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David C. Mitchell
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Messiah ben Joseph Paperback – May 30, 2016

by David C. Mitchell (Author)
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David Mitchell's Messiah ben Joseph is the largest book ever written—and the first ever in English—on Messiah ben Joseph, the slain messiah of Rabbinic Judaism.
The author traces Messiah ben Joseph from his origins in the Book of Genesis, through the Pentateuch, the Prophets, the Psalms, the Pseudepigrapha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Targums, the New Testament and Church Fathers, the Talmud, the homiletic, exegetic, and apocalyptic midrashim, the Zohar, and the medieval rabbis, down to modern times.
This journey to the roots of messianism has profound implications for Jewish-Christian debate and fresh insights for all who love the Bible.
"Mitchell presents his case with great clarity and conviction. An immensely valuable monograph by an undoubted authority on this fascinating topic." Professor Robert Gordon.
"David Mitchell demonstrates that the Messiah ben Joseph—who dies before the appearance of the conquering, nationalistic Messiah ben David—is a product not of the first centuries C.E. but of earliest Judaic messianic thinking. Critically acute and authoritative, this study is essential to any future evaluation of the foundations of Jewish and Christian messianic thinking." Professor Alan Avery-Peck.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    334 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    May 30, 2016
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.76 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1532743920
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1532743924
  7. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 30, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 334 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1532743920
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1532743924
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.76 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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David C. Mitchell

David C. Mitchell

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David Mitchell is a biblical theologian, musicologist, and musical director. Originally from Scotland, he lives in Brussels where he is Director of Music in Holy Trinity Pro-Cathedral. His academic qualifications include the PhD in Hebrew Bible (New College, Edinburgh), a Masters in Biblical Interpretation (London School of Theology) and the ABRSM Diploma in Musical Direction. He is a member of the Society for Old Testament/Tanakh Studies.

His writings centre around the Book of Psalms and the Messiah in the Hebrew Bible. The Message of the Psalter (1997) proposes that the Psalms were redacted to reflect an eschatological timetable similar to Zechariah 9-14. The Songs of Ascents (2015) traces Psalms 120-134 as liturgy from the day of their first performance to the last days of the second temple, with a reconstruction of their original music. Messiah ben Joseph (2016) is the first ever full-length study of the slain messiah of rabbinic Judaism, a figure which, Mitchell proposes, derives from the Pentateuch. Jesus the Incarnation of the Word (2021) looks at Jesus before Bethlehem, especially his genealogies and Melchizedek the priest.

He also publishes musical works. For more information, check his site brightmorningstar.org.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
88 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

reformerpreaching_books instagram
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Scholarship!
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024
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Jesus is the Jewish Messiah!
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Jason
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a worthy book
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2022
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After having read this book, sometimes I have to take a step back and pinch myself, so I can realize all over again what’s really being proven in David Mitchell’s book. A pre-Christian suffering, dying, rising Messiah…. Let that sink in. Don’t miss the forest for the trees with this book. So much wonderful, well presented, fascinating detail - but seriously. Think about what David Mitchell has shown us here. This book and it’s follow up, Jesus the Incarnation of the Word are gold. Messiah Ben Joseph seems like such a weird place to start when studying ancient Israelite messianism… but it’s where I started. And it worked. Do yourself a favor - buy and read. You’ll gain a unique and invaluable perspective that will aid and flavor any further study of Israel’s promised king. I remember hearing the concept of messiah Ben joseph described to a Christian once. Their response: “that sounds very familiar”. Thanks, David - this book will serve generations.
5 people found this helpful
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James
5.0 out of 5 stars Get onto Joseph!
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2022
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I went 50+ years trying to "fit" the philandering murdering David into the role of Messiah because I knew no alternative. Now I do and have been freed! The chaste non-violent Joseph is the anti-dote as a "type"/role model of the Messiah compared to David.

The debate between the Jew and the author is about dating. Mitchell says earlier and the Jewish scholars say later. I'll take earlier thank you very much.

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Dr. Michael L. Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars A very important, but controversial book
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2017
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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.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Kent Hunter -- Salt Lake City, Utah
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2016
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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.
6 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars The messiah in the Torah and rabbinic texts that suffers and dies for the redemption of mankind
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2021
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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!
5 people found this helpful
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concernedfather10101xoxoheartlove
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book for scholars
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2024
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Probably a little dry for non scholars. The insight on the aurochs of 1 Enoch 90:38 is very well done and an important contribution.
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Joseph Trocchio
5.0 out of 5 stars Type of types !!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2020
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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.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Nick & Racheal Janz
5.0 out of 5 stars A thorough and challenging study.
Reviewed in Canada on December 18, 2021
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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.
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Cutedog
5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous
Reviewed in Sweden on March 6, 2024
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Read this one first and then get ”Jesus the Incarnation” of the Word by the same author. Can’t recommend it enough. It’s one of those books that one can read again and again.
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Matt H
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant insight laid open for all to read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2024
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I hugely enjoyed the book and learned a great deal about how through (and only through) Jesus, all nations, tribes and peoples may be reunited together into one loving family.
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ハロウェル 綠
5.0 out of 5 stars 聖書のサポートになる内容
Reviewed in Japan on December 31, 2023
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海外の書籍なので、オーダーして数日で届けられたのに驚きました。聖書を深く理解出来るものとして購入しました。
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Alan S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Deep scholarship presented simply
Reviewed in Australia on June 2, 2022
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Definitely missing understanding in the church - this is great for drawing together prophetic threads. His book on Incarnation of Jesus is also simple, deep scholarship
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