Hundreds of times in the New Covenant Scriptures, Yeshua is called “the Messiah.” Yet all too often, we fail to recognize the magnitude of this defining title. We know who the Messiah is, but do we truly comprehend what it means for Him to be the Messiah? Obviously, this title is significant, but in what way? Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, we find other people who are also called “messiahs,” and examining their distinctions can help clarify the meaning and importance of Yeshua’s Messianic role.

The word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word “Mashiyach,” which literally means “Anointed One.” (The title “Christ” has the same meaning as “Messiah,” simply being derived from Greek instead of Hebrew.) Biblically speaking, the act of anointing—or pouring oil upon a person or object—is used to set the anointed one apart as holy to God, sanctifying him to fulfill a specific purpose or take on a special God-given role. These anointed ones—these “messiahs,” so to speak—are uniquely chosen by God Himself, and no one else can assume their messianic responsibilities.

The first anointed one in Scripture is found in the Torah, where the priests of Israel are given the title, “HaKohen HaMashiyach,” meaning “the anointed priest” or “the messianic priest” (Le. 4:3ff). Before beginning his service, each Levitical priest was to be anointed with a particular oil reserved only for Aaron and his sons (Ex. 30:30ff), setting him apart as holy from the rest of the people. Adonai established the priests to serve as intermediaries between Himself and Israel, continually bringing them closer to Him. They fulfilled their priestly role by perpetually making sacrifices—beginning in the tabernacle, and later in the temple—to cleanse and atone for the sins of the people. No other man was allowed to serve the priests’ function or to partake in their anointing—no one but these specially chosen “messiahs.”

Like the priests, Israel’s kings are also presented as messianic figures, with every king of Israel being anointed upon his installation as ruler. And some kings, such as Saul and David, are specifically given the title “Mashiyach Adonai”—that is, “The Lord’s anointed” or “The Lord’s messiah” (2Sa. 1:14, 19:21). More than just a physical pouring of oil, the anointing of these “messiahs” also included God pouring out His Spirit upon them (1Sa. 10:1-7, 16:13). Through the presence of God’s Spirit, the kings of Israel were guided and empowered by God Himself as they reigned over His people. God’s anointing was a sign that He established and strengthened the kings, enabling them to lead Israel and save them from their enemies (1Sa. 9:15ff, Ps. 89:20ff).

In the book of Isaiah, we see a third type of anointed ones, who are depicted as deliverers. One such deliverer is Cyrus, king of Persia, whom God refers to as His messiah (Is. 45:1). Over a hundred years before Cyrus’ birth, God called him specifically—by name—for the sake of His servant Israel. Though Cyrus was a king, God’s messianic purpose for him was not simply to rule over the nations, but to deliver the people of Judah from the Babylonian Exile (Is. 44:28, 45:4&13). Later, the prophet speaks of another anointed deliverer yet to come, saying:

“The Ruach [Spirit] of Adonai ’Elohiym is on me, because Adonai has anointed me to proclaim good news to the afflicted. He has sent me to bind up the broken of heart, to proclaim liberty to captives, and an opening of bonds to bound ones.”
Y’sha’yahu 61:1, cf. Luke 4:18 (mjlt)

In this passage, which Yeshua would attribute to Himself, Adonai’s anointing is once again accompanied by the power of His Spirit. This Anointed One—this Messiah—is set apart to bring good news of freedom to those who are suffering under bondage, and is uniquely chosen to deliver God’s people from their captivity.

The Hebrew Scriptures speak of various “messiahs” serving in different capacities, but there is one Messiah—Yeshua—who is the embodiment of all three of these qualities. As our great High Priest, He has been chosen to be our sole mediator, the only One who can bring all of us near to God and eternally atone for our sins. As our everlasting King, He is the complete Master of our very lives, with the authority to lead us through His commands and save us from all our enemies. And as our Deliverer, He has been sent to redeem His people from sin and death, liberating us from bondage to our flesh and freeing us to follow God forever. As the Messiah of Israel—and indeed, of the whole world—Yeshua was divinely anointed with the Spirit and with power (Acts 10:38). His Messianic role is unique, and cannot be given to another. Yeshua alone is able to fill this highest of positions, to perform this highest of duties, to meet this highest of callings.

When we profess that Yeshua is the Messiah, we are asserting the immense power and authority of God’s Son. We are declaring that He is the Priest, King, and Deliverer of all who trust in Him. We are proclaiming that He is the one-and-only of God, uniquely chosen to be our Savior. It’s time to make known to the world who Yeshua is—the atoning, reigning, liberating, Anointed One of Israel.

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