Messianic Expectations: From the Second Temple Era through the Early Centuries of the Common Era
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The idea of a distinctive Messiah, with a specific role, was not definitively established across all the Jewish movements of the Second Temple era. Some groups expected multiple messiahs, and some did not expect one at all. Our focus is on the topic of the Messiah and how different groups understood this office. We can draw some understanding regarding an expectation of a Messiah. The Messiah is generally understood to be a person who at the end of history or the present world order will bring salvation to Israel.
Chapter one is titled The World of the Second Temple Era and discusses the Second Temple Era's complex world. Rabbinic Judaism certainly has ancient roots, but the more structured form we associate with the Mishnah and the Talmuds was only in its nascent form. Other Judaisms or movements competed to transmit their vision of life and faith to the people of Israel.
The second chapter is titled A Messiah or Messiahs? Each Judaism of the Second Temple era, often represented by a writing or collection of writings, espoused different views of redemption. Some groups expected a messiah. Others expected multiple messiahs. Still, others expected none.
Chapter three is titled The Biblical References. This chapter surveys the biblical passages which reference a Mashiach, an anointed one. Most of these passages are related to priests, kings, and prophets. Other passages that do not specifically mention an anointed one but speak of a future redemption are also examined.
The fourth chapter is titled The Messiah in Jewish Writings. The Second Temple era produced a wide range of literature. These works are most often categorized under the Apocrypha or the Pseudepigrapha. Other writings, including the works of Philo of Alexandria and Flavius Josephus, are also reviewed.
Chapter five is titled The Dead Sea Scrolls. The Scrolls at Qumran contain some of the most fascinating and enigmatic passages regarding multiple messiahs. The Scrolls also shed tremendous light on the ideas that were present during the rise of Christianity.
The sixth chapter is titled The Mishnah. The Mishnah is the foundational document of rabbinic Judaism. Compiled in the era following the failed Bar Cochba rebellion, it contains messianic references that seem tempered by the reality of previous wars and suffering.
Chapter seven is titled The Targumim. The Targumim were Aramaic translations of the Bible. Like the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, i.e., the Septuagint, they served an important role in the synagogue. The Targumim provide a wide range of messianic references that raise important questions regarding the relationship between Judaism and nascent Christianity and the development of both in the post-Temple era.
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