"The Great Redemption" (44)

"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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44.

Now as to the statement, “that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations” (Isaiah 60:11) -- understand that, in truth, everything derives from this. For the great emendation of the worlds will not come about as long as the Husk continues to rebel, since that brings on separation and imperfection. Once evil is swallowed up and the good within it will return to holiness, nothing will hold goodness back.

And the statement “that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations, with their kings lead in procession” refers to the other nations and their ministering angels. It says, “lead in procession” in reference to the secret import of the statement that “in the days of the Moshiach converts will not be received -- they’ll be drawn in (on their own)” (Avodah Zara 3b). That is, they’ll come after the ascent of the groupings, which is the implication of “lead in procession”. After all, won’t evil be swallowed up, as it’s said, “the nation and kingdom that will not serve You will perish” (Isaiah 60:12)?

Indeed, no branches remain below when their source up above is destroyed. Thus it’s said, “those nations will be utterly destroyed” (Ibid.).

(c) 2006 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

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

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