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 nations[184]. 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).