Messiah ben Joseph

Although I differ with some of the interpretations and conclusions of the author, Mitchell's book is a landmark work in many ways, and he is to be commended for producing the most comprehensive collection and discussion of texts on Messiah ben Joseph in any language to date. His thesis that the concept of Messiah ben Joseph was derived directly from the biblical texts (as opposed to, e.g, a response to the failed revolt of Bar Kochba) demands attention, although I find it unlikely that the reference to Joseph as a firstborn bull in Deut 33:17 speaks of him destined for slaughter (as opposed to speaking primarily about his preeminence). At the same time, Mitchell challenges us to look afresh at this biblical text, among others that point to the importance of Joseph, while reexamining rabbinic interpretation of these texts. So, overall, a very important volume, now to be read side by side with Martha Himmelfarb's just published Jewish Messiahs in a Christian Empire, which offers a different understanding of some of the key texts.

Dr. Mitchell has certainly put a lot of care and work into this volume. Unfortunately, what comes through most clearly is that despite his ample knowledge of Hebrew texts, Judaism is still very much foreign to him. The premise of the whole book seems to be that there are Rabbis, Jewish authors of religious texts and learned Jews who never saw page 52, side a or b, of Tractate Sukkah of the Babylonian Talmud. Which is risible.I hope this will help Christians better understand Judaism, but I wouldn't recommend this as a beginning text.

Messiah Ben David is not the only prototype of the messiah in the Torah or Rabbinic literature. The messiah Ben Joseph is portrayed in Genesis, the torah, the prophets, the Dead Sea scrolls, the New Testament and in rabbinic literature as a type of messiah who will suffer and die and bring redemption to fallen humanity. Both are foreshadowing the 1st and 2nd coming of Jesus. Highly recommended!

A thorough study of this important subject has been long overdue. Gone are the days that the idea of "Messiah ben Joseph" can simply be dismissed as a shadowy legend, or lazily "attributed" to one threatening historic event or another, thus prompting a need to create yet another Messiah figure to help the Jewish people take hope in some future deliverance. No, the vast multitude of references coming from so many directions--from prophets of the Old Testament, pseudepigraphal writings, Dead Sea Scrolls, in addition to a multitude of ancient rabbinic writings found in many sources--all of this calls for sincere study and consideration in learning more of its origins and impact upon Judaism.Mitchell has done an outstanding job with a very complex subject, laying out the evidence, so to speak, in a very coherent way. I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to deepen his or her understanding of a fascinating, and yet mysterious, aspect of Jewish messianism.

David Mitchell is becoming one of my favorite scholars.

This book is now the standard for the Messiah ben Joseph tradition in Judaism throughout the ages. I do not agree with every single argument or assertion, but most of them are sound and well presented.

Great work. Be sure to read and reread. Make special effort to see two Messiahs coming together in Zechariah. This is a very very good resource.

Well written book.

A superb book. As far as I’m aware, Mitchell’s ‘Messiah ben Joseph’ (MMbJ) is now the most complete collection and discussion of texts on Messiah ben Joseph (in any language). The way in which Mitchell shows how the concept of Messiah ben Joseph could plausibly have developed from the Biblical data is provocative and (to my mind) persuasive. The book is also helpful insofar as it sheds light on the prominent role played by Ephraim (rather than Judah) in Israel’s pre-Davidic history and hence the extent to which the choice of David was a surprise. And it’s hard to imagine how anyone could read the opening paragraph and not at least be intrigued:‘There is, in rabbinic literature, a figure called Messiah ben Joseph. This Messiah comes from Galilee to die, pierced by ruthless foes, at the gate of Jerusalem. Upon his death, Israel are scattered amidst the nations. But his death, as we shall see, confounds Satan, atones for sin, and abolishes death itself. And then he is raised to life again.’You won’t be disappointed!

I am a layman. I am sure that I miss a lot in this book, but the challenging read has been well worth it. Twenty-five years of knowledge that I can just buy and absorb, yes please. Thank you for helping us understand this ancient figure and why it matters to us today.