"The Great Redemption" (75)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
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75.

It’s written of the Moshichim that “the wise will shine like the radiance of the sky” (Daniel 12:3). That (actually) refers to both Moshichim, who embody the mystery of Netzach and Hod. And (the phrase) “those who turn the masses righteous (will shine) like the stars forever” (Ibid.) refers to those great leaders who rise up to shepherd the Jewish Nation in the absence of the Moshichim, who will be like the stars that derive their light from the sun.

Now as it’s known, the Shechina itself will surround the Moshichim and encompass them. This mystery is explained by the verse, “The moon will be confounded and the sun ashamed, when the L-rd of Hosts reigns in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and for His elders there will be honor” (Isaiah 24:23). The “elders” (referred to) are the ones who acquired wisdom (i.e., Chochma) -- in keeping with the mystery of (the verse) “G-d’s spirit will rest upon him” (Isaiah 11:2), which alludes to the light of hidden Chochma -- as well as other elders, because of Yechida itself, which is so.

At all other times the Shechina was engarbed within the sages of the generations, from where it shone upon the Jewish Nation, including Moses. But the light will (eventually) break through and emerge with a great deal of strength.

It’s written of the Moshichim, “your teacher won’t be hidden behind his garments any more” (Isaiah 30:20), because the Shechina herself will dwell not only around the Moshichim but within them as well, and the Jewish Nation will openly delight in her gleam.

In truth, Moses will also enjoy this level along with the Moshichim, and even more. This was explained elsewhere in connection with the mystery of (the verse) “No prophet like Moses ... has arisen in Israel” (Deuteronomy 34:10). That’s why the Jewish Nation will so delight in the light of the Shechina and why “the earth will be full of the knowledge of G-d” (Isaiah 11:9).

(c) 2006 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

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