𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐡: 𝐀 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝟕𝟐 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

In the Talmud, Sanhedrin 98a gives us an intriguing snippet about the Mashiach (Messiah), which some believe offers a subtle nod toward Yeshua. In this passage, Rabbi Yannai's school claims the Messiah’s name is “Yinnon.” They’re drawing from Psalm 72:17, which reads, “May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun.” This name “Yinnon” implies endurance and longevity, hinting at a Messiah whose reign will never end.

𝐔𝐧𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝟕𝟐:𝟓

So, what does this have to do with Yeshua? In the same Psalm, we find another fascinating verse: “Let them fear You while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, through all generations” (Psalm 72:5). The Hebrew for this verse is, “עִם שֶׁמֶשׁ וְלִפְנֵי יָרֵחַ” (im shemesh ve-lifnei yare’ach).

Now, here’s where things get interesting. If you take the last letter of each word in this Hebrew phrase, you find a hidden message. The final letters are מ (from עִם), שׁ (from שֶׁמֶשׁ), י (from וְלִפְנֵי), and ח (from יָרֵחַ). When put together, these letters spell out משיח (Mashiach), the Hebrew word for “Messiah.” This forms a hidden reference to the Messiah that seems to lie quietly within the text.

𝐀 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Let’s take it a step further. This time, focus on the first letters of the same words: ע (ayin), שׁ (shin), ו (vav), and י (yod). Rearranged, they spell ישוע (Yeshua), which aligns with the Hebrew form of the name Yeshua.

Now, someone might look at this and wonder if this is a coincidence or if it reflects something deeper. While traditional Judaism generally does not recognize Yeshua as the Messiah, Messianic believers often interpret this verse as an intentional “encryption” within the Psalms that points to Yeshua as the Mashiach.

𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

For Messianic believers, these kinds of wordplay aren’t merely clever tricks. They’re seen as hints placed within the text, offering an additional layer of meaning for those who look closely. Psalm 72 paints a picture of an ideal kingdom—one where justice, prosperity, and peace flourish under the reign of a righteous leader. Believers in Yeshua see him as the fulfillment of this Messianic hope. The words that allude to “Mashiach” and “Yeshua” within the same passage can seem to underscore the idea that the Psalm’s depiction of the Messiah reaches beyond the mere qualities of a future leader and points to a specific person with a name and identity.

Some see these connections as evidence that the hope for a Messiah in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and the identity of Yeshua are deeply intertwined, subtly woven into the language of the Scriptures themselves. For those who believe, it’s a powerful reminder that G-d has written His promises for redemption and restoration into the fabric of the text, even in ways that may seem hidden at first glance.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬

This passage serves as a reminder that the ancient texts we read may hold layers of meaning. Psalm 72, attributed to Solomon, is often viewed as a Messianic Psalm—a hopeful vision for a future era of peace and justice. Finding the name “Yeshua” tucked into a verse about the enduring nature of the Messiah’s reign adds a unique perspective, especially for those who follow Yeshua and see his life as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies.

While not everyone will agree on these interpretations, they invite reflection. The possibility that G-d might encode such layers within the text can encourage us to read Scripture with fresh eyes, always open to finding new insights in familiar words. For many, it’s a reminder that the search for understanding is a journey, one where each layer reveals more about the divine narrative that spans centuries, yet speaks directly to our hearts today.

Whether or not we agree on the interpretation, passages like this ask us to think deeply about the nature of the Messiah and the mystery of G-d’s Word—its beauty, depth, and the timeless truths that it holds for us all.

B"H