The prophetic scriptures of the Old Testament contain numerous references to the coming Messiah, many of which were fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Among these prophecies is the specific prediction that the Messiah would be smitten on the cheek, an act of humiliation and rejection.

Prophecy in the Old Testament

The prophecy concerning the Messiah being smitten on the cheek is found in the book of Micah. Micah 5:1 states, "Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops; a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel’s ruler on the cheek with a rod." This passage, while initially addressing the immediate context of Israel's struggles, is traditionally understood by conservative scholars to have a messianic dimension, pointing forward to the suffering and humiliation that the Messiah would endure.

Fulfillment in the New Testament

The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in the New Testament, particularly in the accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read of the physical abuse that Jesus endured at the hands of His captors. Matthew 26:67 states, "Then they spat in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him." This act of striking and slapping Jesus is seen as a direct fulfillment of the prophecy in Micah, where the ruler of Israel is smitten on the cheek.

Similarly, the Gospel of John provides an account of Jesus being struck during His trial before the high priest. John 18:22 records, "When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, 'Is this how You answer the high priest?'" This incident further underscores the fulfillment of the prophecy, as Jesus, the true King of Israel, was subjected to humiliation and physical abuse.

Theological Significance

The fulfillment of this prophecy is significant in several ways. Firstly, it highlights the suffering and rejection that Jesus, the Messiah, willingly endured as part of His redemptive mission. The act of being smitten on the cheek symbolizes the broader rejection of Christ by His own people and the world. It serves as a poignant reminder of the humility and sacrifice of Jesus, who, despite being the King of Kings, submitted Himself to such indignities for the sake of humanity's salvation.

Furthermore, the fulfillment of this prophecy, along with many others, serves to affirm the reliability and divine inspiration of the Scriptures. The precise fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the life of Jesus Christ provides compelling evidence for His identity as the promised Messiah and the Son of God.

In conclusion, the prophecy of the Messiah being smitten on the cheek, as recorded in Micah, finds its fulfillment in the New Testament accounts of Jesus' suffering. This fulfillment not only underscores the accuracy of biblical prophecy but also deepens our understanding of the sacrificial love and humility of Christ.Matthew 27:30
And they spit on him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Translated from the Greek.
... is there to speak of the prophecies, which we ... some such rule as this enjoined respecting
the divine ... Scriptures composed) before the advent (of Christ) that the ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from the greek.htm

That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired.
... again, makes a similar revelation respecting Jerusalem, saying ... of Paul as those of
Christ speaking in ... If, then, the prophecies delivered concerning Judea, and ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter i that the scriptures are.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... for he it is who is called Christ, to set ... He says, also, that even the prophecies
were derived from ... people, writes in these very words respecting the appendages ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

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