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The characteristics attributed by the nation to the Messiah were (i)regal, and (ii)prophetic.

i. Many looked for a great Conqueror, whom God would send, investing Him with the attributes of majesty and humanity, describing Him as the “Elect One,” the “Anointed,” the “Son of Man,” who should “execute a terrible vengeance on the enemies of His people,” “cleanse Jerusalem,” and exalt the Jews above all other nations184. These attributes, ascribed to the Messiah in early Jewish literature, receive illustration from the Gospel Narrative. It was the opinion of the national teachers that His coming would be heralded by Elias, and the belief was shared by the common people (Mtt. xvii.10 and the parallels; Comp. also xvi.14).

There was considerable uncertainty, indeed, as to the precise manner of His appearance (Jn. vii.27), but it was fully expected that He would be born at Bethlehem, the city of David (Mtt. ii.5; Comp. Jn. vii. 41,42); that He would be David’s Son, and should sit on David’s throne (Mtt. xxii.42; xii.23; ix.27; xx.30; xv.22); that He would abide for ever and set up a kingdom in which He would dispense honours on His right hand and on His left (Mtt. xx.21; Mk. x.37).