End of Days
The Two Timelines of Redemption: Jewish Teachings on the End of Days
Why the final redemption is hidden, who may have known its secret, and how prayer and faith can bring it closer
A study of the sacred texts reveals that the future redemption has two possible timelines. The first — if the people of Israel are worthy, is immediate. This is the “revealed end,” described in the Talmud: “If they are worthy, I will hasten it” (Yeshayahu 60:22). Redemption could occur at any moment, if Israel merits it.
The second timeline applies “if they are not worthy.” In this case, redemption will come “in its appointed time,” meaning that if the people do not improve their deeds, the redemption will occur only at the exact moment fixed by the Creator, and not a moment earlier.
Was the Time of Redemption Revealed to Anyone?
The sages debated whether the final date of redemption was ever revealed. One opinion holds that it was never disclosed to any creature, but remains hidden in the heart of God Himself, as Yeshayahu says: “For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redemption has come” (Yeshayahu 63:4).
Rabbi Yochanan explained the phrase “in My heart” to mean: “I revealed it to My heart, but not to My limbs.” Rabbi Shimon added: “I revealed it to My heart, but not even to the ministering angels.”
Another view holds that the hidden date of redemption was in fact revealed to certain individuals, but God bound them by oath not to disclose it.
Who Knew the Hidden End?
Among those who may have known the hidden end were the prophets of Israel. According to one teaching, God made seven oaths with His creations, one of which bound the prophets not to reveal the end of days.
Yaakov Avinu (Jacob our forefather) also knew the end. Before his death, he called his sons and sought to reveal it to them, but the Divine Presence departed from him. Rabbi Elazar Shach explains that Yaakov’s intention was not curiosity but to strengthen his children in their service of God.
Some opinions hold that Yosef and Daniel also knew the future end.
Why Is the End Hidden? The Maharal’s Explanation
The Maharal of Prague offers a profound reason: revealing the end would itself be a form of redemption. One who knows exactly when exile will end already feels liberated. However, God desires that Israel experience the reality of exile, so that they will pray and cry out to Him for salvation.
The Role of Prayer in Redemption
As mentioned, there are two possible timelines for redemption. If we merit, it could come at any moment. If not, it will arrive at its fixed time.
Our task is not to calculate the end, but to feel the hardship of exile and to turn to God with heartfelt prayer. Indeed, the central prayer of Jewish life — the Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei), is filled with requests for redemption: “Redeem us speedily for the sake of Your name,”“Sound the great shofar for our freedom,”“Restore our judges as at first,”“Return in mercy to Jerusalem Your city,”“Cause the offspring of David to flourish quickly,” and others.
True and complete redemption has always been the deepest wish of the Jewish people during exile. We must continue to pray for it without stop. The sages teach that Moshe himself prayed no fewer than 515 times to be allowed to enter the Land of Israel. Similarly, we must never give up praying and pleading, until we finally merit the complete redemption.
