the son of Joseph, and the other explained, The cause is the slaying
of the Evil Inclination.
It is well, according to him who explains, that the cause is the slaying of
Messiah the son of Joseph, since that well agrees with Scriptual verse, “And
they shall look upon me because they have thrust him through, and they shall
mourn for him as one mourns for his only son.”
Again, from Sukkot 52a we read [as an interpretation of
Psalm 2:7]:
Our Rabbis taught, The Holy One, blessed be He, will say to the Messiah, son
of David (may he reveal himself speedily in our days!), “Ask of me anything,
and I will give it to you,” as it is said, “I will tell of the decree etc.
this day have I begotten you, ask of me and I will give the nations for your
inheritance.” But when he will see that the Messiah the son of Joseph is
slain, he will say to Him, “Lord of the Universe, I ask of You only the gift
of life.” “As to life,” He would answer him, “Your father David has already
prophesied this concerning you,” as it is said, He asked life of you, you
gave it to him, [even length of days for ever and ever].
Messiah is God’s agent through whom Israel
realizes its redemption. But, remember, there are two Messiahs in Jewish
theology; Messiah ben Joseph, then Messiah ben David. It is the death of
Messiah ben Joseph that brings the two kingdoms of Israel together.
So it is
Messiah be Joseph who "saves" the northern kingdom.
What did Yeshua say
about who he was to save?