Bible Question:
How do the rabbis interpret prophecies about Jesus? Why do the Jewish people not believe in Jesus? What do the rabbis say about the Old Testament passages that point to Jesus being the Son of God? I would be interested in knowing their view on these prophecies.
Bible Answer:
Rabbinic interpretation of Old Testament passages that refer to the Messiah have under gone significant changes over time, after Christians demonstrated that they pointed to Jesus Christ. The following table provides the ancient rabbinic understanding of just three Isaiah passages and the current rabbinic interpretation as given in the modern Tanakh or Hebrew Bibles. Discover how do the rabbis interpret prophecies about Jesus?
The older Jewish translations of the Septuagint and the Babylonian Talmud agree more closely with the Christian translations of the Old Testament than do the more recent Jewish translations. The recent Jewish translations started changing after the Christians demonstrated that Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies. The oldest existing commentary on Isaiah 53 states that the passage refers to the Messiah[7] and not to Israel.
When the overall sense of the passage cannot be hidden (as with Isaiah 52:13-53:5) the Jewish rabbis and translators who have lived after Jesus Christ have changed it because they cannot believe it refers to Jesus. Some Jews even say that Jesus never existed and deny the writings of many non-Christians and even some first century Jewish writing which testify of His life. But the weight of historical evidence is against them, including statements from early Jewish documents that refer to Him. Jewish literature after Jesus’ death and resurrection tried to explain away Jesus’ miracles by claiming He was demon possessed and that He practiced Egyptian magic. Why do they try to explain how He did these things? What they have in fact admitted is that Jesus did do miracles! Why do they try to explain away Jesus’ return to life? By their very attempts, they have in fact admitted that Jesus did miracles and returned to life.
The New Testament explains that Jesus would be rejected by both Jews and Greeks.
For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness. 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 (NASB)
God has given them signs that Jesus is the Messiah, but they do not want to believe. They seek a Messiah of their own making and desire. But there is only One who will establish an eternal government and bring everlasting peace and it is the Messiah Jesus Christ.
Conclusion:
Today the Jewish people are spiritually blind. They seek a Messiah who has already come. They were not looking for a Messiah who would rescue them from their sins thus giving them eternal life and also be their king forever. Jesus Christ is both a glorious spiritual savior and future king. We need to pray for them and witness to them. They are God’s chosen people.
References:
1. Sir Lancelot Brenton The Septuagint. Hendrickson Publishers. 1986. p. 842.
2. The Jewish Study Bible. Jewish Publication Society. Oxford University Press. 2001. p. 798.
3. Babylonian Talmud: Tractate Sanhedrin, Folio 94a.
4. The Jewish Study Bible. Jewish Publication Society. Oxford University Press. 2001. p. 802.
5. Babylonian Talmud: Tractate Sanhedrin, Folio 98b.
6. The Jewish Study Bible. Jewish Publication Society. Oxford University Press. 2001. p. 891.
7. Rabbi Hillel HaZakein. Targum on The Prophets.
Suggested Links:
Searching For GodWhy do we accept the Bible?
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What is the meaning of Isaiah 53:1?
Are there historical facts that reveal Christ is the Messiah?
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Jesus’ Death & Resurrection
Prophecies About Christ