It’s a question that’s been wrestled with for centuries, and Jewish tradition offers some surprising answers. Let’s delve into a fascinating passage from Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Psalms, to explore.
The passage opens by quoting Psalm 21: "To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. May the Lord in your strength rejoice, O king!" It then connects this verse to Isaiah 11:10: "And it shall come to pass on that day, that the root of Jesse, that stands as a banner for the peoples, to him shall the nations seek."
Now, that connection is key. Isaiah 11:10 speaks of a future time when the "root of Jesse" – a clear reference to the Messiah, who will descend from the line of King David, Jesse's son – will be a beacon for all peoples. But what does it mean that the nations will "seek" him? What will they be seeking?
Here's where things get interesting. Rabbi Chanina offers a rather unexpected interpretation: The Messiah will come to give the non-Jewish nations the six commandments. Wait, six commandments? What happened to the famous Ten Commandments?
Well, Jewish tradition speaks of the Seven Laws of Noah, a set of basic moral laws given to Noah and his descendants, understood as applying to all of humanity. These laws include prohibitions against idolatry, blasphemy, murder, theft, sexual immorality, and eating a limb torn from a living animal, along with a positive commandment to establish courts of justice (Talmud, Sanhedrin 56a). Rabbi Chanina suggests that the Messiah's role will be to provide ways for the nations to observe these laws with greater intention and joy. Perhaps he will offer them the opportunity to engage with specific commandments as symbolic acts, as the passage specifically mentions sukkah (booth), lulav (palm branch), and tefillin (phylacteries). These are typically associated with Jewish practice.
So, what about Israel? The passage continues by stating that Israel has already learned the Torah directly from the Holy One, blessed be He, as Jeremiah 31:33 says: "And all your children shall be taught of the Lord." The implication is that Israel’s relationship with Torah is different, more direct. We are already engaged in the full spectrum of commandments, while the nations will be guided towards a foundational, universal morality.
But why, then, does Isaiah 11:10 say, "And to him shall the nations seek?" Rabbi Chanina, in the name of Rabbi Acha, offers another fascinating insight. "What is the meaning of the verse (ibid., v. 10), 'And his resting place shall be of honor?' That the honor from above will be given to the Messiah." In other words, the nations will seek the Messiah because of the divine honor bestowed upon him. They will recognize his spiritual authority and be drawn to the wisdom and guidance he offers.
What does this all mean? It suggests a nuanced understanding of the Messiah's role. He's not just a redeemer for the Jewish people, but a guide and teacher for all humanity. He will inspire the nations to live according to a higher moral code, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. He will be a beacon of light, drawing people from all corners of the world towards a more just and compassionate future. The Messiah, it seems, is not just for us, but for everyone. What a powerful thought!