Unique in the Fulfillment of its Prophecies
…whatever one may think of the authority of and the message presented in the book we call the Bible, there is world-wide agreement that in more ways than one it is the most remarkable volume that has ever been produced in these five thousand years of writing on the part of the human race. It is the only volume ever produced by man, or a group of men, in which is to be found a large body of prophecies relating to individual nations, to Israel, to all the peoples of the earth, to certain cities, and to the coming of One who was to be the Messiah. The ancient world had many different devices for determining the future, known as divination, but not in the entire gamut of Greek and Latin literature, even though they use the words prophet and prophecy, can we find any real specific prophecy of a great historic event to come in the distant future, nor any prophecy of a Savior to arise in the human race....
- Wilbur Smith, professor of English Bible at Fuller Theological Institute
The Proof of Prophecy
The Messiah
There are 322 prophecies regarding the Messiah in the Old Testament. The following describes the Messiah only from Old Testament prophecy.
The Messiah will descend from Shem [1], Abraham [2], Isaac [3] Jacob [4], Judah [5], Jesse [6], and King David [7]. He will be born in the city of Bethlehem in the county of Ephrathah [8] when a bright star appears [9]. It will be a miraculous, virgin birth [10].
The Messiah will be unique, having pre-existed His birth [8]. He will perform many miracles: calming the sea [11] and causing the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and the mute to talk [12]. He will be referred to in many ways including: God with us [10], wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father and prince of peace [13]. One day He will rule over everything-all nations will bow down to Him [14], [21].
The Messiah, however, will come to save mankind [15]. He will become man's sin offering [15]. and present Himself to Jerusalem as both the anointed king [17] and the Passover lamb [15]. This will occur exactly 173,880 days after the decree by Artaxerxes to rebuild both Jerusalem and the Temple [16]. So, four days before passover, the Messiah will present Himself to a rejoicing Jerusalem riding on a donkey [17]. But then He will suffer greatly [5]. He will be rejected by many including His friends [15]. He will be betrayed by a friend [24] for 30 pieces of silver [18]. Later that money will be thrown on the floor of the temple [18] and will eventually go to a potter [18]. At His trial He will not defend Himself. He will say nothing [15] except as required by law. Israel will reject Him. [19]
The Messiah will be taken to a mountaintop identified by Abraham as “the Lord will provide [20].” There He will be crucified with His hands and feet pierced [21]. His enemies will encircle Him [21], mocking Him, and will cast lots for His clothing [21]. He will call to God asking why He was “forsaken [22].” He will be given gall and wine [22]. He will die with thieves [15]. But unlike the thieves, none of His bones will be broken [21]. His heart will fail [21]...as indicated by blood and water spilling out [21] when He is pierce with a spear [23]. He will be buried in a rich man's grave [15]. In three days He will rise from the dead [15],[21].
Location of Prophecy
[1] Genesis 9,10
[2] Genesis 22:18
[3] Genesis 26:2-4
[4] Genesis 28:14
[5] Genesis 49:10
[6] Isaiah 11:1-5
[7] Samuel 7:11-16
[8] Micah 5:2
[9] Numbers 24:17
[10] Isaiah 7:14
[11] Psalm 107:29
[12] Isaiah 35: 4-6
[13] Isaiah 9:6
[14] Isaiah 45:23
[15] Isaiah 53
[16] Daniel 9:20-27
[17] Zechariah 9:9
[18] Zechariah 11:12, 13
[19] Isaiah 8:14
[20] Genesis 22
[21] Psalm 22
[22] Psalm 69:20-22
[23] Zechariah 12:10
[24] Psalm 41:9
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