The prophecy concerning the Messiah being smitten on the cheek is a significant aspect of the suffering and humiliation that Christ would endure. This prophecy is found in the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament accounts of Jesus' passion.

Old Testament Prophecy

The prophecy regarding the Messiah being struck 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 set against us. They will strike the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek." This verse is part of a larger Messianic prophecy that includes the well-known prediction of the Messiah's birthplace in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The striking of the judge of Israel on the cheek symbolizes a profound act of disrespect and humiliation, indicating the suffering and rejection the Messiah would face.

New Testament Fulfillment

The fulfillment of this prophecy is evident in the accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. In the Gospel of Matthew, during the trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus is subjected to physical abuse. Matthew 26:67 records, "Then they spat in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him." This act of striking Jesus is a direct fulfillment of the prophecy in Micah, as it demonstrates the contempt and rejection He faced from His own people.

Similarly, in the Gospel of John, Jesus is struck during His trial before the high priest. John 18:22 states, "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 Judge of Israel, is humiliated and struck by those who should have recognized His authority.

Significance in Christian Theology

The prophecy and its fulfillment highlight the suffering and humility of Christ, who willingly endured such treatment as part of His redemptive mission. The act of being smitten on the cheek is emblematic of the broader rejection and scorn that Jesus faced, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant. This aspect of Christ's passion is a poignant reminder of His willingness to endure humiliation and pain for the sake of humanity's salvation.

In the broader context of Christian theology, the fulfillment of this prophecy serves as a testament to the accuracy and divine inspiration of Scripture. It underscores the belief that the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were foretold by the prophets and fulfilled in precise detail, affirming His identity as the promised Messiah.Micah 5:1
Now gather yourself in troops, O daughter of troops: he has laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek.
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

The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel.
... it by pretending to fulfill the Messianic prophecies in a ... that M. Renan has been
silent respecting every idea ... Jesus Christ himself said so in affirming of the ...
/.../the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/the romance of m renan.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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