Does the Old Testament truly predict a second advent of the Messiah?

Answer

The Old Testament prophesies the second coming of Christ, also known as the second advent of the Messiah. Some prophecies in the Old Testament relate to the first advent, when Christ was born as a human. Others pertain to the second advent, which signifies the ultimate victory of this Messiah. It is crucial to note that prophecy does not depict the future with the same level of detail as history recounts the past. Therefore, while the Old Testament prophecies indeed cover both the first and second comings, early interpretations often merged them into a single event. Especially in the period leading up to Jesus’ birth, there was an assumption that the Messiah would be a political or military leader establishing an immediate earthly kingdom «And as they heard these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. », (Luke 19:11). Through Jesus’ ministry, we can comprehend the true mission of Christ and the genuine essence of His kingdom.

A close examination of Old Testament prophecies reveals an implicit expectation of two comings. Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 7:14 foretell the first coming. Conversely, Isaiah 53:8–9 predicts a suffering and dying Messiah who will be exalted and glorified according to Isaiah 53:11–12. Daniel 9:26 depicts the Messiah being killed following His arrival. Simultaneously, prophets like Zechariah «And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one is in bitterness for his firstborn. », (Zechariah 12:10) states that this same “pierced” Messiah will be seen again by His enemies. Therefore, the clues are present.

Numerous Old Testament prophecies predict the ultimate triumph of Christ, which will take place at His second coming. These prophecies can be found in the books of Zechariah (Zechariah 9:14-15;12:10-14;13:1), Amos (Amos 9:11-15), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 30:18;Jeremiah 32:44;Jeremiah 33:11,26), and Joel, who wrote, “For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,” (Joel 3:1). These prophecies describe the Messiah’s triumphant return to lead Israel to salvation. It is important to note that these prophecies are within the context of passages such as Deuteronomy 30:3–5, predicting the time of the Messiah’s final victory.

Furthermore, the Scriptures document Jesus directly referencing Old Testament prophecies to support His own claims regarding His second coming. For instance, His statements in Matthew 24:31 and Mark 13:27 align with the descriptions in Isaiah 52:15 and Isaiah 59–62.

In summary, the Hebrew Scriptures indicate that the Promised One would first appear, be cut off, and then return in victory. The first coming has already taken place, while the second is yet to come. Both the New and Old Testaments prophesy a second coming of the Messiah.