Throughout Israel's history, a great hope was sustained in the faith of the people of God - they would, with God's help, survive peril and win final salvation, enjoying happiness as they have never known.
Throughout the Old Testament, prophets proclaim that the Messiah, God's anointed one, will rule the earth:
- The prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 7) prophesies the Messiah will be from King David's lineage.
- The prophets Isaiah (Isaiah 11:1) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 23:5 and 33:15) proclaim future light and salvation for those who are poor, left behind and in darkness.
- Titles of nobility, honor and the Spirit of God will be on the Messiah (Isaiah 9:5, 11:1-5).
- Isaiah 7:14 may be most familiar: "He is Emmanuel - God-with-us."
- Little Blue Book, Diocese of Saginaw