What does the belief in the Messiah entail in Judaism?

The belief in the Messiah in Judaism is centered around the expectation of a future leader who is prophesied to come and bring peace to the world. This figure, often referred to as the Mashiach, is believed to be a descendant of King David who will restore Israel, gather the Jewish people back to their homeland, and establish a time of universal peace and knowledge of God. This concept is deeply rooted in various biblical texts and traditional Jewish teachings that emphasize the hope for redemption and the fulfillment of God's promises to the Jewish people.

A return to Egypt is not aligned with the messianic idea, since the focus is on returning to the Promised Land rather than going back to a place of slavery and oppression. The concept of an ascended prophet does not align with Jewish beliefs about the Messiah, as Judaism does not view the Messiah as an ascended figure but rather as a physical leader who will actively engage with the world. Lastly, while historical books are important for understanding Jewish tradition and history, they are not a relevant aspect of the belief in the Messiah itself, which is more about hope for the future than about past texts. Therefore, recognizing the Messiah as a future leader who will bring peace (the correct choice) encapsulates this vital component