The Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham

Bible passage: Genesis 22:18
Prophet: Abraham
Written: As early as 1400 BC

The book of Genesis provides several prophecies about a Messiah, including details about his bloodline.

In Genesis 22:18, for example, there is a prophecy that Abraham's "seed," or "offspring," depending on the English translation, would become a blessing to people throughout the world.

In other words, God is making a promise - a covenant - to Abraham, telling him that there is something special about his bloodline and that it would have a worldwide impact ("all the nations of the earth be blessed").

This covenant is handed down later from Abraham to his son Isaac (Genesis 17:18-20; Genesis 21:12), and then to Abraham's grandson Jacob (Genesis 28:14).

Later in the Bible, we see echoes of this promise being made to other descendants of Abraham, through his grandson Jacob, including Judah (Genesis 49:10), Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-10) and David (2 Samuel 7:16).

As explained in the book, 100 Prophecies:

"The prophetic promise of a worldwide blessing is handed down from Abraham to some of his specifically named descendants. At times, details are added, and it becomes clearer that the promise ultimately involves the Messiah."
- 100 Prophecies, Chapter 3.

- Research and commentary by George Konig and Ray Konig of www.AboutBibleProphecy.com. Copyright © George Konig and Ray Konig. All rights reserved.

Here is Genesis 22:18:

And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

(King James Version translation)