Footsteps of the Messiah

by Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum

Eschatology seems to suffer at the hands both of its friends and foes. Those who play it down usually avoid assigning specific meaning to prophetic texts. Those who play it up often assign too much.

But the prophetic portions of the Bible won't go away. The biblical interpreter must interact with them and in the detail and specificity in which they were written. Dr. Fruchtenbaum has done that, seeking always to try to understand the full meaning of the biblical revelation.

The author's consideration of the biblical material is thorough and thought-provoking...those who read this book cannot help but be instructed and stimulated by his work.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, God, Reference, Religion

839 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Arnold Genekowitsch Fruchtenbaum is the founder and director of Ariel Ministries, an organization which prioritizes evangelization of Jews in the effort to bring them to the view that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah.

Reviews

[ElaineY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next to Fructenbaum's Israelology, I consider Footsteps of the Messiah the most informative book on the study of Biblical prophecy. Where Israelology covered the various millennial views and the place of Israel in prophecy, Footsteps covers, in exquisite (or excrutiating) detail the timeline of events beginning with Daniel's prophecies in the book of Daniel (the only biblical prophet to be given prophecies covering the Gentile powers right up to the end of the age) and the events covered in the Book of Revelation (which is about the 7-year Tribulation -Daniel's 70th week).

I like the charts which help a lot as they give a visual timeline if you're discussing these events with someone.

Note that Fructenbaum comes from a Dispensational Premillennial view, which he makes clear right from the start. So if you are against this, don't bother with this book. Better that you start with Israelology and understand why you are - or are not - a Dispensationalist.

I have paperback, hardcover and PDFs of this book. The paperback is falling apart. Fructenbaum is a very, very good source of biblical information but he is a horrible speaker. Poor speaking voice and a strain to listen. His website (ariel.org) is a treasure trove, full of downloadable articles on biblical issues. He's always careful to warn about "judaizing" and that some Messianic interpretations can lead a Christian back to the Law.

[Tim Deforest · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent analysis of Revelation, with the author making common use of Old Testament prophesy and Jesus' End Times teachings in the Bible to back up the points he makes.

The author clearly explains his intepretation of End Times Scriptures in a logical, step-by-step fashion. He avoids the mistake made during the boom in End Times fiction back in the 1970s by NOT trying to apply the Scriptures to current politics. (In the '70s, just about all theories about how the End Times would involve the Soviet Union.) He talks about nations and armies in general terms, without trying to figure out what the specific political situation will be. Nor does he try to put a time frame on End Time events, clearly acknowledging what Jesus said: "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."--Mark 13:32


I really appreciated Fruchtenbaum's frequent use of OT Scriptures to back up his points. I do respectfully disagree with him on a few points, but largely appreciate an obviously brilliant Christian scholar giving clear exegesis of a complex subject.

[Mogens Temlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Fruchtenbaum was trained as a rabbi before he was saved, and has a great knowledge of the word. His works are always methodical, and proceed logically. He deals with this subject is such depth that it causes the reader to want to study the word more, especially on account of it having so many references in the old testament scriptures of the last days. If one is to disagree with him on this or any subject, one must have a very compelling reason from scripture to do so. A totally excellent, biblically sound and thorough exposition of this much neglected subject.

[Eli Kittim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early on in my life this book became a constant source of inspiration containing exhaustive amounts of information that I had never heard before. Dr. Fruchtenbaum unveiled biblical secrets in such exquisite detail that he actually set the tone for my subsequent studies. Exceptions notwithstanding, the historical and theological accuracy of his research is unparalleled. This book uncovers innumerable prophetic verses that foreshadow current events, so much so that you can now hold the Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other and they seem to match. It is a very thoughtful and informative resource on biblical eschatology, or the study of the last days. Apart from my objection to classical Christianity’s biblical interpretation, my disagreements with his conclusions are few and far between. Although written from a scholarly perspective, it is very readable. If the study of the end-times appeals to you, this volume should be added to your library.

[Pete Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book by Fruchtenbaum that breaks down eschatology into a very understandable format. Fruchtenbaum does a particularly good job of linking the prophetic scriptures together - both major and minor prophets and, of course, Revelation - in a way that I've not heard others do nearly as well. He's clearly a dispensationalist (which he himself states) and is definitely of the school that highlights the differences between the Church and Israel. While you may not agree with everything he says, you will learn a lot from reading this book. Give yourself time though: it's quite a tome!

[Mark Kloha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. It is a study of Eschatology. It basically goes through the Book of Revelation and also ties together the other relevant books such as Daniel, Ezekiel, most of the minor prophets and other relevant passages throughout the Bible. This is the third time I've read this book. The appendices are also incredibly helpful and enlightening. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Revelation, Eschatology, and/or just learning about God's plan for everyone.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent, period. As an example, I love Chafer, Pentecost, Martyn Lloyd-Jones. This comes in at the top of my study materials.
Only wish I had this several years ago when I started in depth Bible study. Thots are clear and concise, wonderfully thot out and presented...
Highly recommend.

[Cristy]

There is no greater work on this subject! Be prepared for the best study on this subject and a mega dose of illumination!!

[John Hately · Rating 5 out of 5]

This still rates as the best Christian Study book I have read. It was life-changing to say the least...

Godspeed

[Bobby Person · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking the Scripture as literally as seems practicable, the author, a Messianic scholar with a PhD, presents all unfulfilled prophecies in the Scripture in context with all of Scripture.

[Anja Noordam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to lend this book to my friends, but now I suggested they put it on their Christmas list. This is a book to own so that you can go back to read parts over again.

[Paul Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The clearest item book on eschatology, even if you disagree with Pre-Mil, Pre-Trip, the clarity and structure will inform anybody who is interested in Revelation and the end times in general.

[Jay Perskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long and wonderful but in short bite size chapters. Dr. Fructenbaum ties so many OT & NT passages and prophecies together. What makes it so strong and clear is the many Scriptures he backs it up with. Then to wipe away any possible confusion he gives the other opposing viewpoints that topic & their viewpoints & the biblical Scriptures they use for their basis and show how their stance is taken out of the context and/or contradicted in a number of other passages ++!
It's all sorted out in small, short bite size chapters.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read, keep referring to!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scholarly study of end-times events. A "must" for the library of anyone interested in the subject.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narrator: Rob Holding

I listened to this book and while it took me a number of weeks to get through it, it was well worth the journey. I learned a great deal about Biblical Prophesy and for the first time several thing make sense.

There were some sections which lost or confused me, but overall the books of Revelation and the OT Prophets are now much more clear.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Footsteps of the Messiah, by Arnold Fruchtenbaum
40 years ago this book was the preeminent text on eschatology of pre-millennial dispensationalism and influenced largely by C.I. Scofield. It has lost its traction now in 2023 as we come to see that the kingdom of God is more robust than what evangelicals once perceived.

[hrh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, comprehensive read and resource on Scriptural end-times prophesy from a Jewish frame of reference.

[Susan Willingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing!! The companion Bible study (from Ariel.org website) is excellent. I’ve never learned so much, and understood so much, about prophecy and end times events.

[Tamara Vojnovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something unbelievable. Amazing book. It opens whole diferent perspective.

[Georg Sagittarius · Rating 3 out of 5]

AntiCHRISTliche, pseudowiss. Vereinnahmungs-Literatur im jüdisch-orth. Stil trotz GOTTES Autobiographien: Jakob Lorber: "Jugend Jesu" "Johannes"!

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am futurist and I believe in a future for Israel as a nation. However, in my opinion, this book has major flaws. First, it presupposes an interpretive grid according to classical dispensationalism. It separates the people of God into two distinct peoples of God in a completely nunbiblical way. Second, it does not offer a very different view from what classical dispensationalism has already offered in its literature. Third, it does not respect the literary style from which the biblical texts have been extracted: way too literal! Fourth, there is a lot of confusion in the symbols: the moon turning red is considered an event that takes place more than once ...

The biblical text is taken too lightly.

[Bret · Rating 5 out of 5]

a+