What two aspects of the coming Messiah did Old Testament rabbis understand?
Old Testament rabbis recognized a coming Messiah in two roles: a reigning King who would fulfill the promise of setting up the Kingdom, and a suffering Savior. Some rabbis even concluded there would be two Messiahs, one fulfilling each aspect. The name Jehoshua, from which Jesus comes, carries the saving idea because He saves His people from sin.
Les explains that all through the Old Testament, the rabbis and those involved in studying the prophets understood two aspects of a coming Messiah. Some rabbis actually thought there would be two Messiahs: one who would fulfill the promise of being the King and setting up the Kingdom, and another who would fulfill the parallel Old Testament idea of a suffering Savior. He also points out that the word Savior is Jehoshua, and out of that name comes the name Jesus, because He shall save the people from their sin. So some expected a Messiah for each aspect.