In fact, it's a theme that echoes through Jewish tradition, especially when we talk about the relationship between God, Moshiach (the Messiah), and the enemies of Israel.

The Midrash Tehillim, a collection of homiletical teachings on the Book of Psalms, paints a vivid picture. It starts with an analogy: Imagine a powerful warrior protecting a country. Invaders arrive, and they realize the only way to conquer the land is to eliminate the warrior first.

That's the setup. But who is this warrior, and who are the invaders?

The Midrash goes on to describe a series of historical villains—Esau, Pharaoh, Haman, and ultimately, Gog and Magog—each of whom thought they had a foolproof plan to destroy the Jewish people. They believed they could outsmart history, but they all failed.

Rabbi Berachiah, citing Rabbi Levi, says that these wicked individuals create councils against Israel, each convinced their plan is superior. As we find in the Midrash Tehillim, each villain thought they were smarter than the last. Esau, for example, supposedly criticized Cain for killing Abel before their father could have more children. Pharaoh thought he was being clever by ordering the death of male babies, preventing future generations. Haman, in turn, felt he was outsmarting Pharaoh by plotting total annihilation.

But here's the kicker: all these villains underestimated the power of God, the protector of Israel. As the Midrash points out, they didn't realize that the Jewish people have a "patron in heaven."

The story then shifts to Gog and Magog, the ultimate antagonists in Jewish eschatology – the study of the end times. They believe they will succeed where others failed. Their strategy? To unite with God's power first, and then turn against Israel. They aim to co-opt the divine power they perceive as the source of Israel's strength. "First I unite with my patron, and then I return to Israel."

This is where the Midrash quotes, "On Hashem and His Messiah." (Psalm 2:2). But the Holy One, blessed be He, has a surprise for them. God responds with a powerful declaration: "Gog and Magog, how many troops do I have before me, and how many lightning bolts, thunders, and flames? I will go with you to war!" In other words, God will unleash His full power against them.

The passage then quotes Isaiah 42:13: "Hashem will go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies." God isn't just a passive observer; He's an active warrior, ready to defend His people.

The Midrash concludes with a verse from Zechariah 14:9: "And Hashem shall be king over all the earth." This is the ultimate message of hope: even in the face of overwhelming odds, God's power and sovereignty will prevail.

So, what can we take away from this ancient teaching? Perhaps it's a reminder that those who plot against good ultimately fail because they underestimate the power of something greater than themselves. Perhaps it's an assurance that even in the darkest of times, we are not alone. Perhaps it's a call to recognize the Divine presence in our lives and to trust in the ultimate triumph of justice and peace.