Messianic prophecies are a series of predictions found throughout the Old Testament that are believed to foretell the coming of the Messiah, a central figure in Jewish and Christian theology. Christians interpret these prophecies as being fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These prophecies are seen as a divine blueprint, revealing God's plan for salvation through the Messiah.

Genesis 3:15
Often referred to as the "Protoevangelium" or "first gospel," this verse is considered the first messianic prophecy. God declares to the serpent, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." This is interpreted as a foretelling of the Messiah's victory over sin and Satan.

Genesis 49:10
"The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." This prophecy is seen as indicating that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah and would be a ruler to whom all nations would submit.

Deuteronomy 18:15
Moses speaks of a future prophet: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him." Christians see this as a prophecy of Jesus, who is considered a prophet like Moses, bringing a new covenant.

Psalm 22
This psalm is often cited for its vivid depiction of suffering that parallels the crucifixion of Jesus. Verses such as "They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing" (Psalm 22:18) are seen as direct prophecies of the events at the crucifixion.

Isaiah 7:14
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." Christians interpret this as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Jesus, with "Immanuel" meaning "God with us."

Isaiah 9:6-7
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This passage is seen as describing the divine nature and eternal reign of the Messiah.

Isaiah 53
This chapter is known as the "Suffering Servant" passage, describing a figure who bears the sins of many and is pierced for transgressions. Verses such as "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53:5) are interpreted as prophecies of Jesus' sacrificial death.

Jeremiah 23:5-6
"Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as king and will administer justice and righteousness in the land." This is seen as a prophecy of the Messiah's Davidic lineage and righteous reign.

Micah 5:2
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy is understood to predict the birthplace of the Messiah, fulfilled in Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.

Zechariah 9:9
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This is seen as a prophecy of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Zechariah 12:10
"And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child." This is interpreted as a prophecy of the crucifixion and the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

These prophecies, among others, form a tapestry of expectation and hope, pointing to the coming of a Savior who would fulfill God's promises to His people. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies, affirming His identity as the promised Messiah.