What would it look like? What would it feel like? The ancient sages, wrestling with these questions, painted a vivid picture, one brimming with hope, justice, and a touch of the miraculous.
The Yalkut Shimoni, a compilation of midrashic teachings, gives us one such vision. Specifically, Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 499 offers a powerful depiction of the coming of the Mashiach (Messiah) and the restoration of Israel. It's a passage that's both triumphant and deeply moving.
The text opens with a dramatic scene. The anointed king, the Mashiach, stands on the roof of the Temple, proclaiming the arrival of redemption. "Humble ones!" he cries out, "The time of your redemption has arrived!" He encourages them to believe, pointing to a light that shines upon them, echoing the words of Isaiah: "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has shone upon you" (Isaiah 60:1).
And this light isn't just for Israel. The nations will be drawn to it, walking by its brilliance. Kings will come, licking the dust at the feet of the Mashiach, acknowledging his authority. They will seek to serve Israel, with each Israelite having 1,800 servants, drawing on the prophecy in Zechariah: "In those days, when ten men of all the languages of the nations shall take hold of the skirt of a Jewish man, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you'" (Zechariah 8:23).
But the most poignant part of this vision involves Ephraim, often seen as a representative of the suffering and exiled people of Israel. The "fathers of the world" – the patriarchs – will stand in Nisan, the month of Passover, and address Ephraim. They acknowledge his suffering, the pain he endured for the sake of their children. "Even though we are your fathers, you are better than us," they say, "because you suffered the sins of our children… you were laughed at and mocked by the nations for Israel's sake."
Imagine that: The ancestors themselves recognizing the immense sacrifice made by the generations who endured hardship and persecution.
Ephraim, according to this midrash, sat "in darkness and gloom," his "skin shriveled," his "body… as dry as a tree," his "eyes were dim from fasting." All this, we are told, was "because of the sins of our children." It's a powerful image of collective suffering.
He assures them that his suffering was for their sake, for the sake of their children's future joy. The patriarchs, in turn, comfort him, telling him to "rest your mind, for you have rested the mind of your Maker and our minds."
Rabbi Shimon ben Pazi adds another layer to this remarkable scene. God will lift up the Mashiach to the highest heavens, showering him with glory, as it's written in Remez 1048. God then asks Ephraim to judge the wicked nations, acknowledging that only Ephraim's compassion has prevented their destruction. This draws on Jeremiah 31:20, "Is Ephraim a son who is dear to Me?… I will surely have compassion on him." The double use of "compassion," the midrash explains, refers to both Ephraim's suffering in captivity and his triumph over his enemies.
Ephraim faces immense opposition – not just one or two kingdoms, but one hundred and forty! But God reassures him: "Do not be afraid of them, for all these will die at the breath of your lips," echoing Isaiah 11:4, "and with the breath of his lips he shall put the wicked to death."
Finally, God creates seven canopies for the Mashiach, filled with precious stones and flowing with rivers of wine, milk, honey, and pure persimmon. God embraces him before all the righteous, declaring that Ephraim has not yet received half of his reward, a reward "that no eye has ever seen," invoking Isaiah 64:4, "No eye had ever seen a god besides You." God then commands the north and south winds to bring perfumes from the Garden of Eden to honor Ephraim, quoting Song of Songs 4:16, "Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind; blow upon my garden."
What does it all mean? This midrash isn't just a literal prediction. It's a powerful statement about the nature of suffering, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of good. It suggests that even in the darkest of times, hope remains. That those who suffer for the sake of others will ultimately be vindicated and rewarded beyond measure.
And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that the process of redemption isn't just about political or military victory. It's about healing, reconciliation, and acknowledging the pain of the past. It’s about the Mashiach not just as a king, but as a figure of compassion, who understands and embodies the suffering of his people.