Page 68 - New English Book L

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Of course, it goes without saying, both the Jews and
Christians believe this blessing to be one of the foremost
Messianic prophecies. That Jesus (pbuh) , the Prophet of
Nazareth, is a Christ or Messiah no Muslim can deny, for
the Quran does acknowledge that title. That every Israelite
King and High Priest was anointed with the holy oil
composed of olive oil and various spices we know from the
Hebrew Scriptures (Lev. xxx. 23-33). Even the Zardushti
Koresh King of Persia is called God’s Christ: “Thus says
the Lord to His Christ Cyrus,” elc. (Isa. xlv. 1-7).

It would be superfluous here to mention that although
neither Cyrus nor Jesus (pbuh) were anointed by the sacred
anointment, yet they are called Messiahs.

As to Jesus (pbuh) , even if his prophetic mission were
recognized by the Jews, his Messianic office could never be
accepted by them. For none of the marks or characteristics
of the Messiah they expect are to be found in the man whom
they attempted to crucify. The Jew expects a Messiah with
the sword and temporal power, a conqueror who would
restore and extend the kingdom of David (pbuh) , and a
Messiah who would gather together the dispersed Israel
unto the land of Canaan, and subdue many nations under
his yoke; but they could never acclaim as such a preacher
upon the Mount of Olives, or one born in a manger.

To show that this very ancient prophecy has been
practically and literally fulfilled in Muhammad the
following arguments can be advanced. By the allegorical
expressions “the Sceptre” and “Law-giver” it is
unanimously admitted by the commentators to mean the
royal authority and the prophecy respectively. Without
stopping long to examine the root and derivation of the
second singular word “yiqha,” we may adopt either of its
two significations, “obedience” or “expectation.”