We will read the following Talmudic passages as the work of the redactors who have done their craft of editing, arranging, and thus presenting what is now a somewhat coherent text and intentionally structured and refined assortment of material on the messianic idea in Judaism.

The Babylonian Talmud builds off a passage from the Mishna describing catastrophic circumstances in the days of messiah in Sanhedrin 11 which serves as a presentation of the Messianic Idea in Judaism. This is followed by an array of discussions in an attempt to tackle the idea of messiah, the scriptures and prophecies regarding the messiah, his identity and nature. Moreover, because this is the first time in Judaism that the idea of messiah or messianism is put in writing, and in a canonical text, I believe this is Judaism normalizing “messianism.”

Judaism does not write extensively on messianism itself until about the 5th century. Beforehand oral traditions were passed down, but these were not codified or authorized. The New Testament was the first great messianic...

Israel Today Membership

Become a Member

• Read all member content

  Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.

• Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel

  Connect with Israel, right from your home.

• Lift up the voice of truth and hope

  Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.

Become a Member

Already a member? Login here.