The dying words of Jacob filled them with hope: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come." Gen. 49:10. The waning power of Israel testified that the Messiah's coming was at hand. The prophecy of Daniel pictured the glory of His reign over an empire which should succeed all earthly kingdoms; and, said the prophet, "It shall stand forever." Dan. 2:44. While few understood the nature of Christ's mission, there was a widespread expectation of a mighty prince who should establish his kingdom in Israel, and who should come as a deliverer to the nations.

Den døende Jakobs ord fyldte dem med håb: "Ikke viger kongespir fra Juda, ej herskerstav fra hans fødder, til han, hvem den tilhører, kommer. Ham skal folkene lyde." 1Mos. 49,10. Israels svindende magt var et vidnesbyrd om, at Messias' komme var forestående. Daniels profeti skildrede herligheden ved hans herredømme over et rige, der skulle overgå alle jordiske riger og, sagde profeten: "Selv stå i al evighed." Dan. 2,44. Skønt kun få forstod, af hvad art Kristi udsendelse var, så var der en vidt udbredt forventning om en mægtig fyrste, der skulle oprette sit rige i Israel, og som skulle komme som en befrier for folkene.