samuel to succeed Saul as king (1 Samuel 16, verse 13).
Solomon: Anointed by the priest Zadok and the prophet Nathan to succeed David (1 Kings 1, verse 39).

2. Priests: The high priests and their successors were also anointed with sacred oil, signifying their holy office. For example:
Aaron: Anointed by Moses to serve as the first high priest (Leviticus 8, verse 12).

3. Prophets: Occasionally, prophets were anointed to signify their special role and mission. For example:
Elisha: Anointed by Elijah to be his successor as a prophet (1 Kings 19, verse 16).

In the Old Testament, the act of anointing priests, kings, and prophets with holy oil was a crucial ceremony that identified them as "messiahs" or "anointed ones" in their specific positions.
The term "Messiah" is not restricted to one person but refers to different individuals who are anointed for specific purposes as directed by God.

Does the Quran mention Muhammad as the Messiah whom the Jews await?

In the Quran, Muhammad is not explicitly referred to as the Messiah whom the Jews await. However, there is an indirect mention in Surah 2, verse 89, that can be interpreted in this context.

Surah 2, verse 89, states, "And when there came to them a Book from Allah confirming that which was with them - although before they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieved - but [then] when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it; so the curse of Allah will be upon the disbelievers."

This verse is believed by some scholars and interpreters to refer to a prophecy mentioned in Jewish scriptures about a future prophet who would come after Moses. According to this interpretation, the Jews were awaiting this promised prophet or Messiah.

Muslims believe that Muhammad is the final prophet sent by Allah and consider him as fulfilling various prophecies mentioned in previous religious texts. Therefore, some Muslims interpret Surah 2, verse 89, as indirectly referring to Muhammad as the awaited Messiah.

It's important to note that interpretations of religious texts can vary among different scholars and individuals. While some may see a connection between Muhammad and the awaited Messiah based on this verse, others may have different interpretations or understandings.