This extensive article by Kaufmann Kohler from the 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia explores the Jewish doctrine of "last things"—the final destiny of the Jewish nation and humanity.
Eschatology (from Greek meaning "end of days") primarily concerns the collective future rather than individual fate. As the text explains, the "expectation of the greater things to come" underlies biblical history from the patriarchs onward.
Originally depicting divine judgment against Israel's enemies, this concept evolved to represent both punishment for the wicked and vindication for the righteous.
RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
Initially limited to Israel (Ezekiel), Persian influence expanded this doctrine to include "both the wicked and the righteous" facing judgment.
THE MESSIANIC KINGDOM
Rather than an endpoint, the messianic era serves as a preparatory stage before God's eternal kingdom. The Messiah functions as a redemptive figure who subdues evil powers and establishes universal peace.
The article details elaborate calculations attempting to pinpoint "the end of days" through biblical chronology, describing a seven-millennia world-cycle with six millennia of human history preceding a sabbatical age.
Messianic Woes: Before redemption comes a crisis period involving warfare, famine, moral corruption, and celestial disturbances—the birth-pangs preceding the new age.
The New Jerusalem: Apocalyptic writers envision a supernaturally reconstructed city built from precious materials, featuring a restored temple with hidden sacred vessels.
The tradition distinguishes between two messiahs: one from Judah (the victorious king) and one from Ephraim (the suffering servant), reflecting attempts to reconcile messiahs as both triumphant rulers and sacrificial figures.