Topical Encyclopedia Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a significant place in biblical prophecy, particularly in the context of the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Her role is intricately linked to the fulfillment of God's promises concerning the coming of the Messiah.Genesis 3:15 The first prophecy that indirectly alludes to Mary is found in Genesis 3:15, often referred to as the Protoevangelium, or the first gospel. 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 prophecy speaks of the ultimate victory of the Messiah over Satan. The "seed of the woman" is a unique phrase, as lineage is typically traced through the male. This foreshadows the virgin birth, where Jesus is born of Mary, without a human father, fulfilling the promise of a Savior who would defeat evil. Isaiah 7:14 The prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 is one of the most direct references to Mary in the Old Testament. It states, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament, as recorded in the Gospels, where Mary, a virgin, conceives Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The name "Immanuel," meaning "God with us," signifies the divine nature of Jesus, born of Mary. Micah 5:2-3 Micah 5:2-3 also contains a prophecy that relates to Mary: "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. Therefore Israel will be abandoned until she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of His brothers will return to the children of Israel." This passage not only predicts the birthplace of the Messiah but also alludes to the mother who will give birth to Him. Mary, residing in Nazareth, travels to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born, fulfilling this prophecy. Jeremiah 31:22 Jeremiah 31:22 contains a cryptic prophecy that some scholars associate with Mary: "How long will you wander, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing on the earth—a woman will shelter a man." This "new thing" is interpreted by some as the virgin birth, where Mary, a woman, shelters and gives birth to Jesus, the God-man. Psalm 132:11 Psalm 132:11 speaks of God's promise to David: "The LORD swore an oath to David, a promise He will not revoke: 'One of your descendants I will place on your throne.'" This prophecy is fulfilled through Mary, who, according to the genealogies in the Gospels, is a descendant of David. Through her, Jesus inherits the legal right to David's throne, fulfilling the covenant promise. Luke 1:26-38 In the New Testament, the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary in Luke 1:26-38 is a direct fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the virgin birth. Gabriel tells Mary, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end." This announcement confirms Mary's role in the divine plan and the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. Mary's life and role as the mother of Jesus are deeply embedded in the prophetic tradition of the Scriptures, highlighting her unique place in God's redemptive history. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Nave's Topical Index Luke 2:35 Library Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. "We have Seen his Star" Jesus in the Garden of Olives. The Crucifixion. Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King. The Dedication The Harmony of the Gospels. Acts i. 12 Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ. The Doctrine of Jesus Christ. Resources What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary? | GotQuestions.orgAre apparitions of Mary, such as Lady Fatima, true messages from God? | GotQuestions.org What happened to Mary? | GotQuestions.org Mary: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mary: A Christian Woman in Rome Mary: Assists in Preparing the Corpse of Jesus for Burial Mary: Attends the Feast at Jerusalem With Her Husband and Her Son Mary: Magdalene: Possessed of Devils, Delivered by Jesus Mary: Magdalene: Present at the Crucifixion Mary: Magdalene: Recognizes Jesus After the Resurrection Mary: Mother of Mark and Sister of Barnabas Mary: Sister of Lazarus: Anoints Jesus Mary: Sister of Lazarus: Beloved of Jesus Mary: Sister of Lazarus: Sits at Jesus' Feet for Instruction Mary: Sister of Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Wife of Cleophas Mary: Sister of Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Wife of Cleophas: A Witness of the Resurrection Mary: Sister of Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Wife of Cleophas: At the Gravesite of Jesus Mary: Sister of Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Wife of Cleophas: Mother of James and Joses Mary: The Mother of Jesus is Committed to the Care of John Mary: The Mother of Jesus is Present With Jesus at a Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Lives With the Disciples in Jerusalem Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Present at the Cross Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Prophecies Concerning Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Seeks Jesus when he is Teaching in a House Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Visits Her Cousin, Elisabeth Related Terms Over-against (156 Occurrences) |
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