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Annals of Global History Volume 1, Issue 2, 2019, PP 12-16 ISSN 2642-8172

References to the Messiah in the Pentateuch, and : A Zimbabwean Perspective

Menard Musendekwa* Research Fellow, Department of Biblical Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa *Corresponding Author: Menard Musendekwa, Research Fellow Department of Biblical Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Are there messianic expectations or messianic characters in the Pentateuch, Isaiah and Daniel? This research will examine if there can be messianic expectations in the Pentateuch linked to the priest in circumstances that do not presuppose an obvious crisis. The role played by an “anointed” priest in the Pentateuch seems to come about as the perpetrators of sin sought atonement (Lev. 4:3, 5, 16; 6:22 6:15). Are the priests intervening as “anointed” one due to indirect crisis by sin? This research will examine as to whether reference to “messiah” in : 44:28-45:1-8 and Daniel 9:25-27 come about as a response to social, economic, political and religious crises that emanated from the failure of to uphold ’s instruction. If that be so these findings may help to examine why Mugabe had gained messianic characterization during the past decade. The researcher as a citizen of Zimbabwe queries if such characterization emanate from his involvement in the liberation struggle or dependence on scriptures as trusted source for rhetorical propaganda to legitimize his role in a bid to legitimize his authority while the country was experiencing e socio-economic crises.

INTRODUCTION emanating from dependency on biblical principles of hope to restore the lost support. Messianic expectations in the Pentateuch, Isaiah and Daniel can be investigated by exegesis of A literature study of existing scholarly research selected texts. This research can assist or on messianism as well as exegesis of relevant facilitate a more comprehensive understanding biblical texts can be of significant importance to of messianism in the Old Testament and in its confirm the significance of messianism in theological implications. Investigation on the biblical times and their circular use of including development of the messianism in ancient Israel related biblical messianic titles which are being may help to reflect on how it is applied to a rendered to the political figure in question are postcolonial context like the present-day also considered. Zimbabwe. The researcher examines if the term REFERENCES TO THE MESSIAH IN THE Messiah developed from its embryonic stage in the Pentateuch and how such expectations can PENTATEUCH anointed“הַה ֹּכהֵה ןהַה ָּמ ִׁשיַהןbe manipulated in a Christian society like that of The featuring of the phrase Zimbabwe. priest” in the Leviticus (Lev. 4:3, 5, 16; 6:22 The major question is what actually stimulates 6:15) needs a closer look. While Leviticus the emergence of messianism (messianic reflects on what can be referred to as pre- expectations and messianic figures) in a messianic, the term „messiah‟ was derived from community like ancient Israel? It seems its verbal meaning “he anointed” or its use in its messianism emerged as a prophetic response to adjectival form to complement the noun priest social, economic, political and religious crises (Rose 2001:565). This presupposes the early (Musendekwa 2011).The message of stages in the development of Messianic could have been to create hope for Israel during expectations which I may call embryonic stage. crisis circumstances. However some scholars While some biblical texts were not intended to consider it to be a result of resistance to be messianic in their initial purpose, they oppression (Portier-Young 2011). While various contribute to the later development of the idea views can be found, the examination of how under the influence of subsequent historical Mugabe was messianized could have been circumstances (Klausner1955:27).

Annals of Global History V1 ● 12 ● 2019 12 References to the Messiah in the Pentateuch, Isaiah and Daniel: A Zimbabwean Perspective

It is significant at this point to make it clear that priests, it is also associated with the anointing of the term is used to describe the consecration of kings and prophets. Although mostly used in the tabernacle and priests. They were made connection with the Davidic dynasty, it was also sacred for the Lord and could not be treated as used for non-Jewish kings. One of the kings was ordinary things and people. They were set apart Cyrus the king of Persia. The prophetic for a divine purpose. The priest was apart from allusions to Cyrus could refer to the period seen as having a special obligation, also between 549 BCE and 538 BCE. It was also a considered to have special status. Once one was time when the nation of Israel was in exile. anointed he gained special favour (Oswalt, Cyrus had become king of Persia in 559 BCE. 1997:1125-1126). He eventually conquered in 539/538 BCE. Later on he permitted the Israelite exiles In ancient Near Eastern religions, a priest to return and rebuild and the Temple functioned as a minister to the divine by through his decree of 538 BCE (Groningen providing in all his needs and worshipping in 1990:393). In :28 Yahweh points to the house where the gods dwelt. Israel‟s priests My Shepherd”. Yahweh‟s“רֹּכעִׁש Cyrus as held a similar task. The greatest duty among all representatives are described as shepherds was to offer sacrifices. He was the only one elsewhere in the scriptures e.g. , , allowed to approach the alter carrying out rituals and later prophets. Cyrus‟ task here while putting on special religious . alludes to -11 where a shepherd was to The priest was the mediator of sacrifices to restore the people of God to their own land. Yahweh on behalf of the perpetrator of sin or (Goldingay 2001:261). guilt (Schuffman 1996:881-802). was a traditional metaphor for רֹּכעִׁש ‟My shepherd“ The high priest made a purification offering to king. Therefore Cyrus was actually portrayed in get rid of the impurities that defiled the terms of the royal ideology of Israel. He played tabernacle. It was a sacrifice in response to the a restorative role in Israel‟s history. Cyrus made guilt and impurities which were associated with a decree for all exiles to return to their homeland sin and also some situations which do not after conquering Babylon (Collins 2010:33). involve sin. These can be for example the Apart from being a shepherd, Cyrus is purification of a mother after birth, purification ֹּכה־ָאמַהרן ְהוָּמהן Yahweh‟s “messiah”. The clause of a person who recovers from an unclean flow ,Thus said the Lord to his anointed“לִׁשמְ ִׁש יֹוןלְכֹורֶ and several other community rituals involving to Cyrus” depicts Cyrus to be the messiah of purification offering and consecration of the God who offered a temporal solution to the Tabernacle. The sacrifices rectified various problem of Israel (:1). Cyrus delivered situations that defiled the sacred space and Israel from bondage to their land and gave them disrupted an orderly life of the community permission to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. (Gorman 2000:145). What Yahweh previously intended to The outcome of the sacrifice by the priest was accomplish through the Davidic monarchy, he that the offender was forgiven. The priest‟s role could do through the gentile king (Goldingay was to sacrifice but forgiving was to come from 2001:262).“Taking hold of right hand” in 45:3 Yahweh. However, forgiveness did not mean gives an impression of choosing and having exemption from being punished but intimate relationship. Cyrus‟ conquest was reconciliation with God. All in all, atonement going to be in accordance with Yahweh‟s was made by God while the priest acts on behalf providence (Watts 1987:157). Yahweh was of the offender (Houston 2003:106). Were the going to support Cyrus. priests acting as messianic figures? From above This calls for an understanding that the discussion priests could be indirectly messianic revolution in the Middle East affairs were rooted for the perpetrators of sin or those ritually in Yahweh‟s involvement with Cyrus “for the unclean are the ones who sought the services of sake of ” (Goldingay 2001:262). The the priests. They were also divinely appointed exegetical analysis of this prophetic oracle about ones to offer sacrifices to ensure the purity of Cyrus can be considered as prophetic rhetoric to the entire community. convince the Diaspora Jews that Yahweh had a REFERENCE OF THE MESSIAH IN ISAIAH plan with them even within their present 44:28-45:8 predicament. By being in dispersion God was intending to extend his kingdom even to the Besides the use of the term “messiah” in the gentiles. The could have been aimed at Pentateuch concerning the anointing of the ensuring that the Diaspora Jews do not have to

13 Annals of Global History V1 ● 12 ● 2019 References to the Messiah in the Pentateuch, Isaiah and Daniel: A Zimbabwean Perspective resist the plea by Cyrus to return to their considering the second century context. This homeland to rebuild Jerusalem. Cyrus was could also be a priest since they were also an anointed“ִׁשָּמרֵה תןמָּמ ִׁש יַהןוְאֵה ןלֹו unknowingly pursuing the mission of Yahweh. anointed. The clause Cyrus was therefore the Shepherd of Israel and one shall be cut down without anyone to help” an anointed one of Yahweh. in 9:26a does not refer to the anointed Prince of verse 25 since the Anointed One in verse 26 REFERENCE TO THE MESSIAH IN DANIEL appears after sixty-two weeks. Most scholars 9:25-27 presuppose this to be Onias III who was The return from exile and rebuilding of the removed from the office of High Priest and Temple and the walls of Jerusalem did not assassinated in 171BCE (Fitzmyer 2007:61, 63). culminate in the restoration of the Davidic According to Pierce (1989:211) Daniel is used kingdom. This is evident in Daniel‟s prayer for to be treated in two different ways. The one the fulfilment of the promises made in view is that Daniel is taken as a second century 25:11-12 and 29:10. Jeremiah promised that the BCE Pseudo-epigraphic history that relates the desolation was going to end after seventy years. events concerning the desecration of the Temple Thereafter the kingdom was going to be restored by Antiochus Epiphanes during the period 167 to Israel. The response of Yahweh did not have to 164 BCE. The other view is that of the any clear historic fulfilment. Prophetic message conservatives who find a distinct Christian continued to be thrown into a distant future. element. They treat Daniel as a sixth century Hope for the restoration of the Davidic dynasty BCE prophecy which focuses on the was still alive after exile. Initially their hope was postponement of the restoration which resulted on the figure of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high from the poor condition of the remnant by the priest. This idea was supported by and end of exile. Daniel‟s seventy weeks of years Zechariah. There was also increased influence have ended up being used to interpret various from the priestly class. It is convincingly predicaments and expectations in Israel‟s evident that the priests were only anointed in the religion and in Christianity. We come to post exilic period. The high priest took over the recognize that the Messiah was depicted by function of the king at the Temple (Jargersma various characters within various interpretive 1982:198-199). There was a rise of messianic frameworks. The vision of Daniel concerning movements during the Persian Empire. They can the coming of the messiah prince after Seventy be categorized as those who wanted to regain times seven years have been interpreted in independence through armed rebellion under a various periods to instil hope in dealing with Davidic ruler and those who sought divine social, economic, political and religious crises. intervention through their fidelity to the laws REFERENCE TO THE MESSIAH IN ZIMBABWE (Blenkinsopp 1984:245). The Zimbabwean interpretation gives the term Collins (2010:42) notes that the term “messiah” “messiah” a new meaning. The title becomes a is used twice in Daniel 9:25, 26. Both references rhetorical term to designate President Robert follow after Daniel‟s prayer requesting when Mugabe as a means to legitimize his leadership Jeremiah‟s prophecy about the end of the amidst mounting opposition. seventy years of desolation was going to be accomplished. The prediction is reinterpreted as Zimbabweans have been living in a fragile a period of seventy weeks of years. The first socio-economic situation for the last decade and seven weeks end with advent of an anointed messianic expectations related to a political ruler (9:25). Most probably refers to Joshua the figure are very high. This resuscitates memories high priest referred to in Zechariah as one of the of the pre- liberation struggle when the nation two “sons of oil”. Then after sixty-two weeks was expecting the coming of a political liberator “the anointed one will be cut off” which is to set the nation free from political oppression. mostly regarded as the murder of Onias the The independence attained in 1980 was the High Priest around 171 BCE. Daniel 9:25 and climax when President Robert Mugabe was 9:26 are widely interpreted as presenting an elected as leader of the new government. eschatological messiah. Daniel 9:25 is the first However, the country has been once again incident in the Old Testament to designate the immersed into a political crisis. This is when the loyalists of President Mugabe declare him the נָּמגִׁש ד .Messiah as having a future connotation “Prince” could mean either a king or priest. The Messiah so as to gain political mileage. may presuppose a kingly President Robert Mugabe has been characterised מָּמִׁש יַהןנָּמגִׁש דoccurrence of Messiah; probably Zerubbabel especially as a “messiah” in both religious and political

Annals of Global History V1 ● 12 ● 2019 14 References to the Messiah in the Pentateuch, Isaiah and Daniel: A Zimbabwean Perspective circles. Rev Musindo, president of real .7 The words of Christian Destiny for Africa Network claimed that the songs have been changed for political ends by president is a “black political Moses”, a “God replacing the name of Jesus with that of the given leader Godfery Nzira, a self-proclaimed President.8 In an era of crisis such typologies prophet claimed that President Robert Mugabe have been common even during the new is “appointed king” of Zimbabwe and none dispensation in Zimbabwe which cannot be should dare to challenge him. Paul Mwazha discussed in this paper. leader of the African Apostolic Church claimed that he preaches President Mugabe in all his Though most of the characterisations are not sermons.1 The president at some time in 2010 strictly messianic, they have an impression of someone set apart by God for a special purpose. attended the Johanne Masowe Apostolic Church Passover feast putting on church vestments Such references call for a reflection on the previous discussion on the biblical development which are strictly meant for members. In this of the term “Messiah.” That is adapted to instance the president stood to be above the interpret the need for messiah amidst social, rules and regulations of the Church.2 Bishop economic, political and religious crises. Mutendi of the Christian Church, who earlier on praised the president and CONCLUSION assured support from him, called President References to the Messiah in the Pentateuch Mugabe a “God given leader.”3Politicians also have revealed that this term was used for priests referred the president as a messianic liberator. as representatives of those who had Zanu PF secretary for administration, Didymus shortcomings before the Lord. In this instance it Mutasa was quoted as saying Mugabe was seems the priestly office indirectly responds to “Zimbabwe's Messiah” who was sent by the 4 crises as the offender or the ritually unclean Almighty to lead Zimbabwe. Defence minister, sought priestly sacrifices to atone for their Emerson Mnangagwa could not be out done. He shortcomings. The prophets like Isaiah had likened the President to the biblical King direct confrontations with the kings who were . He claimed President Mugabe to be the anointed ones especially when there was a “King of Kings” likening him to the biblical 5 crisis. Yahweh appointed a new king to deal king Solomon. A view of Solomon as a with the crises after having subjected Israel to messianic figure is rooted in the understanding retributive justice. that Solomon was a successor to the Davidic He created hope by promising the coming of a . new king through his mouthpiece- the prophets. The minister of housing and local government, Cyrus for instance was anointed by God to Tony Gara called the President “God‟s Other deliver Israel from the Babylonian exile. Son”.6 He regarded him as a son of God in the Because Cyrus redemption was incomplete close lineage with Christ as if Christ left any Daniel wished to know when the prophecy of successor. Edward Raradza, Muzarabani Jeremiah could be fulfilled. Yahweh‟s response Member of Parliament claimed that the first cast the messianic expectations to a distant name Gabriel was given in the order of Angel future. Gabriel, therefore President Mugabe to be the The need for a messiah had been triggered by the underlying crises. The characterisation of President Robert Mugabe as a messianic figure depicts him as the bringer of political 1http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/news/37835/muga independence. However, in this instance be-god-given-church-leaders.html Retrieved May 16, messianism is used for rhetorical political 2011. propaganda amidst current opposition in order 2http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2008/03/14/bishop- to legitimize his authority as the leader. Such says-mugabe-is-moses-cen-31408-p-8/Retrieved rhetorical strategies are only applicable to a Retrieved May 17, 2010. 3 country facing social economic, political and http://www.zimeye.org/?p=29244Retrieved August religious crises. It seems many have shifted their 22, 2011. 4http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=1 1687 Retrieved January 07, 2011. 7http://www.swradioafrica.com/pages/angelgabriel12 5http://allafrica.com/stories/201103211453.html 0511.htm Retrieved May 15, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2011. 8http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives 6http://www.newzimbabwe.com/pages/zvobgo21.149 /2007/07/letting_barabas.html Retrieved October 27, 83.html Retrieved May 16, 2011. 2009

15 Annals of Global History V1 ● 12 ● 2019 References to the Messiah in the Pentateuch, Isaiah and Daniel: A Zimbabwean Perspective attention like in Daniel from the present .co.uk/news/37835/mugabe-god-given-church- leadership to a hopeful future. The role of the leaders.html. anointed priest in the Pentateuch, The Anointed [16] Mitchell, M. (1991). Cyrus. In B. T.C., Halman king in Isaiah and the Prince Messiah in Daniel Dictionery (p. 328). Nashville: Halman developed as a result of some kind of crises. Bible Publishers. [17] Mugabe God given-church leaders. (2011, BIBLIOGRAPHY March 7). Retrieved May 16, 2011. [Online] [1] Blenkinsopp, J. (1984). A History of Prophecy Available: Mugabe God given-church leaders: In Israel. London: SPCK. http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/news/37835/ mugabe-god-given-church-leaders.html. [2] Collins, J. (2010). The Scepter and the Star: The Messiahs of the Dead Sea Scrollsand other [18] Olsen, T. (2007). 'Letting Barabas go scot-free'. Ancient Literature. New York: Doubleday. Retrieved October 27, 2009, from [Online] Available: [3] Conger, G. (2008). Bishop says Mugabe is Moses. http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/arc Retrieved May 17, 2010. [Online] Available: hives/2007/07/letting_barabas.html. http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2008/03/14/bis In VanGemeren W. (etמ י .(hop-says-mugabe-is-moses-cen-31408-p-8. [19] Oswalt, J. (1997 al), New International Dictionary of Old [4] Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe, (February 7, 2007). Testament Theology and Exegesis: Vol. 2 (pp. Zanu Pf Activates its Campaign. Retrieved 1123-1127). Grand Rapids: Zondervan. August 01, 2011, [Online] Available: http:// www.sokwanele.com/thisiszimbabwe/archives/ [20] Pierce, R. (1989). Spiritual Failure, 6313 Postponment and Daniel 9. Trinity Journal, ns 10 No 9 , 211-223. [5] Fitzmyer, J.A. (2007). The One Who is to Come. Grand Rapids: William B. Eedmans. [21] Rose, W. (2001). Messiah. In T. &. Alexander, Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch [6] Goldingay, J. (2001). Isaiah. Peabody: Hendrikson (pp. 565-568). Illinois: Intervasity. Publishers. [22] Schuffman, L. (1996). Priests. In (. Archtemier [7] Gorman, F. (2000). Leviticus. In Mays, J (et al) P. (et al), HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (pp. The HarperCollins Bible Commentary (pp. 880-882). New York: HarperCollins. 145-166). San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco. [23] Staff Reporter, (December 11, 2009). Mugabe's [8] Groningen, G. (1990). Messianic in praise singer Tony Gara dies. Retrieved May16, the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. 2011 [Online] Available: http://www.newzimb [9] Hoekema, A. (1988). Seventy Weeks. In B. abwe.com/pages/zvobgo21.14983.html GW, The International Standard Encyclopedia [24] The Standard, (March 20, 2011). Mnangagwa Vol. VI, Q-Z (pp. 427-428). Grand Rapids: Likens Mugabe to Biblical King Solomon. William B. Eerdmans. Retrieved August 25, 2011 [Online] Available: [10] Houston, W. (2003). Leviticus. In Dunn, JDG. http://allafrica.com/stories/201103211453.html. (et al), Eedmans Comentary on (pp. [25] Watts, J.D. 1987. Isaiah. Waco; Thomas Nelson 101-124). Grand Rapids: William B. Eedmans. [26] Zimbabwe Briefing Crisis Coalition, (May 12, [11] Jagersma, H. 1982. A in the 2011) ZANU-PF oiling its violence machinery, Old Testament Period. London: SCM. targets churches in propaganda drive. Retrieved [12] Klausner, J. (1955). The Messianic Idea in May 15,2011. [Online] Available: http://www. Israel. New York: Macmillan. swradioafrica.com/pages/angelgabriel120511.htm. [13] Matthews, V. (2002). A brief History of [27] Zim Online, (SA) (August 27, 2001). Mugabe Ancient Israel. Louisville: Westminister. appoints trusted lieutenants to key ministries. [14] McChomiskey, T. (1985). The Seventy "Weeks" Retrieved January 11, 2011 [Online] Available: of Daniel Against the background of Ancient http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleI Eastern Literature. Westminster Theological D=11687. Journal, 47 No. 1 Spr 1985 , 18-45. [28] Zimeye-Org, (April 22, 2011). Catholic [15] MISA, (2001, March 7). Mugabe God given- Bishops Liars and Puppets- Mugabe. Retrieved Church leaders. Retrieved May 16, 2011, August 22, 2011 [Online] Available http://www [Online] Available: http://www.thezimbabwean .zimeye.org/?p=29244

Citation: Menard Musendekwa, "References to the Messiah in the Pentateuch, Isaiah and Daniel: A Zimbabwean Perspective", Annals of Global History, 1(2), 2019, pp. 12-16. Copyright: © 2019 Menard Musendekwa. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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