by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer

Overview

In this installment, Rod Thomas explores the Jewish concepts of the Messiah, focusing on the three-messiah framework: Mashiyach Nagid, Mashiyach ben Yosef, and Mashiyach ben David. The discussion delves into Daniel’s prophecy, Jewish tradition, and the identity of Yeshua (Jesus) as understood in Messianic faith. The episode also examines why mainstream Judaism rejects Yeshua as Messiah and how these messianic expectations shape both Jewish and Messianic perspectives.

Key Topics Covered

1. Introduction and Context

  • Greetings and setting: Recorded on the 3rd Day of the 11th biblical month, 6025 (Friday, January 16, 2026).
  • Reflection on persecution, faith, and the hope found in Yeshua’s teachings (Matthew 5:10-12; Ephesians 6:18; Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28).

2. Why Judaism Rejects Yeshua as Messiah

  • Historical grievances and theological differences.
  • The role of Rabbinic expectations and interpretations in shaping Jewish messianic beliefs (Hebrews 2:3; Romans 3:2; Romans 11:25-26; Zechariah 12:10).

3. The Three Messiahs in Jewish Thought

  • Mashiyach Nagid (Messiah the Prince)
  • Mashiyach ben Yosef (Messiah, son of Joseph)
  • Mashiyach ben David (Messiah, son of David)
  • The episode focuses on Mashiyach Nagid, with future installments to cover the other two.

4. What is Mashiyach Nagid?

  • Linguistic breakdown: “Mashiyach” means “Anointed One”; “Nagid” means “Prince” or “Leader.”
  • Scriptural foundation: Daniel 9:25-26 and its interpretations.
  • The prophecy’s implications for Jewish and Christian eschatology (1 Corinthians 13:12; Matthew 24:15-16).

5. The Meaning and Role of “Nagid”

  • “Nagid” as prince, ruler, leader, commander, or official.
  • Biblical examples: Saul, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Abner, Azariah, and others (1 Samuel 9:16; 10:1; 13:14; 25:30; 2 Samuel 5:2; 6:21; 7:8; 1 Kings 1:35; 2 Kings 18:1; 2 Chronicles 31:13).

6. Mashiyach Nagid in Prophecy and Tradition

  • The “transitional” leader concept: Anointed but not yet king.
  • Comparison with “Melech” (King) and the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:8-16; Psalm 2:8-12; 2 Chronicles 13:5).

7. Messianic Traits and the Melchizedekian Order

  • Psalm 110 as a foundational text for the dual role of king and priest.
  • The Melchizedekian priesthood and its fulfillment in Yeshua (1 Peter 2:9; Daniel 2:44; Matthew 21:44; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Revelation 11:15).

8. Jewish Perspectives on Mashiyach Nagid

  • Views of Rashi, Ibn Ezra, and Rambam (Maimonides) on the identity and role of Mashiyach Nagid.
  • The Essenes and Qumran writings: Priestly and royal messiahs, “Prince of the Congregation” (Damascus Document, Rule of the Congregation, 11QMelchizedek).
  • Apocryphal and Talmudic references: Suffering and kingly messiahs (1 Enoch, Jubilees, Talmud).

9. Christian and Messianic Interpretations

  • Yeshua as the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy and the persona of Mashiyach Nagid.
  • The dual or double-fulfillment view of prophecy.
  • Jewish objections to identifying Yeshua as all three messianic figures.

10. Application and Call to Discipleship

  • The call for believers to imitate Yeshua’s character traits: suffering, triumph, priesthood, kingship, exaltation, royal lineage, and spiritual warfare (Isaiah 53; Colossians 2:15; Psalm 110; Matthew 1:1; Zechariah 14:3; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 20:6; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Ephesians 6:12-14).
  • Invitation to covenant relationship and Torah-honoring lifestyle (2 Corinthians 6:2; Isaiah 55:6-9).

References & Further Reading

Contact & Community

Closing Blessing

May you be most blessed, fellow saints in training. Walk in faith, truth, and the hope of Messiah’s return.

Grieve the Holy Spirit?

by | Feb 19, 2015

Don't cause grief to God's Ruach HaKodesh, for he has stamped you as his property until the day of final redemption. (Eph 4:30 CJB) It comes down to us simply giving in to the leading of the Ruach Kodesh in every aspect of our lives. Things are not always going to go...

read more

Doctrine of Baptisms

by | Feb 17, 2015

Doctrine of Baptisms Having just posted the latest episode of Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections where my focus was on baptism or the Doctrine of Baptisms as mentioned in Hebrews 6, a full day later I'm just as fired up about this topic as I was when I recorded and...

read more

Sabbath Thoughts #2

by | Feb 15, 2015

Sabbath Thoughts #2--Baptism and Teachers Calendar--February 14, 2015--the West is celebrating St. Valentine's Day 24th Day of the 11th Biblical Month 6014 (aka: Shevat 5775) Upcoming Feasts and Messianic Celebrations Purim--Est. 03/06/2015 or 14th day of the 12th...

read more

TL 45-We Must Deal with the Stronghold in our Life

by | Jan 27, 2015

We Must Deal with the Stronghold in our Life The Challenge--Causes of Strongholds What is a stronghold?   The true, exegetical explanation of strongholds as I've learned this past Sabbath through Arthur's message and my own studies of the chapter has completely...

read more

Hanukkah’s Greatest Hidden Secrets Part 2

by | Jan 1, 2015

Part 2--A Case of Anti-Jewish/Anti-Hebrew Sentiments Leading to Christianity's Profound Ignorance On the Keeping of Easter--From the Letter of the Emperor to all those not present at the Council (Found in Eusebius, Vita Const., Lib. iii., 18-20) Jude 1:4 speaks to...

read more