There actually was a FARMS paper on the Messiah ben Joseph speculation in Jewish thought. Unfortunately I can't find the particular paper off hand. But I seem to recall a comparison of some of the ben Joseph literature and 2 Nephi 3.

On the other hand since I can't find the paper and don't know who wrote it, one perhaps should be cautious.

It seems the even more interesting stuff is the sons of Moses priesthood that some speculate was contemporary with the Levitical priesthood in the OT. Some of the scholarship there is quite interesting, especially in light of D&C 84.
Clark Goble | Homepage | 31 Jul 06 - 7:45 pm | #

The Messiah ben Joseph is a figure that has been around for quite some time, hence its existence in Midrashic literature. It would be pretty much impossible to interpolate this as a prediction of Smith or Mormonism, as the Jewish traditions surrounding the Messiah ben Joseph have nothing to do with anything even remotely like Smith or Mormonism.

The most comprehensive collection of Messianic texts I am aware of is Raphael Patai's The Messiah Texts, and it discusses the Messiah ben Joseph quite a bit.
Kurt | Homepage | 31 Jul 06 - 11:12 am | #