Rising Tensions: Is an Iranian Attack Foreshadowed in Ancient Texts?

Do Iran's threats of an unprecedented attack symbolize the coming of the Messiah more than ever?

The Yalkut Shimoni (on Isaiah Chapter 60, Hint 499) describes the process of redemption, which begins with a great war, apparently led by Iran. These words eerily reflect the current tensions in the Middle East..

Here is the Midrash: "Rabbi Yitzhak said: In the year when the Messiah will be revealed, all the kings of the nations will provoke each other. The King of Persia (today's Iran) will provoke the Arab King, and the Arab King will go to Aram for counsel (probably Iraq and the United States), and the King of Persia will return and destroy the entire world (suggesting Iran's threats and nuclear capabilities). All the nations will be in a tumult and panic, falling on their faces, experiencing anguish like birth pangs (great fear of the Iranian threat), and Israel will be in turmoil, saying: Where shall we go? Where shall we go? (since the King of Persia is set to destroy Israel). And He (Hashem will tell Israel): 'My children, do not fear. Everything I have done, I have done for your sake. Why do you fear? Do not fear; the time of your redemption has arrived, and unlike the first redemption, the final redemption will not be followed by pain and oppression by the kingdoms.'

The War of Edom and Persia – As Israel Dwells in Their Land

Another source indicating that when Israel dwells on their land, a war between Edom and Persia will take place, is explicitly mentioned in the words of Malbim, who lived over 150 years ago. In his commentary on Ezekiel (37:12), Malbim writes:

"At the end of days, after Israel has returned to their land, the nations will gather to conquer Jerusalem. Gog, the prince of Meshech and Tubal, will come from the north and west, known as the uncircumcised nations called Edom, and Meshech and Tubal are descendants of Japheth living in Europe, as written by Josephus, and there he said Persia, Cush, and Put will join them, as well as the House of Togarmah, who are all circumcised and adhere to the Ishmaelite faith. They will gather with the children of Edom to conquer the land from Israel, but upon their arrival, confusion will ensue amongst them, and they will fight each other, namely Edom and Ishmael will battle one another, due to differing beliefs, and there Hashem will judge them with sword and blood,as depicted there and in Zechariah 14, recounting how they will all go to ruin... and the Assyrians and Persians will come to seek their revengeand both sides will fall."

To read Ezekiel's prophecy, click here.

History repeats itself and teaches us that it was foretold in the Torah and the prophets, and that everything that has happened and is happening to the Jewish people is predetermined in the heavens with a specific purpose. May we, with Hashem's help, reach redemption through complete faith.

However, the exact timing of the Messiah's arrival is unknown, and there is no suggestion that it is imminent. One must remember that the Creator of the Universe has set many dates for the redemption's end. We hope to merit, prepare, not despair of the redemption, and not miss the opportunities presented to us.

We must heed the words of the Chafetz Chaim, who assured that it is a tradition handed down from one to another that those who fear Hashem will not be harmed by these heavenly events. As stated in the Scriptures above: "The wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who bring many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever... Blessed is the one who waits and comes to the thousand three hundred and thirty-five days."

Thus, do not panic, but trust in Hashem to redeem and protect us in these events. Our role is to consider how we can leverage these signs for our benefit and the benefit of others, without undue fear or anxiety. Here, we must remember the words of Rabbi Eliezer the Great, as mentioned in the Talmud: "What shall a person do to be spared from the birth pangs of the Messiah? He should engage in Torah study and acts of kindness." Through studying Torah and observing acts of kindness, a person accrues merits that will protect him during the wars of Gog and Magog, and the events that will unfold then.

We believe in the coming of the Messiah, who tarries, and is expected to arrive any day. We should anticipate, plead, take action, spread the light of Hashem in the world, and coronate Him with love at all times.

So why wait? Let us each make one small but firm and stable commitment, to hasten Israel's redemption with compassion.