essiah of prophecy Mees ah on the throne QON- 4995To Ed and Ginny Britt devoted servants of the Lord and our beloved friends for many years, this book is affectionately dedicated. OSA) ete a Homer and Widna Hailey ©Copyrighted by Religious Supply, Inc. No part of this book may be reproduced without printed permission from the publisher. SUp ss A > AS RELIGIOUS SUPPLY, INC. 4001 Preston Highway » Louisville, KY 40213 U Se ii re CONTENTS FOREWORD PREFACE... ix SUMMARY OF “FIRSTS” . xiii INTRODUCTION .... .1 PART ONE: THE MESSIAH IN PROPHECY 1. THE SEED OF THE WOMAN (Gen. 3:15) ...... 9 n se 8. © . THE SEED OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB . JUDAH - THE TRIBE SELECTED .. - EIGHTH CENTURY PROPHETS: ISRAEL . Abraham .. Isaac Jacob THE SEED - A PROPHET . THE HOUSE OF DAVID The House of God and the House of David . Solomon’s Psalm - Psalm 72.... Ethan’s Psalm: Jehovah’s Covenant With David - Psalm 89 . DAVID’S MESSIANIC PSALMS, 1010-970 B.C. .... 45 The Rejection and Exaltation of Jehovah’s Anointed - Psalm 2 47 The Suffering Messiah: His Crucifixion - Psalm 22 49 The Resurrection - Psalm 16:8-11 ..... The King/Priest: His Dominion - Psalm 110 David's Last Words - II Samuel 23:1-7 ..... - THE NON-WRITING PROPHETS - THE DIVIDED KINGDOM, 930-722 B.C. Israel . Judah NINTH CENTURY PROPHETS: OBADIAH, JOEL .. Obadiah, 845 B.C. Joel, 830 B.C. Amos, 755 B.C. ...... Hosea, 750-725 B.C. .......+ CONTENTS (continued) 10, EIGHTH CENTURY PROPHETS: JUDAIE Isaiah, 740-700 B.C. Micah, 735-700 B. 11, SEVENTH CENTURY PROPHETS Zephaniah, 630-625 B. Habakkuk, 625-605 B.C. Jeremiah, 627-586 B.C. 12. SIXTH CENTURY PROPHETS Ezekiel, 593-570 B.C. . Daniel, 605-536 B.C. .. 13. LATE SIXTH AND FIFTH CENTURY PROPHE Haggai, 520-516 B.C Zechariah, 518-? B.C. Malachi, 445 -432 B. PART TWO: THE MESSIAH IN THE FLESH 14. “LO, 1 AM COME” The Fullness of the Time The Messiah’s Entrance into the World - The God-man New Covenant Testimony to His Messianic Godhood 240 The Conflict: Christ the Son ys. Satan the Serpent. PART THREE: THE MESSIAH ON HIS THRONE 15, MESSIANIC RUL! The Messiah/King on His Throne . The High Priest on His Throne. The Shepherd of God's Flock The Head of The Body - The Church The Judge of All... APPENDIX A ..... BIBLIOGRAPHY................ Foreword Vases Countless are the volumes that have been written about the Messiah, some of them technical and scholarly, while others are devotional in contentand popular with the reading public. The technical works are of little benefit to the common man, and the devotional type hardly says the great things about God’s Anointed, as announced through the prophets of God, to bless mankind. Therefore, we welcome Homer Hailey’s literary contribution on this majestic One, because he writes for the common man who’ is committed to serious Bible study. The public reception and benefit of the vast number of volumes authored by Mr. Hailey attest this fact. His books are read around the world; Colleges and Universities often use them as required studies. And now he gives the world what might well be the “crown” of his literary efforts in this volume on the Messiah. Hailey’s approach in this study is unique: grouping the various prophets within their own time-frame, century by century, and clearly and forthrightly expounding their Holy-Spirit-guided utterances on a level that will immensely benefit the present and future generations. The whole of divine revelation is God’s record of his Son, and who among men is more acquainted with the Sacred v+ Record, and eminently qualified to set forth the teaching of the prophets than Homer Hailey who has given himself fully to their writings for sixty-five years, both as a careful student and college professor. I read and re-read as carefully as possible the manuscript of this work, as it was being written, and I marvel at the depth and the insights of its contents. The author repeatedly demonstrates the advantage his many years of studious habit has given him. The author minutely and_ painstakingly digs and sifts the prophetic utterances seeking for that Holy One, anointed by God, to universally take away sin. Early in the Biblical record he finds Him who would come and set the world right. Israel anxiously looked for this King and High Priest, from David's kingly line, who, through His offering, would make intercession for us, and inevitably possess and exercise all authority. We are aware of the debating as to how clearly the Old Testament presents this Messiah. These discussions continued into the NewTestamentrecord (John 7:32-44), where the Jews debated heatedly over whether Jesus could be the Christ because of where He was born. Yet, all believed Israel’s future included one who would deliver them. This conviction was so deeply imbedded in the hearts of Israel that even the woman of Samaria, at Jacob’s well, said to Jesus, “I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things” (John 4:25). What expectations! When the Anointed One of God, the rightful heir to David’s throne, would appear, the hidden things of the past would be told. Hailey traces this One of whom the prophets spoke, showing Him to be the historical, virgin born Son of God, that covers our sins. This God- man person is Isaiah's “child born” and “Son given” figure, and the Statement sets forth the humanity and di nd s forth leity of the Messiah. G emerging light from the correlation of the Old Testament and the New Testament demonstrates Hailey’ se of t evidence. The Messiah, in all of E ee aee ee se ea lis beauty and worth, aj His idemtincie i be , appears; nity gleaned from the evidence is incontrovertible. He avoids ai that the aantallows each Prophet's testimony to fully corroborate seen. Conundrums ave spoken. His hermeneutic is. simplistically part ofthe reason eae totally avoided in Hailey’s work; and this is people; hisworkisseen is writings are beneficially used by so many volume one immed; tobe fair, beneficial, and trustworthy. In this mediately sees Hailey's conservatism, he writes with vi RTT > much reverence for God’s word. The concepts and convictions expressed in this book are distinctively his own, and they came into being through struggle and toil, for the benefit of future generations. While scholars have left us a wealth of good materials covering the Messiah, and Hailey has to some degree leaned on them, but this volume is his — these expressions are his thoughts. All who read this book will be greatly benefited. One’s appreciation for the unity of Scripture and fulfilled prophetic promises, will greatly be enhanced. I happily congratulate Homer Hailey (now approaching ninety three years of age!) in the completion of this task, and heartily recommend it to all who have an interest in the Messiah. Earl E. Robertson Glasgow, Kentucky 42141-7002 December, 7, 1995 viiviii Preface ans It was by force of circumstances in the early thirties that I began studying the Old Testament prophets. I had been preaching only a short time when a congregation invited me to work with them in a city where premillennialism was the current issue. When I attempted to talk Bible with people, almost invariably they would introduce passages from the prophets of which, to my shame, I was totally ignorant. I knew that the use made of them was inconsistent with my understanding of the New Testament, but I did not know what the prophet was teaching. So, I was determined to study that portion of the Bible, devoting all the time possible to the project. ‘That was the beginning of the development ofa deep love for these great men of God and their writings, and an appreciation that has grown through the intervening years. In view of this study and love for the prophets, there are several reasons for writing this book: 1)_A serious study of the prophets has been neglected by the people with whom I have been acquainted and among whom I have worked. These associates overlooked a great source of spiritual wealth, depriving themselves of truth that would have thrown light on the meaning of many New Testament passages. It is hoped that a reading of this book will stimulate a new generation to rectify ix+ Oy Paul urged Timothy to abide in the things he had learned; “And that froma babe thou hast known the sacred writings (the Old Covenant Scriptures} which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is Christ Jesus” (11 Tim. 3:15). Astudy of the Messiah in prophecy, and seeing these prophecies fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth will assuredly strengthen faith in Jesus the Christ for every honest student. . 3) Peter said that though the apostles were eye and ear witnesses to the things seen and heard, nevertheless, “We have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well thatye take heed, as unto a lamp ina dark place . .. [for these men] spake from God, being moved [borne along] by the Holy Spirit” (II Pet. 1:19, 21). The prophecies spoken by the prophets over a period of hundreds of years, in diverse places, and under varied conditions, all find their fulfillment in the person of Jesus. These offer stronger evidence than the eye and ear testimony. In this skeptical age all Biblical evidence needs to be clearly and forcefully set forth. 4) A fourth reason for writing this book is that I have never found a book that detailed the development of the Messianic hope chronologically, tracing its growth from century to century. I have attempted to follow this pattern, recognizing that the date of some of the prophets is uncertain. It is my hope that the reader will find this approach both interesting and helpful. Some readers may feel that I have interspersed too many full quotations from the Scriptures. My response is that in discussing the passage, showing its intent and relation to the subject and other prophecies, | must begin with what God said and proceed from there. One cannot do otherwise and write with any degree of accuracy. Except for a very few instances, [have avoided mention of Jewish, Roman Catholic, or Protestant views and interpretations, but have sought simply to set forth what God is saying, and to what He is leading. I have given all diligence to let Scripture interpret scripture, and atthe same time avoid any misuse of Scripture. Scripures ees / are admittedly v difficult, but allowing the the safest appros urally unfold their meaning, I believe one follows proach in reaching truth. As in each book that I have written, I feel deeply indebted to many x > for their help and encouragement in writing. First of all, lam deeply grateful to our Father in heaven for His providence that has made it possible for me to study the prophets and for giving me insight into their teaching. Also, I am grateful for having had the opportunity to teach them at Florida College for 22 years. | To Widna, my beloved wife, I am grateful for her help in keeping the house, cooking, etc. during the time of my writing (between my ninety first and ninety second birthdays) in spite of hersuffering the breaking of both hips shortly before I began and the handicap of osteoporosis, Bell’s Palsy, and arthritis during the time. She was determined that her handicaps and suffering should not hinder my writing. Among the many others to whom Iam indebted are the following: Ruby Stroup, Tucson, Az., who typed, revised, and prepared the manuscript for publication. Being a well informed Bible student in her own right, she offered many excellent and challenging suggestions as we proceeded with the book’s development. Without her help this book would have never seen the light of day. Mrs. Margie Garrett, Huntsville, Al.,who painstakingly read the manuscript and corrected sentence structure and punctuation where needed. I am indebted to Earl Robertson, Glasgow, Ky., for his encouragement and writing the Foreword. Iam also indebted to the men who read the manuscript and offered many practical and invaluable suggestions, some more extensive and detailed than others: Melvin Curry, Temple Terrace, Fl., Forrest McCann, Abilene, Tx., Arvid McGuire, Athens, Al., Stanley Paher, Reno, Nv., Clinton vi Hamilton, Plantation, Fl., Ed Britt, Plant City, Fl., and Bob Owen, Temple Terrace, Fl. To each of these lam profoundly grateful for the time spent and sacrifice made in their reading the manuscript and suggestions offered. ; The book is sent forth with the earnest prayer that it may be used in the service of the Messiah King to arouse greater interest in the great Messianic messages of the Old Testament prophets. And may God bless the reader in his search for a better understanding ofthe prophets’ place in developing His great scheme of redemption. December 1995 Homer Hailey Tucson, Az. xixii Summary of “Firsts” a The following is a summary of the introduction and first announcement (or revelation) of persons, characteristics, and events relating to the Messiah who was to come, as recorded in the prophetic history. Most of these firsts introduced in the order listed below are developed more fully in passages that followed. The progressive development of these and the later passages set forth the personality and characteristics by which the Jews should have recognized Jesus as the Messiah. . Prophecies Before the Writing Prophets In Eden (Genesis 3), the first sin, introduction of the serpent, and the promise of the seed of the woman that would bruise theserpent’s head. The Patriarchs (Genesis 4 - 49) through whom the seed would come: Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Terah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Judah the tribe (Genesis 49) through which the seed would descend. A Prophet (Deuteronomy 18). The one promised would be a prophet in whose mouth Jehovah would put His word. David (1 Samuel 16) would be of the house of Jesse; and the xiiiWe > Messiah would be the son of David and the Son of God (II Samuel 7). Rejected and exalted (Psalm 2). The anointed one would be rejected by the people, but exalted by Jehovah to the throne of Jehovah from which he would rule over God’s people and the nations. Death by crucifixion (Psalm 22). The Messiah would suffer a violent death by the hand of evil and wicked men. Resurrection (Psalm 16). Though put to death in a most savage manner, His body would escape corruption. ; : King/priest at God’s right hand (Psalm 110). Following His resurrection, the Messiah would be exalted to Jehovah’s right hand as a king/priest after the order of Melchizedek; He would be victorious over His enemies; He would be eternally young. Beyond David’s immediate family and time (II Samuel 23:1-7). David knew that there was no one in his immediate family that could qualify to fill these and his former prophecies. Yet, David's salvation depended on such a One; therefore, he must wait for this special descendant. The Writing Prophets The outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel, 830 B.C.), His mission and blessings. Fall and restoration of the house of David (Amos, 755 B.C.),and the closing of its breaches. Scattering and restoration of Israel (Hosea, 750-725 B.C.). Israel scattered, “not my people”; anew covenant (first mention); restored as “my people,” under their king who, for the first time, is called “David.” Firsts in Isaiah (740-700 B.C.). Isaiah is the first to mention the following: The nations going up to Jehovah’s mountain in “the latter days,” but only a remnant of Israel would be redeemed. Isaiah is the first to combine the promised seed of Jehovah and the seed of David - the Branch of Jehovah and the root of Jesse - as one, Immanuel, in the virgin birth. This one so born would be the servant and sacrificial Lamb of Jehovah. Also, Isaiah was the first to reveal and emphasize the glory of Zion under the Servant’s rule. The place of the Messiah’s birth (Micah, 735-700 B.C.) would be Bethlehem in Judah. This is the only announcement of the place where He would be born. xiv + The pure language (lip) (Zephaniah, 630-625 B.C.). This would be a language of the Spirit, a new development in the Messianic concept. Emphasis on the principle of faith (Habakkuk, 625-605 B.C.). This prophet was the first to state precisely the principle, “The righteous shall live by his faith,” by which those under the Messiah would be saved and live. Character of the new covenant (Jeremiah, 627-586 B.C.). Although mentioned by Hosea, Jeremiah was the first to outline and characterize the new covenant. Shepherd, temple, and city (Ezekiel, 593-570 B.C.). Ezekiel was the first to emphasize the Messiah as Jehovah’s appointed Shepherd and to describe the Messianic temple and city of God. The time of the Messiah’s coming (Daniel, 605-536 B.C.). Several firsts can be ascribed to Daniel: the time of the Messiah’s coming would be during the fourth great world empire (the Roman); the Messiah would receive His Kingdom and dominion upon his return to heaven; and he was the firstto sketch the future of God’s people from the Persian Empire to the fall of Jerusalem. The Lamp stand - the support of the truth (Zechariah, 518-? B.C.). Particular firsts that may be attributed to Zechariah: the Messiah’s redeemed people would be the lamp stand that would support and bear the divine Messianic light to the world; he revealed the symbolic selling of the Messiah for thirty pieces of silver, and was the first to give a somewhat detailed description of the conflict between the world and the forces of the Messiah and the victory of the Messiah's forces. The Messenger/herald of the Messiah (Malachi, 445-432 B.C.). Although Isaiah had written of the messenger, Malachi was the first to fill in the details. He described his work more fully and spoke of him as Elijah, whom Jesus identified as John the Baptist. As one reads this book, the introduction of each new point should be observed.co Si S| Xvi THE MESSIAH IN PROPHECY TO THE MESSIAH ON THE THRONE A study of the Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament And their fulfillment in the New Testament Introduction Vee RGIS oo T.. most devastating, tragic, and ruinous event in the history of man - carrying in its wake the most far-reaching influence for evil- occurred in the Garden of Eden when Eve and Adam ate of the forbidden fruit. However, as soon as the act was committed, God announced a future event that would entail the unfolding of the most profound plan since the creation of the universe. . When God brought forth man He created him a moral being, responsible for his choices: he could either obey or disobey God. He could live a loyal life, obedient to the laws of his Creator, orhe could disobey His laws, being disloyal to God his Maker. Did God know that man would sin? Or did He create a being capable of making a choice independent of His foreknowledge of what he would do? Either position has opponents, and so let us leave it there. One thing is certain: when God made the announcement ofagreat future event, it was nota “spur of the moment” decision. God knew that man could obey or not obey His divine will expressed in commandments, depending on man’s free choice. What God’s plan for man was if he had not sinned was never revealed. But what He would do if man should sin was already a predetermined plan or 12 + purpose, formulated before the foundation of the world, to be carried outaccording to Hiswill; He had aplan forman’s redemption through Christ. . . . One of the most profound, yet brief, summaries of this plan is revealed by Paul in Ephesians 1:3-14. The apostle spoke of it asa mystery, something not known except to the Author ofthe idea, nor could it be recognized until He revealed it. Consider the following expressions: God “chose us in him [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love” (v. 4); “In whom [Christ] we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (v. 7); “unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth” (v. 10). Later, Paul spoke of himself as God's chosen vessel through whom He would “make all men see what is the dispensation [arrangement or administration] of the mystery which forages hath been hid in God who created all things” (3:9); which was “according to the eternal purpose of God” (3:11). The expressions, “before the foundation of the world,” “the fulness of the times,” “for ages hath been hid in God,” and “according to the eternal purpose,” each indicates that before the creation God had a fully established plan for human redemption should man sin. Peter made a similar point when he wrote of the saints’ redemption through the blood of Christ, saying, that Jesus “was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times [plural] for your sake, who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory” (I Pet. 1:18-21). Before the “casting down of the age” God foreknew what He would do in Christ for man’s redemption if he should sin. He carried out this purpose “at the end of the times,” however many there may have been - but it would be “in the fulness of time.” Accomplishing this eternal purpose wasas greata demonstration of God’s wisdom, power, glory, and majesty as the planning and creation of the universe in all of its grandeur, Itmay be even greater, because the physical universe will pass away, but the spiritual accomplishment will not, for it is as eternal as God Himself. _Paul s letter to the saints at Rome is a masterful exposition of God's great plan of salvation in Christ. ( e The letter begins with an introduction of the gospel by pointing back to the prophets’ 6 3 promise ofit;"which [God] promised afore through his Prophet the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, who was born Son of of David according to the flesh, who was declared to be the Son God with power, according to the spiritof holiness, by the sea SD. ‘of’ (margin) the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 1:24). Following this introduction, the letter detailed a world under sine helplessly lost apart from God. But in contrast to this condition of sinners, the letter revealed salvation to the lost through the grace of God, the blood of Christ, and the faith ofmanin these, allaccording to and through the fulfilling of God’s purpose. The apostle concluded the Roman letter with abeautiful doxology: “Now to him thatis able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal, but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all nations unto obedience of faith: to the only wise God through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 16:25-27). These two statements from Paul, together with the following word from Peter, lay the foundation and set the pattern for the theme of this book. Briefly summarized, Paul said that God’s ability to establish, set or make firm man’s salvation, is by the gospel - the proclamation of Jesus - in which the mystery of God’s eternal purpose is revealed. This plan had been kept in silence “through times eternal”; thus it extended back to some point before time. But, “by the scriptures of the prophets,” to which we shall appeal, God was manifesting point by point His purpose, so that when the Christ should come, the people would recognize Him “through the scriptures of the prophets.” Since Christ’s coming into the world, He cnc eae Te mee mad known oll naons “unto scriptures of the prophets vexemine wh nt het ok is to look at “the of Nazareth as the Messiah (Christ) wha hiner toJesus should come. Med what they said . In his second recorded sermon, Peter charged that the Jews had aun p Fora ehteous One, and asked for a murderer to fr unt ar ‘illed the Prince of life; whom God raised rom the dead” (Acts 3:14-15). He affirmed, “But the thi i God foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that he one i” * Tis! should suffer, he thus fulfilled (v. 18). Peter continued, saying of4 + ss the Christ, “Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake [it was God speaking] by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old” (v. 21). The apostle proceeded to quote Moses, a prophet, who declared that God would raise up a prophet like him in whose mouth would put His words (Deut. 18:15, 19). This would be true of any prophet whom God would raise up (Acts 3:22-24), but _ was completely fulfilled in Jesus. Peter followed this with the significant statement, “Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and them that followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days” (v. 24) - the days of Christ’s reign, redemption, and rule through God’s word which He put in Jesus’ mouth. Butprior to Moses there was a covenant that God made with Abraham, saying, “And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (v. 25). God fulfilled all these in Jesus whom He “raised up... [and] sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities” (v. 26). Building on this word from God through Paul, His unique ambassador to the Gentiles, and through Peter, His special envoy to the Jews, the prophet Samuel is the logical pivotal point for division of the prophecies. Those before him, which would be those of Moses in “the law,” the important prophecy spoken by Samuel to David; and those spoken after Samuel, which would include the Psalms of David. Jesus Himself indicated this arrangement when He said, “That all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44). Prophecies before Samuel are found in the writings of Moses who recorded God’s promises to Adam and Eve in Eden, to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah, and to the people. These are “the law of Moses” spoken of by Jesus (Luke 24:44). The prophecy of Samuel to David (II Sam. 7:11-14) is of utmost importance, It introduced David’s seed, his house (family), throne, and kingdom which would come after he should sleep with his fathers. It is repeated again and again by the writing prophets, and referred to numerous times in the New Covenant. This would be included in Jesus’ phrase “the prophets” (Luke 24:44). “All the prophets from Samuel and them that followed after” (Acts 3:24) include the writings of David in the Psalms and the words of the writing prophets who pointed to Jesus and His coming. i 5 The judgment, destruction, and end of the heathen nations was emphasized by many of the prophets; and the judgment and end of the nations of Israel and Judah were likewise clearly revealed by several of them. All the gods of the nations, and those that seduced Israel and Judah away from God, would prove to be non- entities. This judgment raises the question, If the heathen nations and Israel and Judah were to be destroyed alike, is there anything permanent that will endure? The reply is so important that God answered it through Samuel and the prophets in each century that followed. God and His character, His word, His concern for His people, and His rule by principles that originate and proceed from Himself, are set forth as permanent eternal truth. The king would be the seed of David, and God’s Son; the throne on which He would sit is God’s throne; and the kingdom over which He would rule is God’s, a reign that will never pass away. All submitting to His rule by serving and obeying Him will have a permanent inheritance in that kingdom. These are both permanent and eternal, and were offered to all nationalities and races without distinction. Indeed, there are verities that are both permanent and eternal, that will not pass away. The prophets pointed to these truths as characteristic of all that pertained to the Messiah and His mission. No attempt is made to consider all prophecies that pointed to the Messiah, His character, and His mission; buta sufficient number of the more prominent prophecies that reveal a progressive development of Him, His character, and His work, willbe examined to convince the truth seeker, and to strengthen the faith of thé believer. Such an overview will show their fulfillment in the Christ of the New Covenant. Peter’s statement in Acts 3:24-25 is the focal point, and this book proceeds as follows: I. The pre-Samuel prophecies: Moses in the law II. Samuel's prophecy to David II. Post-Samuel prophets and their prophecies by centuries A. Mid-eleventh to Mid-tenth Century 1. David's prophecies in the Psalms B. Mid-tenth to Mid-eighth Centuries 1. The divided kingdom: non-writing prophets 2. Conditions: work of these prophets C. Ninth Century (writing prophets) 1. Obadiah, 845, B.C.