Is a second advent of the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament?

TL;DR:

The Old Testament prophesies about the first coming, or advent, of the Messiah as well as about His second coming. Jesus fulfilled the first advent at His coming, and we are awaiting His second coming.

what does the bible say?

The Old Testament contains prophecies that point to both the first and second advent of the Messiah, though many originally expected only a single coming. Passages like Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 7:14 foretold His birth, while Isaiah 53 and Daniel 9:26 spoke of His suffering and death. Others, such as Zechariah 12:10 and Amos 9:11-15, look ahead to His victorious return to reign in power. Jesus fulfilled the first advent as the suffering Savior and will fulfill the second as the conquering King. His promised return calls us to live holy, kingdom-minded lives, resisting sin and sharing the gospel in anticipation of His reign. Knowing that He will set all things right gives us hope, courage, and readiness as we wait for His glorious second coming.

from the old testament

Initially, Old Testament prophecies were thought to describe a single event of the coming of a Messiah, or Savior. Many believed the Messiah would conquer Rome as a military or political leader. Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 7:14, among others, all prophesy a coming Savior. Some describe His death and His resurrection, as in Isaiah 53:8-12 and Daniel 9:26. Many see in Zechariah 12:10 a hint that the "pierced" Messiah will appear again.
Some Jews in the intertestamental period anticipated two distinct messianic figures: a spiritual/religious Messiah and a political/military Messiah. This expectation was influenced by interpretations of different prophecies: the “Suffering Servant” passages (like Isaiah 52-53) were sometimes understood as pointing to a spiritual redeemer, while passages emphasizing a Davidic king (like Micah 5:2 or Psalm 2) were seen as pointing to a political liberator. Jesus fulfilled this understanding of the Messiah, though not in the way they expected it.
Many Old Testament passages also prophesy the victorious appearance of the Messiah which happens upon Jesus' return—His second advent. They include prophecies in Zechariah (9:14-15; 12:10-14; 13:1), Amos (9:11-15), and Jeremiah (30:18; 32:44; 33:11, 26). Scholars and theologians put these prophecies under the umbrella promises of God found in Deuteronomy 30:1-10, which calls for the restoration of God's people to a right relationship with God.

from the new testament

The first advent is when Jesus came, born as a human, to die and be resurrected to become Savior (Luke 2:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The second advent is when Jesus returns in victory and will reign as King in the millennial kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16, 20:4-6).
When Jesus made statements about His return, His words paralleled Old Testament passages, such as in Matthew 24:31 and Mark 13:27 lining up with Isaiah 52:15 and Isaiah 59—62.

implications for today

Living in light of the second advent means living with an awareness that Jesus will return to establish His everlasting kingdom. This kingdom will come where He will judge all wrong and redeem and restore all that sin has destroyed. This calls us to pursue holiness, resist sin, and live in accordance with God’s eternal purposes and priorities, knowing that our actions have lasting significance (2 Peter 3:11-12). It shapes how we use our time, resources, and influence, compelling us to share the gospel, serve and love others, and grow in Christlike character.

Anticipating Jesus’ second advent also brings comfort and perspective during trials, reminding us that present struggles are temporary compared to the eternal joy and justice of His reign (Romans 8:18). We are encouraged to live according to God’s kingdom values and for what lasts for eternity rather than fleeting worldly desires. His coming return inspires hearts of worship, gratitude, and readiness, as we eagerly await the day when Jesus will return to set all things right. “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

understand

The Old Testament prophesies both the Messiah’s first advent as a suffering Savior and His second advent as a victorious King.
Many originally expected only one coming, though the Old Testament descriptions of the Messiah were not meant to be fulfilled in one coming.
Jesus fulfilled the first advent and will fulfill the second when He returns to reign and restore all things.

reflect

How does knowing that Jesus will return as King shape how you live and make decisions?
In what areas of your life do you need to grow in holiness and readiness as you await Jesus’ second advent?
How does the hope of Jesus’ return give you comfort and courage in times of difficulty or uncertainty?

engage

How did the people’s expectations of the Messiah lead to misunderstandings about Jesus?
How do the Old Testament prophecies help confirm that Jesus is both the suffering Savior and the coming King?
How can we encourage each other to stay faithful and kingdom-focused as we wait for Christ’s return?