TO HELP us identify the Messiah, Jehovah God inspired many Bible prophets to provide details about the birth, the ministry, and the death of this promised Deliverer. All these Bible prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. They are amazingly accurate and detailed. To illustrate this, let us consider a few prophecies that foretold events related to the Messiah’s birth and childhood.
The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. (Isaiah 9:7) Jesus was indeed born in David’s line.—Matthew 1:1, 6-17.
Micah, another prophet of God, foretold that this child would eventually become a ruler and that he would be born in “Bethlehem Ephrathah.” (Micah 5:2) At the time of Jesus’ birth, there were two towns in Israel that were named Bethlehem. One was situated near Nazareth in the northern region of the country, and the other, near Jerusalem in Judah. Bethlehem near Jerusalem was formerly called Ephrathah. Jesus was born in that town, exactly as the prophecy foretold!—Matthew 2:1.
Another Bible prophecy foretold that the Son of God would be called “out of Egypt.” The child Jesus was taken into Egypt. He was brought back after the death of Herod, thus fulfilling the prophecy.—Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15.
In the chart on page 200, the scriptures listed under the heading “Prophecy” contain details concerning the Messiah. Please compare these with the scriptures listed under the heading “Fulfillment.” Doing so will further strengthen your faith in the truthfulness of God’s Word.
While you examine these scriptures, keep in mind that those of a prophetic nature were written down hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth. Jesus stated: “All the things written in the law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms about me must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44) As you can verify in your own copy of the Bible, fulfilled they were—in every detail!
PROPHECIES REGARDING THE MESSIAH
EVENT PROPHECY FULFILLMENT
Born of the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 Luke 3:23-33
Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-25
Descended from King David Isaiah 9:7 Matthew 1:1, 6-17
Declared by Jehovah to be
his Son Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17
Not believed in
Isaiah 53:1 John 12:37, 38
Entered Jerusalem riding an ass Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:1-9
Betrayed by a close associate Psalm 41:9 John 13:18, 21-30
Betrayed for 30 silver pieces Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 26:14-16
Silent before his accusers Isaiah 53:7 Matthew 27:11-14
Lots cast for his garments Psalm 22:18 Matthew 27:35
Reviled while on the stake Psalm 22:7, 8 Matthew 27:39-43
None of his bones broken Psalm 34:20 John 19:33, 36
Buried with the rich Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57-60
Raised before corruption Psalm 16:10 Acts 2:24, 27
Exalted to God’s right hand Psalm 110:1 Acts 7:56
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