Hora’ah – הוראה – Teaching
“Isaiah prophesied, “A child will be born to us, a son given us – leadership placed upon his shoulders. And he will be called Pele Yoetz, of the warrior Aviad Sar Shalom. His mission and his peace will never end – strengthening the throne of David and his kingdom, abetting it with justice and righteousness forever.” This prophecy of a newborn child who comes to establish the throne of David was understood by the sages as referring to Hezekiah the king. He was to have been G-d’s chosen, but because he did not sing (G-d’s praises) his chance was missed and this prophecy’s actualization would have to wait for the future. We need not understand that this prophecy foretells that the child will actually reign as a king while still a child. Rather, from the time of his birth, he is destined to be the king – but this destiny rests upon his shoulders from birth. The imagery of the child messiah, then, remains.”
The Scroll of Secrets, The Hidden Messianic Vision of R. Nachman of Breslav, Zvi Mark, p. 129
One of the more unusual details concerning the Scoll’s messiah is his youth. “Twelve years and one day old. On this day, that is the day mentioned above, Then he will become emperor over the entire world and on that day he will enter under the wedding canopy. (…[She will] be … [eleven]-and-a-day on that day … On that day when he will marry.) They will give him a sermon-gift.” Already at the tender age of 12 the messiah is crowned emperor of the world – on the same day upon which he marries. “Initially he will be accepted as the halachic authority throughout Israel as he begins to scrutinize the Torah until he attains deep insights.”
The Scroll of Secrets, The Hidden Messianic Vision of R. Nachman of Breslav, Zvi Mark, pp. 121-122
NEW TESTAMENT
A Child is Born to Us
“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising G-d and saying: “Glory to G-d in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising G-d for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Yeshua, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Yeshua, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed G-d and said:
“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served G-d with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”
Luke 2:4-38
Age of 12
“His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Yeshua lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Yeshua increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with G-d and men.”
Luke 2: 41-52