The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church

The Messiah

This thought of “the Coming One” found expression in another term—the Messiah. This word occurs twice in the Old Testament, Daniel 9:25, 26; and twice in the New Testament, John 1:41; 4:25. The Hebrew word rendered “Messiah” in Daniel’s prophecy is used thirty-nine times in the Hebrew Bible. Thirty seven times it is translated “anointed,” but twice, as already mentioned, it is translated “Messiah.” BSPC 26.4

The word Messiah means priest-king. He is “Messiah the prince”—the “Prince of princes.” He is the “priest upon his throne” (Zechariah 6:13); he is the “King [that] comes unto thee” (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5). Yes, He is Melchizedek, which also means the priest-king, the “King of righteousness,” “the king of peace” (Hebrews 7:2). BSPC 27.1

Jesus Himself on several occasions claimed to be the Messiah. To the woman at the well of Samaria, who talked to Him of Messiah, He declared, “I that speak unto thee am he.” John 4:26. When confronted with the challenge of the high priest who demanded, “Tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God,” Jesus replied, “Thou has said,” (Matthew 26:63, 64); “I am” (Mark 14:62). BSPC 27.2