"The Great Redemption" (71)

"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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71.

Let me explain more about this important matter. Understand that the other side is only suckled by the end-point of Malchut, which touches on the mystery of “her impurity was in her skirts; she gave no thought to the end (i.e., consequences” (Lamentations 1:9). In fact, the sages said of this, “don’t do good to evil, and no evil will befall you” (Bereshit Rabbah 22). For the husk grows stronger through the power it derives from these corners (i.e., end-points of Malchut), and it then tries to rebel against its mistress in all arrogance and haughtiness.

It’s said of the days to come (that we’re to) “take hold of the corners of the earth so that the wicked might be shaken out” (Job 38:13). For the other side will no longer become stronger then through those corners and breach its boundaries, in keeping with the mystery of “the stream would have passed over our soul” (Psalms 124:4).

For the other side was given boundaries but it became full and high-hearted enough to breach those boundary and rebel. But it won’t suckle (any longer) from those corners in the days to come, as I said, and won’t be able to gather enough strength to breach its boundary, and it will be swallowed up. Thus it’s said, “I’ll remove evil beasts from the land” (Leviticus 26:6).

Its shadow and (dark) strength will be taken away first, since it drew its strength from “the corners of the earth”, as I said. And “the sword will not pass through your land” (Leviticus 26:6) as a consequence. Then once the other side is weakened so that it can no longer suckle, revenge will be taken upon it.

I’ll now tell you how much angrier G-d will be with idol worshippers and the judgments He’ll render against them (then). That’s explained by the verse, “G-d preserves the faithful and plentifully repays those who act arrogantly” (Psalms 31:24). Understand that the “faithful” here are the Shechina -- who’s termed “faithful” -- and the Jewish Nation who are faithful to their King. G-d, the Holy King, who protected them in exile.

It’s written, “though I will cleanse, I will not cleanse their bloodshed; and G-d will dwell in Zion” (Joel 4:21). This touches upon a great mystery. For in truth, until that blood is cleansed from the idol worshippers by their receiving a wealth of goodness, they won’t be a conjoining above. But once they’re in fact cleansed they’ll be utterly destroyed, and the conjoining I’d mentioned won't be deterred by anything.

Now you see how everything depends on the cutting off of the husk.

(c) 2006 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

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

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