How Did Jews Come to Believe in a Messiah? A Brief History
Nowhere does the Torah mention a redeemer known as the Messiah who will appear at the end of history. The origin of this belief stems from somewhere else entirely
One of the major tenets of Judaism is the belief that a redeeming figure known as the Messiah will appear at the end of history, bringing about a profound and positive change in the world, though what this post-messiah world will be like is basically unknown. In the course of reciting the Amidah or Shemoneh Esreh prayers every day, observant Jews recite the benediction, “Blessed are You, Lord our God… who, in love, brings a redeemer to their (the Patriarchs’) children’s children, for the sake of His Name.” But when did Jews begin to believe that this will happen and why?