Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 6/18/2007

Question
Hey there, thank you for reading my question. I need not just your point of view on this question, but also what reform and orthodox Jews would say on this question. Is the Messiah suppost to be God? Is there any prophecy in the Bible that would support that? Someone had told me that Isaiah 9:6 does. This is the original Hebrew taken from the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS) :

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

Would this say that the Messiah will be God because it says He will be called "Mighty God" and "Eternal Father"? I think it's so cool your Jewish. I assume anyway. I'm only like 1/17 Hebrew or something like that, a very small amount. Please expect questions from me about this in the future. I'm just really tired, so I'm going to bed. Good night and thank you again for looking at my question. Also, what do I have to do to get to heaven?

Answer
Dear Joe,

Thanks for writing.

The Hebrew is speaking of a time during that of the prophet, NOT of a future time as Christianity wanted to interpret the verses of the Hebrew Scriptures.

The Messiah would be a King, reuniting the kingdoms, NOT God or divine.

Judaism believes that all who are decent and good to mankind, making the world a better place will be able to receive eternal reward, assuming that such exists.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov