It’s a question that’s occupied thinkers for millennia, and the Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating collection of stories and interpretations from the early Middle Ages, certainly has something to say on the matter.
Specifically, Chapter 30 dives into a prophecy attributed to Rabbi Ishmael concerning the descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham. What does it say? Buckle up.
Rabbi Ishmael foretells three future wars of tribulation waged by the sons of Ishmael. He draws upon the prophet Isaiah (21:15) to illustrate this: "For they fled away from the swords." According to this reading, the word "swords" (cherev in Hebrew) is interpreted as signifying wars. And not just one war, but three distinct conflicts, each with its own unique characteristic.
The first, he says, will be "in the forest of Arabia," referencing the phrase "from the drawn sword" in Isaiah. Imagine the clash of armies amidst the dense foliage, a struggle for dominance in the heart of the desert.
The second war, according to Rabbi Ishmael's interpretation, will occur "on the sea," alluded to by the phrase "from the bent bow." Think naval battles, waves crashing against ships as nations vie for control of the waterways.
But it's the third war that is described as the most grievous of all. This one, he says, will take place "in the great city which is in Rome," and it will be more terrible than the previous two, as it is written, "And from the grievousness of the war."
Now, why Rome? What makes this final conflict so significant? The text doesn't explicitly say, but Rome, throughout much of Jewish history, was often seen as a symbol of worldly power, of empire, and sometimes, of oppression. A war centered there, in this view, carries a particular weight.
Here's where it gets really interesting. It is from the aftermath of this third, most terrible war, that "the Son of David shall flourish." The Messiah. He will witness the destruction wrought by these conflicts, the text says, and then he will emerge, coming to the land of Israel, as it is said in Isaiah (63:1): "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with crimsoned garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save."
Edom, often interpreted as Rome or Christianity in some Jewish traditions, and Bozrah, a city associated with judgment, paint a powerful picture. The Messiah, clothed in triumph, arriving to bring salvation after a period of intense turmoil.
What are we to make of this? Is this a literal prophecy? An allegorical depiction of the struggles between nations and the ultimate triumph of good? A message of hope amidst chaos? The Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, like many ancient texts, offers a lens through which to view the present and contemplate the future, inviting us to consider our place in the unfolding story of humanity.