Is Yeshua HaMashiach a Celestial Scribe? A Comprehensive Exploration

The notion of Yeshua HaMashiach, or Jesus the Messiah, as a “celestial scribe” is an intriguing one, with profound implications for both Messianic Judaism and broader theological perspectives. The title of “scribe” often evokes images of individuals who transcribe sacred texts, but if we consider Yeshua in such a role, the scope expands into realms of divine authority, justice, and eschatological fulfillment. In this article, we will explore whether Yeshua could be regarded as a celestial scribe, His roles and responsibilities, His position in the Millennial Reign, and the Messianic Jewish effort to build the New Jerusalem. We will also delve into the significance of ancient figures such as Ra, El Elyon, and Elohim, with special attention to the 400 years of Egyptian slavery and the Exodus of the Israelites.

Yeshua HaMashiach: The Celestial Scribe

The term “scribe” (סופר, sofer) in Hebrew Scriptures generally refers to those who transcribe and preserve the Torah, but celestial scribes hold a higher, more ethereal role. They not only record human events but also convey divine messages. If we extend this role to Yeshua, we consider His dual nature as fully divine and fully human. In the World Messianic Bible, Yeshua is described as the “Word” (דבר, D’var) made flesh (John 1:14), emphasizing that He is not just a messenger but the very embodiment of divine communication.

As a celestial scribe, Yeshua could be seen as one who not only writes the decrees of heaven but also enacts them. Hebrews 12:24 speaks of “Yeshua, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” This verse suggests that Yeshua’s blood, His sacrifice, is a form of divine communication, making Him not only a scribe but also the message itself.

Yeshua’s Role and Responsibilities in the Millennial Reign

Yeshua’s responsibilities as a celestial figure extend into His anticipated role during the Millennial Reign (מילניום ממלכה, Mileniom Mamlakhah). The prophetic visions in Revelation 20:4–6 describe Yeshua reigning for a thousand years after His return. In this period, His role transitions from that of suffering servant to king, judge, and high priest (כהן גדול, Kohen Gadol).

The Millennial Reign is seen as a time when divine justice, peace, and the restoration of Israel occur, and Yeshua oversees this. Isaiah 2:4 prophesies: “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.” His duties here align closely with those of a celestial scribe, ensuring that the laws of heaven are implemented on earth. The fact that Yeshua is prophesied to rule with a “rod of iron” (Revelation 19:15) suggests He is both the keeper and enforcer of divine law, inscribing justice into the very fabric of creation.

The New Jerusalem and Messianic Judaism’s Role

The concept of building the New Jerusalem (ירושלים החדשה, Yerushalayim HaChadasha) is central to Messianic Judaism, a movement that seeks to integrate Jewish identity with faith in Yeshua as Messiah. Revelation 21:2 describes the New Jerusalem descending from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Messianic Jews see this as the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel and the nations.

Messianic Jews view their efforts as part of this divine blueprint, engaging in acts of charity, justice, and Torah observance as they await Yeshua’s return. Zechariah 14:9 declares, “And the LORD will be king over all the earth; on that day the LORD will be one and His name one.” Messianic Jews believe that their calling is to prepare the way for this by being faithful witnesses to Yeshua and by living according to the principles of Torah and the New Covenant (ברית חדשה, Brit Chadasha).

The Relevance of Ra, El Elyon, and Elohim

While Yeshua’s role as a celestial scribe and king is central to understanding Messianic eschatology, ancient theological concepts such as Ra, El Elyon, and Elohim provide a broader cultural context. Ra, the Egyptian sun god, represents earthly power and authority, which directly contrasts with the God of Israel (אלוהים, Elohim). Elohim is frequently translated as “God” in English Bibles, though in Hebrew, it carries connotations of plurality and majesty, hinting at the mysterious complexity of the divine nature.

In Genesis 14:18–20, El Elyon (God Most High) is invoked by Melchizedek, the king of Salem, in blessing Abram. El Elyon emphasizes God’s supremacy over all other deities, including those like Ra. This notion of divine supremacy would have been profoundly important during the 400 years of Egyptian slavery, a period in which the Israelites were oppressed by a civilization that worshipped multiple gods, including Ra.

The Exodus: A Pivotal Moment in Jewish Identity

The 400 years of slavery in Egypt shaped the Jewish people’s understanding of liberation and divine justice. The Exodus (יציאת מצרים, Yitziyat Mitzrayim), which is narrated in the Book of Exodus, was the defining moment when Elohim delivered His people from the house of bondage. Exodus 12:40–41 marks the end of this period, saying, “Now the time that the children of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years. It happened at the end of four hundred thirty years, to the day, that all of Yahweh’s armies went out from the land of Egypt.”

This liberation was not merely physical but also spiritual, symbolizing the breaking of the bonds of sin. In this sense, the Exodus foreshadows the ultimate redemption that Yeshua offers to humanity. Just as Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, Yeshua, through His death and resurrection, leads His followers out of spiritual bondage, preparing the way for the New Jerusalem.

Conclusion

The possibility of Yeshua HaMashiach as a celestial scribe aligns with His multifaceted role as the mediator of the New Covenant, the King during the Millennial Reign, and the ultimate fulfillment of the Torah. His responsibilities transcend time and space, and His reign in the Millennial Kingdom symbolizes the restoration of divine order. Messianic Judaism plays a pivotal role in building the New Jerusalem, a task that intertwines Jewish identity, Torah observance, and faith in Yeshua.

The 400 years of Egyptian slavery and the Exodus serve as a powerful backdrop for understanding divine justice, with Elohim, El Elyon, and even Ra highlighting the contrast between earthly powers and the eternal sovereignty of the God of Israel. Yeshua’s ultimate mission, as both scribe and king, is to bring about the complete fulfillment of God’s plan for Israel and the world.

References

- World Messianic Bible. (n.d.).
- The Holy Scriptures: Tree of Life Version. (2014).
- Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1906). A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Clarendon Press.
- Stern, D. H. (1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary: A Companion Volume to the Jewish New Testament. Jewish New Testament Publications.
- Kaiser, W. C. Jr. (1998). The Messiah in the Old Testament. Zondervan Publishing House.